Supporting your child at university

Student support

Waving your son or daughter off as they start university can be tough – for both of you. But don’t worry, there are plenty of ways universities can offer support and guidance during their time here. Here are the main ones…

Count on our support before day one

When your son or daughter confirms their place, their university will send them a Student Support Questionnaire (SSQ). That way, we can start arranging any specialist support and adjustments they may need for when they get here. Find out more about student support at Hull.

Academic support

Your son or daughter will be delving into a subject in more depth than they have before. Plus, using new learning techniques and skills. It may take some getting used to, but they’ll get there. And universities have dedicated teams to support them with their studies from day one.

• Personal academic supervisor: If your child’s university is like ours, they’ll have a personal academic supervisor by their side throughout. They’ll meet them regularly to get advice and feedback on their progress.
• Study skills team: Uni study skills teams offer in-person and online workshops – depending on how your child learns best – on everything from researching and referencing to presenting and digital skills.

Health and wellbeing support

You want your child to thrive, not just to cope. And so do we. Universities like ours have whole teams dedicated to supporting and boosting your child’s health and wellbeing.

Support for additional needs

Is your child neurodivergent? Or have a disability or mental health condition? They’ll get specialist support made just for them to help make the most of living and learning at university.

Learn more about our mental health support and disability and neurodivergence support.

Financial support

Thinking about money? Financial wellbeing advisers at unis do that all day. From budgeting tips to applying for extra funding, they can help your child manage their money wisely. Learn more about financial support at Hull.

Did you know?

Hull has a 24/7 helpline for wellbeing support and counselling. As well as in-person services open 5 days a week, and a round-the-clock online student portal full of expert advice and self-help guides.

Safety and security

Is your child living in an on-campus university room? Universities provide modern, secure accommodation with 24/7 security and round-the-clock support. So, you’ll have the peace of mind to know they’re in safe hands – morning, noon and night.

On-site first aiders

As well as trained first aiders among their staff, universities often have student-led units that offer care and first aid for events. Hull’s LINKS (a unit of St John Ambulance) is on hand at many events at our on-campus nightclub.

Who to contact in an emergeny

Remember to make a note of the university’s emergency contact details. Our 24/7 student support helpline is 0800 028 3766. And our campus security emergency number is 01482 465 555. 

Moving-in day: Dates, tips and need-to-knows

It may seem like a long way off now, but whether they come to Hull or go elsewhere, here’s a bit of advice for how to get them ready for the great send-off.

Move-in day

As a guide, first-year undergraduate students move into their accommodation around mid to late September.

Your child will get an email from their university with move-in dates and how to book their move-in time slot for the big day. Most students move in on the weekend before Welcome Week starts

Welcome Week

Also known as Freshers’ Week, this is a full week of events to welcome your son or daughter onto campus, and help them meet new people, make new friends and settle into university life. See what’s planned at Welcome Week at Hull.

When teaching starts

Teaching starts the week after Welcome Week. When your child enrols – usually around late August to early September – they’ll get access to their teaching timetable for their first semester. They’ll also be invited to academic induction sessions. Here, they’ll get to know their subject and meet their fellow students, personal supervisor and teaching staff.

Parking for commuter students

If your child’s university has on-campus parking, they can apply for a permit. Dates will differ depending on the university, and it’s usually first come, first served. So encourage them to apply as early as they can to secure a parking space. 

After moving-in day: the first few weeks and beyond

One minute you’re carrying their suitcases into their room, the next you’re having a good cry on the way home. Moving-in day is a big deal for both of you – one you’ve been building up to for months. Now it’s over, how are you both going to manage the weeks and months ahead? Read on for answers to the most common worries parents have around this time.

Making friends

Worried about your son or daughter struggling to make friends at university? You’re not alone – it’s one of the biggest concerns we get asked about. Encourage them to explore ways to meet like-minded people, and encourage them to:

Talk to flatmates and course mates – they’ll soon find out they’re not alone

Make time for sleeping, exercising and eating well

Join clubs and societies to meet new people

Keeping in touch

Ask them how they’d like to stay in touch, and how often. Call, text, email or a good old-fashioned letter? There are lots of options, but the trick is not to bombard them – and not to expect too much in return. Things will soon settle down and you’ll get into a rhythm of making contact. And the holidays will be here before you know it.