Advice from my mumma and I; for parents and new students

This article was written by Creative Events Management BA(Hons) student Laurenjade.

Seeing your child off to University is a very daunting experience, it’s a step towards a new way of life, a change in the everyday and a new beginning for both you and your young person. But it's also a pivotal moment in personal growth and education for the soon-to-be university student: a chance to learn to cook, clean and wash their clothes and to make mistakes without being alone in this process.

It's exciting, empowering and healthy for the student, but for those at home, how do you deal with this adjustment?

Who better to ask than my Mumma – parent to two, who have been through the University process and what was her advice? “Don’t be afraid to be involved in the university journey, embrace it as much as possible – this is the next stage in development for our children.”

I am the first person to go to university in my family, so it was a step into something new that neither of us – parent nor young person – had been through before. We are grateful that it was a mostly smooth transition for both of us and we want to share our tips and tricks for reassuring you and your soon-to-be University student too!

Firstly, come and see Falmouth together!

Checking out Falmouth at an Open Day with my Mumma supported a growth in confidence for both of us. We were able to get to know the campus together, seeing the key places I would be based in, as well as the support and friendliness of the staff first hand. It was a huge reassurance for my Mumma; I often call her up on campus and she can picture where I am (whether that be enjoying a hot drink in the Multifaith Chaplaincy or studying in the library) or which staff I have just had meetings and lectures with.

Whilst we were down in Falmouth, we took the opportunity to check out accommodation, the town, and where I would be spending most of my downtime – the beach. Visiting the supermarkets nearby, the community services like the doctors and wellbeing hub on campus and the public transport, reassured us that I would be capable of looking after myself through my uni years and that the general requirements were there; from both of our perspectives, this helps to give an all-round understanding of what uni life may entail.

Of course, in typical parent fashion, there is still the, ‘have you got enough food?’', ‘Do you think you should talk to the support services?’ and ‘Let me know you get home safely,’ but with a calming recognition that Falmouth has a good support system in & around the university and community. Exploring Falmouth and Penryn can all be done on public transport in a day and is certainly a positive and special chance to celebrate the hard work your young person has put in and the support you have given them to get there.

Making up that uni family

Not having friends or family close by for those difficult points may be a huge worry for you, but Falmouth University is proud to host a number of societies, events, wellbeing services and activities sustainable for your young person to get involved in. ResLife offers low-cost trips in and around Cornwall, where students can make friends and explore more of the county, as well as accommodation visits to have a chat, grab a free snack and have a general check in.

Welcome Week includes a range of events & activities and there are plenty of free society try-outs to get involved in throughout the year. For me, this is the way I made long-lasting friendships and found hobbies to enjoy throughout my university life, once again easing that first-year homesickness and bringing comfort to my parents that I was doing okay. It's needless to say that there is plenty for Falmouth students to do - from campfires on the beach, to Dungeons and Dragons, to Crochet Clubs - so whatever your young person is into, they will find their people in one of the many societies, clubs, town venues and events.