Parents, Guardians, and Supporters

There are a few essential life skills that can help your young person feel more confident and independent at university:

• Interpersonal Skills: Encourage your young person to interact with others in different environments. Help them learn good communication skills. Encourage them to join clubs and societies.
• Cooking: Teach your young person a few simple, go-to recipes they can cook themselves. Cooking not only gives them essential life skills but can also serve as a great way to meet new people.
• Laundry: Laundry Facilities. Show them the basics of doing laundry. It's an easy skill to teach and saves you from doing their laundry later!
• Healthcare: Student Health. Help them register with a GP and know where to get over-the-counter medicines and prescriptions. Ensure they’ve had vaccinations like MenACWY (meningitis) and MMR, which are usually available through your current doctor.
• Budgeting: Work with them to plan a food and essentials budget. Instead of ordering takeout, encourage them to shop sensibly and prepare meals. The 'Save the Student' website offers useful financial advice for students. 
• First Aid: Teach them basic first aid and pack a small kit with essentials such as plasters, bandages, and painkillers. Make sure they know how to use them properly.
• Communication Plan: Agree on how often and through what medium you’ll stay in touch, whether that’s a weekly phone call or a WhatsApp check-in every few days. Flexibility is key—don’t expect daily contact.

Parental Contributions to Maintenance Costs

To ensure the student gets their full Student Finance entitlement you will be asked to provide evidence of your household income. When you submit your household income to Student Finance, they will assess your financial situation, including your income and any dependents, to calculate the students Maintenance Loan and any grant they may be eligible for. The level of financial contribution you are asked to make is often unclear, but you can contact your Student Funding provider for more information.

Changes in Household Income

If your income has decreased by 15% or more since the previous tax year, Student Finance may reassess the students funding. This could result in additional loan support. To request a reassessment, you'll need to complete a Current Year Income (CYI) Assessment Form.

Additional Financial Support

If your young person encounters financial difficulties while at university, they can reach out to the Advice and Money Team for help and guidance. 

It's normal to worry if your young person hasn't responded to your messages or calls. While there's often a good reason, it's natural to feel concerned. Here are some steps you can take: 

Support available at university: 

There are various resources at the university to help your young person, including: 

• Wellbeing Team 
• Accessibility and Inclusion Team 
• Advice and Money Team

If you have concerns: 

If you are worried about your young persons wellbeing you can submit your concerns through our online 'Report student wellbeing concerns' form. The Wellbeing Team will review any forms and appropriately address the concerns. If you have any issues completing this form, please contact Student Support on 01970 621761.

If you have urgent concerns about the safety of your young person then please call the emergency services on 999. 

Out-of-hours concerns: 

For out-of-hours concerns, call the security team on 01970 622900.