Helping your child prepare for university

13th August 2024 by Anita Naik

Gaining a place at university is a significant milestone, often requiring careful planning and support. Being ready is about academic readiness and emotional, social, and practical preparation. Here's how to help your child develop the confidence and skills they need to thrive in their new surroundings.

Academic expectations

The academic jump from A-levels to the first year of university is multifaceted and includes academic expectations, new teaching styles, independent study habits, and personal responsibilities. Understanding this can help your child face the significant changes coming into their life.

University courses also require a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of subjects compared to A-levels, with a greater emphasis on critical analysis, synthesis of ideas, and independent thinking. Students are expected to develop their own insights, contribute original ideas, and work independently.

While this is exciting, it can also increase academic pressure, potentially leading to burnout or stress, so your child needs to know how to manage this, find support, and balance their student life.

Teaching styles and workloads

University teaching also varies hugely from Sixth Form education and involves large lectures supplemented by smaller seminars or tutorials, which can be less interactive than A-level classes. There is also a strong emphasis on self-directed learning. Students are expected to manage their own study schedules and seek out additional resources. University professors will also provide less direct guidance compared to A-level teachers, expecting students to take more responsibility for their learning.

This, in turn, creates an increased workload. The volume and complexity of reading and assignments are much higher, which calls for effective time management. Students must balance lectures, self-study, assignments, and possibly part-time work.

Assessment methods, including essays, lab reports, projects, and exams, will also vary, often requiring different skills and preparation strategies compared to A-levels.

Understanding contact hours

Contact hours on University degrees refer to the scheduled time that students spend directly interacting with faculty and instructors. These hours encompass various forms of academic engagement, including lectures, seminars, tutorials, laboratory sessions, and workshops.

Extensive group lecture sessions, in which a professor or lecturer presents course material, are usually held in lecture halls and can include hundreds of students.

Smaller, more interactive classes that allow for discussion and deeper exploration of lecture topics are seminars. These often encourage student participation and may involve group work.

Small group tutorials are focused on a detailed discussion of course material and problem-solving and offer mpersonalisedised academic support.

Laboratory sessions are practical, hands-on sessions for subjects like science and engineering, where students conduct experiments and apply theoretical knowledge in a controlled environment.

Bear in mind that the number of contact hours can vary widely depending on the course of study. In addition to contact hours, students are expected to engage in independent study, complete assignments, read, and prepare for assessments independently.

Tips for managing the transition

1. Consider what your child needs to thrive

This is particularly key when choosing accommodation. If your student wants/needs quiet time to study and be alone, choose the quiet hall preference on your accommodation forms. This will ensure they won't be in noisy halls and are more likely to meet like-minded students.

2. Prepare academically

Encourage your child to do the pre-reading or preparatory courses over the summer to get a head start on subjects.

3. Develop a weekly schedule

Suggest they create a schedule that should include study time, lectures, and personal activities.

4. Ensure they know where to seek support

Take advantage of university resources such as libraries, study groups, and academic and pastoral advisors. Don't hesitate to ask professors, tutors, or classmates for academic help when needed.

Join clubs, societies, or study groups to build a social network and find support.

Maintain communication with family and friends for emotional support.

Student Minds can help with academic pressure, money worries and loneliness. They understand that it's easy for students to feel overwhelmed at university and can offer support and resources for students and parents.