8min read
Anti bullying week 2024
This week marks the start of anti bullying week and we have lots of resources and helpful bullying advice to help you take a stand against bullying.
This week marks the start of anti bullying week and we have lots of resources and helpful bullying advice to help you take a stand against bullying.
8min read
There is a lot for your child to think about when your child leaves home for the first time - from feeding themselves and managing their money to getting to know a new town and making friends. We understand that, while this can be a difficult time for you, you'll want to help as much as possible to get them ready for life away from home. One thing you can help with is making sure your teen has a safe and comfortable place to stay. Here are some simple tips for making sure their term-time abode is safe and comfortable:
Being at university or college can be one of the most exciting and challenging times of life. It often marks the first time children move away from home, so it's important to make sure accommodation is safe, of good quality and caters for their needs. Many first year students choose university-managed housing and the Student Accommodation Code has been developed to make sure this accommodation is of a good standard.
The code protects students' rights to safe, good quality accommodation, wherever they are studying, and makes sure they get the best out of their time living in university or college residences. It outlines everything students can expect from their accommodation as well as their responsibilities as tenants. Many university accommodation buildings are signed up to the code. This has already raised standards of accommodation and aims to continue to enrich the residential experience for students across England and Wales.
The code covers six main areas, designed to protect students' rights to:
There are a few handy items that your child may not have thought about, which you can get hold off as they prepare to move away.
Once you've seen your child safely settled in their new accommodation, you might find your home feels a little empty. For a bit of help making the transition, check out the tips below:
Chances are you child will take to their new life like a duck to water, but if they aren’t having the time they hoped they would, or if they are experiencing some problems, help is at hand. Here are some useful resources you can call upon.
If there's a problem with their accommodation, The Student Accommodation Code can help. The SAC website has a full list of the buildings covered, and can help with any accommodation-related issue, from a broken boiler to noisy neighbours.
For financial advice, the Citizens' Advice Bureau can offer general help on money and benefits. The website is full of helpful advice and also contains a list of local CAB offices for face-to-face appointments.
Getting ill in the first few weeks of university is not uncommon, but if you are seriously concerned about your son or daughter's health, NHS Choices is a comprehensive site with answers to medical queries, which can also signpost to nearby doctors.
If you are worried that your son or daughter has a problem with addiction, whether you fear that they are drinking too much, taking drugs or gambling, Adfam can provide support and advice, and Frank has comprehensive information on different kinds of drugs.
If you are worried that your child is not making the adjustment to university life and are concerned that they may be suffering from depression, Young Minds can provide advice and support.
The following websites might be helpful as they prepare to leave.
NUS: The one stop student information shop
Gov.uk: Everything they need to know about loans, budgeting and student finance
Money Saving Expert: Top tips on how to make the loan go further and the best student bank accounts available
The Student Accommodation Code protects students' rights to good accommodation. Find out what should be expected from student accommodation and see which halls are covered
Student Jobs: A full directory of part time jobs and internships in their new city
Student Recipes: Over 3,700 quick and easy recipes for students by students
The Student Accommodation Code of Practice
It may help to chat to other parents on our forums to find out how they are dealing with this issue within their family life. You can also talk to us online via our live chat service, email us at askus@familylives.org.uk or call us on our helpline on 0808 800 2222 to speak to trained family support worker.
Watch our video to help your teen prepare to live away from home
This page was updated on October 2021
This article has been written with the support of The Student Accommodation Code.