Transition to Higher Education

Information for Parents

Going to university is a significant change for a student as well as those who have supported them to get to this point. It's important that these valuable relationships continue throughout the student’s university journey as a means of providing advice, guidance and support

The purpose of this page is to provide access to parents to some available resources to help with the transition of your child to university. Many of these resources are available to students via the Felsted Google Classroom.

Hints and Tips for Parents:

The transition to university can present several challenges for students – adjusting to independent living, academics, and a new social life – all without the comfort of close friends and relatives. But over time, students find the initial difficulties they faced seem less daunting, especially if they know family and friends at home are on hand, understand the situation and are supportive.

  • Stay in contact. Agree with each other how you will maintain contact. It might even be useful to set a specific time each week when you will touch base with one another. This can be via a phone call, text, or an email but importantly, the regularity of the communication will reduce uncertainty and provide a reassurance that everyone is alright.
     
  • Be your child's trusted adviser. Fully support them, but get out of the way. Going to university is a huge transition in anyone’s life, so you need to recognise that your relationship will change and develop during this time. Students aren't just managing their studies, but also a range of new places, events and people. As they navigate this, they need the freedom to explore, but as we all know from our own youth, exploring can sometimes mean making mistakes. While mistakes are a natural part of personal developmental and growth, it's also a moment where trusted advice is invaluable and essential. Be aware of where the support services are at the university your child attends, so that you can contact them if needed, but bear in mind that as your son/ daughter is over the age of 18, the university do not have to disclose anything to you.
     
  • Be kind to yourself. This change in your relationship can often lead to feelings of anxiety and concern. While a student is growing and developing in a new environment with new experiences, your everyday life may feel different too. This could leave you with a feeling of loss. It is important to acknowledge these feelings, talk with people you trust and with people who may be in the same situation. Understanding the academic year might be useful, so sign up for the parents and supporters newsletter below.
     
  • Talk and ask about potentially uncomfortable things. Alcohol and drugs, relationships, mental health. Remind them that there are resources on campus for just about everything, and encourage the use of them.

Continuing support from Felsted

Many of our students continue to interact with the school via the Felsted Network and OF society, and we welcome many back to contribute to Careers Seminars, the Futures Conference and other events. Similarly, each year a number of students decide to change their plans, and we are happy to meet with them to support their choices, including help with a later university application.