Getting ready for university

The Student Accommodation Code

The Student Accommodation 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: 

• A safe, healthy environment - this section covers students' rights to information on essential fire safety precautions; accommodation security; and details on what furniture and facilities should be provided for them
• Timely repairs and maintenance - this section explains what repair and maintenance the responsibility of the university or college and what timescales they should work to when carrying out emergency or planned maintenance work
• A clean, pleasant living environment - this section outlines the services and utilities students can expect in their accommodation, including standard utilities such as heating and lighting, but also services and facilities such as rubbish and recycling collection and bicycle and car parking
• A formal, contractual relationship with the university or college landlord - this section details the information students can legally request from their landlords including rent payment schedules, cleaning schedules, and details on how to report a problem
• Access to health and wellbeing services - this section outlines the requirements for universities to provide information on where students can find welfare support, medical help, financial advice and counselling services
• A living environment free from anti-social behaviour - this section covers measures that universities and colleges should take to help ensure that their residences are happy and respectful environments

Helpful things to take to university

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. There are many essential items for uni checklists online which includes things like kitchen equipment, duvets, mattress protectors, toppers, hanger, etc. Many parents also find social media groups for parents who children are going to university helpful for peer-to-peer tips and advice.

• Bring a door wedge – so they can keep their door open and welcome in their new neighbours and future friends. 
• If they are in self-catered accommodation, you could cook a some and do a food shop on the day they are moving in.  If they are in catered accommodation, they’ll still appreciate a stash of snacks, so stock up on some of the goodies they like to eat. 
• Mattresses in uni accommodation can be challenging so get a topper, protector and a couple of duvet sets and sheets so they can be more comfortable.
• Check out the laundry facilities as many of them are apps now which students top up and use.
• The web address for the Student Accommodation Code which protects students' rights to safe, good quality accommodation. This can help if there is a problem with their accommodation when they turn up at their halls, or later down the line. 
• Tissues -it’s always helpful to have a few tissues. You may even want to keep a packet for yourself, just in case there is a tearful goodbye - but try and save your tears until after you’ve said goodbye if you can!

Dealing with empty nest syndrome

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:

• Find a new interest. Having invested so much in your teen you may find yourself with some free time on your hands. Perhaps there's something you've always wanted to try, like volunteering for a local charity, or even going back to university yourself and starting a new business venture. 
• Get to know your partner again. Some parents find that without their children at home they need to re-build their relationship with their partner.
• Keep in touch. You can still to be close to your child even after they have left home. You should try to maintain regular contact through visits, phone calls, emails and text, but also realise that you need to get the balance right so that they don’t feel smothered by too much contact. 
• Don't do it alone. Remember there are hundreds of thousands of parents in the same position as you are now. Talk to the people around you - your friends and partner - who know what you're going through. If you’re finding it hard to shake the blues, you can visit your GP to talk about how you’re feeling and get some additional support. 
• Pat yourself on the back. It’s no easy task raising a child, and you should congratulate yourself on your excellent work so far. 

If things don't go to plan

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 child is not making the adjustment to university life and are concerned about their mental health, encourage them to reach out to student services as most universities will have wellbeing support. If you need to go and visit them, try to do so and they may also feel the need to come back home to touch base.

If they do feel that they are not able to make the adjustment to uni life or they are not enjoying the course, they may be considering leaving the course. There are steps they may need to take and the first port of call would be student services for advice and help.

Other organisations that can help

The one stop student information shop for the National Union of Students.

Everything they need to know about loans, budgeting and student finance.

Money Saving Expert has 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 has a directory of part time jobs and internships in their new city.