Help them have an amazing journey at university

For many parents and guardians, their loved one starting university comes with a mix of pride, anxiety, and questions about how best to support, without taking away their independence. Here’s a guide on how you can help your child thrive at Leicester.

1. Help them find their footing - Then step back

During the first few weeks, it's totally natural for students to feel overwhelmed by new routines, flatmates, and life away from home. You can:

• Listen openly to their worries about flatmates, halls, or missing home.
• Encourage involvement in campus clubs, societies, and sports (without insisting).

They’ll soon find their crowd and become more confident navigating university life on their own.Facebook

2. Support with practical stuff - But let them own it

From rent to laundry, it’s tempting to swoop in. Instead:

• Help set them up with a budget, bank account, and essential info (like how to report a maintenance issue or where receipts matter).
• Suggest they track daily expenses and step aside so they learn to manage finances independently.

There are tonnes of resources on Residence Life and the main uni website that can help them grow their vital life skills.

3. Encourage the right balance - Don't discourage only one side of the experience

Uni isn’t just about hitting the books. The social side is just as important. You can:

• Ask how they’re balancing studies with social life.
• Prompt them to use campus resources if they are struggling (such as wellbeing services or peer mentoring).
• Encourage moderation and checking in if they’re struggling with stress or homesickness.

4. Be a safe space - Without hovering

It’s okay to check in, but avoid micromanaging. Let them:

• Make plans, choose modules, or handle small conflicts.
• Know you're here if they need someone to talk to, without judgment or pressure.

This strikes the balance between support and independence, which is essential for building resilience.

5. Know our support services - Make them visible 

The Uni of Leicester offers:

• 24/7 security and welfare services.
• Academic support and personal tutors.
• Wellbeing resources (counselling, peer groups, mental health check-ins)
• Accommodation assistance and maintenance logs.
  

Encourage your child to bookmark key pages on Resdience Life, save contacts, or download apps so they can reach out when needed.

6. Foster communication - Normalise mistakes

Let them know that messing up is part of the process. You shouldnt always be the one to swoop in and save the day. Sometimes they will learn more if they are allowed to save themselves:

• Encourage honesty. Whether that's about low grades, missing home, or time management struggles.
• Avoid jumping to fix everything. Let them problem-solve first, then offer guidance.
• Celebrate their wins, no matter how small. New friends, good lectures, volunteering success - wins like these will help them build confidence.

FAQs

Bottom line

Your role is to be their cheerleader, guide, and safety net, while allowing them to be in control of their journey. By giving practical support early on, encouraging independence, and staying emotionally available, you’re setting them up for success at Leicester and beyond.