Share with Endsleigh Insurance your tips, experiences and thoughts about sending DCs off to uni - £300 voucher to be won! NOW CLOSED

[EmmaMumsnet]

Going to university from home is a rite of passage that many young people go through. However, the practicality and emotion attached to DCs ‘leaving the nest’ can create scary and unexpected experiences for both parents and children; from the difficulty of fitting everything into the car (yes, bean bags and fairy light are essential!), to ‘empty nest syndrome’, and keeping in touch (whether that’s through occasional texts from DC to inform you they are still alive or via skype).

It can also be a very liberating experience for both parents and young people, especially after the stress of A Levels and concerns about getting a place.

Here’s what Endsleigh have to say: “We’re proud to remain the only insurance provider recommended by the NUS. Our range of policies insures what's important to students, from gadgets and contents to bikes and musical instruments, starting at university and into your professional life - hopefully taking away that particular concern. We'd love to hear how parents help their young people make this significant step"

Endsleigh Insurance, who specialise in insurance for students, want to hear your stories of dropping your DCs off at uni and your tips for how to not only survive but make the best of it. Whether your DC is already at university or is set to leave the nest this September, share your thoughts, concerns and top tips. Did your DCs ask you any amusing questions about living independently? What unexpected perks have you found from your DC moving out? How well do they or do you think they deal with cooking and washing for themselves? What was on the essential packing list? How did you deal with the emotion and how long did it take for you to stop laying the extra plate at the dinner table?

Please tell us about your experiences and tips you have for others below and you will be entered into a prize draw where one MNer will win a £300 voucher from a store of their choice (from a list).

Thanks & good luck!

MNHQ

Standard T&Cs apply

[annarack99]

Don't make them feel bad if they want to go somewhere that wouldn't be your ideal choice, by supporting them they may well look at all options again anyway

[stewaris]

Try and persuade them to stay at home as it's not such a drain on family finances and they have a better chance of leaving with no debts. That didn't work for mine although I did persuade him to go into halls for the first year and get to know people rather than jump into flat sharing, Not sure if it as the right thing but he did fall in with a great group and they now flat share and support each other.

[Andbabymakesthree]

Teach them to budget. Teach them to cook. Teach them how to say no and also when to seek help. Visit and look at transport links and costs.

I've helped care leavers transition into independent living. Those things are basic and key to smooth transition.

[mo3733]

Encourage them to be independent financially and steer them to have a part time job

[windowmouse]

Save, save and save and then keep occupied when they leave.

[beckyinman]

Make sure they are equipped with 4 or 5 simple recipes - it's a great ice breaker to be able to cook dinner for people, plus you know they will be eating something sensible very now and again

[Cupcakemumma11]

I'd always encourage looking at a selection of Uni's, including ones nearer home, lets face it it'll be pretty good having parents near by, mine were miles away i missed them loads and sometimes you just need some help, especially when finding it hard to make friends and use facilities like i did.
Keeping their options open is a good encouragement, looking around maybe more than once before final decisions to really get a feel of the campus not just the learning opportunities.

[juju3]

Give them some good sensible money advice to help them make the transition

[cookie09]

Try to make it sound fun. Don’t put too much pressure on your child, and remind them that their grades are for them and not for you, no matter how you may feel inside. Encourage them to broaden their horizons as much as possible, there is a big wide world out there and as much as it would break my heart not to see my child as often as i do, they need to spread their wings to find out who they really are.

[angiehoggett]

Plan well in advance and put money aside, even if you children decide it's not the right choice for them the money will help to fund their future

[ann28]

It's a great learning experience and teaches them to be independent. I'm all for them moving away!!

[chrisfc99]

If it's the first time fending for themselves, buy a good, basic cookbook. Also, a supply of herbs and spices. Bake a cake just before you go, then let them make a great impression on flatmates, hall mates, etc by inviting other 1st years round for cake just after you leave. When dropping them off don't hang around too long, but make sure that DC knows how to get hold of you if they really need you in the next 24 hours (stay somewhere near, but out of town for reassurance for both of you).

[GruffaloPants]

In Scotland it's quite common to stay home when at university. I have to admit that I'm hoping DD will,stay close of she goes to uni! Though I'm not averse to her learning to cook.

[sootyo]

Prepare an emergency box with pain relief, flu relief, pain killers, plasters, throat lozengers, personal hygiene products,blister plasters, back up supply of any prescribed, medications, toilet roll, tissues,vitamins, chocolate, tea bags /coffee , postage stamps, packet of favourite biscuits, box of soup to make in a cup, some money etc

[EmmaMumsnet]

Congratulations to Cailin7 whose name was pulled out of the hat to win the £300 voucher!

[ha2el]

An emotional time for parents and an exciting and apprehensive time for the young ones! It's important to show support by being there for them when they need you and to offer help and guidance throughout, but maintain a little distance unless it is obvious that they do need you.

[jt75]

Let them decide if they want to go and don't push them if they don't. it's not for everyone.

[saurus22]

Don't constantly worry if they don't text you back the moment you text them! I used to worry myself sick that my son had fallen under a bus etc etc if he didn't text immediately. Usually his phone wasn't charged or he was too busy having fun! Now he will be entering his 3 rd year in Sept and I have chilled out!