Disclosure - This is a collaborative post
I can still remember the moment our eldest was preparing to start university for the very first time. It was such a mix of emotions excitement, nerves, pride and if I’m honest, a little bit of worry too. As a parent, you want nothing more than to see your child spread their wings, but at the same time you can’t help but wonder if they’ll be okay living away from home, managing their own schedule, and navigating all the responsibilities that come with this new chapter.
Looking back, I realised just how much preparation goes into getting ready for university. It’s not just about packing a suitcase and driving them to their new accommodation. It’s about helping them feel confident, organised, and ready to take on the challenges ahead. When our son started, we wanted to give him as much guidance as possible, while also making sure he had the practical things he needed to settle in smoothly.
Whether you’re sending your eldest off to uni like we did, or you’ve been through it before with another child, the feelings as a parent are always the same, you want to do everything you can to make their transition into university life a positive one.
Practical starting university tips for both students and parents can really help. From packing lists to settling in, here’s how to make the process a little smoother for everyone.
The Emotional Side of Sending Your Child to University
Before we dive into the practical tips, let’s talk about the emotional side. Saying goodbye on move-in day was one of the hardest things we’ve done as parents. I am an emotional person so you can imagine how hard I found it. You spend 18 years looking after them, making sure they’ve got everything they need, and suddenly you’re driving away and leaving them to figure it all out for themselves.
It’s perfectly natural to feel emotional, but what helped us was reminding ourselves that this was exactly what we’d been preparing him for. We wanted him to experience independence, growth, and new experiences. We also reassured him (and ourselves) that we were only ever a phone call away.
My biggest piece of advice? Allow yourself to feel those emotions, but don’t let them overshadow the excitement. This is the start of something wonderful for your child.
Creating a Practical University Packing List
Once the emotions settle, the practical planning begins. I’ll admit, I underestimated just how much thought goes into packing for university. Students need more than just clothes and toiletries – they’re essentially setting up a mini home from scratch.
Here are some of the must-have uni essentials we found invaluable -
Student-Friendly Tech
Teenagers can't live without their phone but once they hit university they will soon realise that the only item they can't really live without is a laptop. A reliable laptop is absolutely essential. We did a lot of research into the best laptop for students before choosing one for our son. It needed to handle coursework, online lectures, video calls, and of course a bit of Netflix downtime. A good laptop isn’t just a luxury, it’s the backbone of university life.
I would also recommend an extension cable as we found the plug sockets where not well positioned in the accommodation so the extension lead helped.
Kitchen Must Haves
Most student accommodations have shared kitchens, but students usually need their own basics. One of the best buys we made was a Kettle & Toaster set. It might sound simple, but having a kettle for cups of tea and a toaster for quick breakfasts or late-night snacks makes such a difference. Let’s be honest, they’ll probably live on pasta and toast for the first term, which is exactly why a reliable toaster is worth its weight in gold!
Our eldest took his own plates, bowls, cutlery, cooking utensils, a frying pan, and a saucepan as basics. A tin opener and bottle opener are also essential.
A student doesn’t need a full kitchen, but they will appreciate having enough to cook simple meals.
Bedding and Towels
A pillow and duvet are essential but don’t forget to pack extra covers and sheets. Washing machines are often in communal laundry rooms and cost money, so having spares means they’re not doing laundry every other day. A mattress topper can help make the bed a little more comfortable.
Bathroom and Toiletries
As well as the usual toiletries list they will need to pack at least 2 bath sheets / towels and 2 hand towels. A laundry basket or bag will come in handy and saves them throwing everything in the corner of their room. A first aid kit is also ideal.
Personal Items
University accommodation can feel a little plain, so things like photos, fairy lights, or a cosy blanket help them make the space their own.
Shop Smart - Very.co.uk Has You Covered
When we were preparing, I quickly realised that buying all these essentials from different places could get stressful. That’s why I love how Very.co.uk makes back-to-uni shopping so much easier.
They have everything in one place from campus-ready style to study essentials. Whether you’re looking for the best laptop for students, affordable home musts like a Kettle & Toaster set, or even bedding and storage solutions, Very.co.uk really does have it covered. It’s student life made simpler, and it takes a lot of stress off parents who are already juggling a long list of things to think about.
Helping Them Settle In
Packing is just one side of the story. Once you’ve moved your child into their new accommodation, the next step is making sure they settle in. This was the hardest for us as parents but we got through it and so will you.
Here are some tips we found helpful -
Stay Long Enough, But Not Too Long
On move-in day, it’s tempting to hang around for hours helping them unpack, but giving them space is important. We helped our son get his room set up, stocked his cupboards with a few basics, and then left him to it. It gave him a chance to start bonding with his flatmates.
Encourage Socialising
Luckily our eldest is very sociable and has never had a problem making new friends so he was looking forward to the social side of uni. Freshers’ Week can feel overwhelming, but it’s such an important time for making friends. Encourage your child to say yes to things whether it’s a flatmate’s invite to the student union or joining a club / society they’re curious about. Remember some of the best friendships are made over a 2am pizza run or a group outing to the local supermarket to stock up on noodles. It’s all part of the student experience!
Reassure Them About Homesickness
Both our boys are home-birds, always have been so this was something we worried most. Almost every student will feel homesick at some point, and that’s okay. Remind them that it’s normal and that it usually passes once they get into a routine.
Communication as a Parent
I think it's quite obvious that we are a very close family so one of the hardest adjustments for me was not knowing what my son was up to every day. Suddenly, he wasn’t coming home for tea or sitting in the living room chatting about his day.
The balance we found was checking in regularly but not overwhelming him. A quick text every couple of days, a phone call on a Sunday, it was enough to stay connected without making him feel smothered.
Making the Transition Smoother for Everyone
Starting university is a milestone not just for students, but for parents too. It’s a mixture of pride, excitement, and nerves, but with a little preparation the transition can be much smoother.
For students, having the right essentials makes day-to-day life so much easier. For parents, knowing they’re prepared gives peace of mind.
And with retailers like Very.co.uk making it simple to shop for everything in one place, you can focus less on the stress and more on the excitement of this new chapter.
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Michelle
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Thanks for your comments. I love reading them :)