Advice for parents and carers

As the parent or carer of someone thinking of applying to university, it is very likely that you will have your own questions about how the process works. We've laid out some practical information below that will help you support your child to make informed decisions about their future.

Five reasons your child should consider university

To study something they enjoy and learn more about a subject they’re passionate about
To pursue a specific profession that requires a degree-level qualification
To enhance their employment prospects and earning potential
To develop new skills, knowledge and interests
To meet people from different countries and backgrounds

male and female graduates in gowns and hats walking — Hear from parents of University of Birmingham graduates

Supporting decisions at school and sixth form/college

When your child begins secondary school, university might seem a long way in the future – but making the right choices in earlier years can improve options for further education and employment.

In Years 8 and 9, students usually choose what they want to study at GCSE and this can affect their options for study post-16. Whilst core subjects (typically English, Maths and Science) are compulsory, students are able to choose the additional subjects they would like to continue to study. At this age, students usually pick the subjects they enjoy most; however, as a parent, you can help your child think this decision through carefully to ensure they are not limited later down the line. For example, if they want to go on to study science at a higher level and have the opportunity to take three separate science GCSEs (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) then this may be a good choice. Your child’s GCSE subjects and results will influence their A level choices which in turn will affect their options for higher education. Even if they decide not to study at university straight after school, a good set of GCSE qualifications can open doors elsewhere and enhance their career prospects.
Performance in GCSE exams can affect future options for study at university. For example, many medical courses will expect students to have very good grades (7/8) in English, Maths and Science. For some degrees, including Business and Psychology, a grade 7 in maths is often required. So students need to be reminded that GCSEs really matter!

In Years 10 and 11, students will also be deciding which subjects they’d like to study at sixth form/college. The decisions they make here may impact what they are able to study at university. Generally, university requirements are three A level qualifications but this may vary depending on the course and the university. BTECs, International Baccalaureate (IB) and vocational qualifications are just a few of the alternative qualifications that can be accepted. If your child is interested in attending a university like the University of Birmingham, then the Informed Choices website may help them with deciding on their sixth form choices.

If you are based in the West Midlands, your child may be eligible to attend events, courses and summer programmes hosted by the University of Birmingham. These experiences, such as the well-established Your Future Your Choice Year 10 Summer Residential, are available free of charge and will introduce students to the world of higher education, help them decide on the best route for their future and provide additional support in reaching their academic goals.
In Year 12, most students will take end-of-year exams. The results of these exams will be used by schools and colleges to predict the grades they think the student will achieve at the end of Year 13. Universities will use these predicted grades when deciding whether or not to make an offer of a place. These exams are important for your child's future progression, so encourage them to work hard and do as well as possible.

Towards the end of Year 12, schools and colleges will begin to prepare students for their applications to university. There will be plenty of opportunities for your child to hear from university staff at UCAS events, careers fairs and university visits. Universities host open days for prospective applicants to learn more about the course, the university and student life. At most open days, there are talks specifically for parents and carers so that you can find out more about the process, how to apply and the financial support available to your child.

When deciding which university is right for your child, you should encourage them to do independent research. Whilst the course name might be the same, the content and structure of the courses will vary considerably between universities. Online university course pages offer lots of information that will help with this decision, such as details about the course content, assessment types and graduate employability prospects.

If your child does apply to university they will start to receive offers and once they've heard back from all their choices, they’ll need to reply with a decision by a set deadline. Before they make those all-important decisions, here are some things to consider:

Do they understand the conditions of their offer? If they’re not sure, check with the university.

If they haven’t already, visit the university – it’s important they choose somewhere they’ll be happy.

Discuss any individual needs with the university – for example, if they have a disability. That way, everything they need will be in place for when they start.

Check the tuition fees – they can vary, so double-check before accepting any offers.

Take time to consider and compare offers – it’s important they make the right decision for them, and have weighed up their options carefully

I didn’t go to university – the opportunity never arose for me. But when Hayley said she wanted to go, we supported her all the way. She’s inspired her brother and he’s applying to universities for next year. Other parents might be concerned, like I was, but I would say you should follow your child’s instinct. They know where they want to go in life and what they want to achieve and they will get there with your 100% support. I’m just so proud of her
Mother of Hayley Vernon-Freeth, Business Management graduate

Preparing for student life

Accommodation

Your child may decide they want to move into university accommodation. If this is the case, they should spend some time thinking about what type of accommodation they are looking for. The cost of accommodation will vary depending on the student’s preferences and budget. At Birmingham, we understand that for most students, university accommodation will be their first time living independently, therefore we offer a fantastic variety of living arrangements, all of which provide a safe, secure and sociable start to university.

Budgeting

You could help your child to create a budget plan for them to work to whilst at university. They can learn to identify their termly income and expenditure (e.g., food, travel, socialising) and, from this, work out a weekly allowance.

If students are looking for part-time work to support their lifestyle, they should be able to find work either at the university or in the local area. At the University of Birmingham, we offer on-campus work for students throughout the year. Undergraduate students are able to work up to 15 hours per week. Hours are flexible and students can accept or decline work to fit around their studies.

Commuting

The easiest way is by train. Birmingham is the only University in mainland UK to have its own railway station on campus, known as University Station. The journey takes around 7-10 minutes from Birmingham New Street and up to six trains an hour depart for the University on the cross-city line (final destination Bromsgrove or Redditch). Several bus services travel to the University’s main Edgbaston campus.

Laundry

Knowing how to wash and iron clothes is a necessity if students are looking to move away for university. Teaching your child the basics, such as reading clothing labels and knowing the proper amount of detergent to add, will support them in becoming more self-sufficient, confident and independent.

Meal planning

Your child should understand the importance of a balanced diet. Over the summer before university, you could practise some student-friendly recipes together that do not require a lot of ingredients or equipment. This will give you peace of mind that your child is eating well if they decide to move away.

Support at university

Universities will offer a range of support services to ensure that students are well supported in all aspects of their university life. You can find out more about how we support students from finance to well-being advice.

Five reasons your child should consider university