Results day can be a whirlwind - especially in 2020.
Worrying about exam scores, getting competitive with your friends and stressing about university offers.
And that’s just for the parents.
For many mums and dads, A-level results day is an emotional time. You’re proud of your offspring, and you probably can’t quite believe they’re old enough to have finished school already.
For some, results day means facing up to the prospect of an empty nest as children prepare to head to university.
We spoke to experts at the University of Sunderland in 2018, who gave us their top tips for parents as their little ones prepare to strike out on their own.
Check their life skills
It could be they need some cooking lessons before they head off, just so they know how to prepare the basics.
There’s a lot of cook books specifically aimed at students and cooking on a budget, so why not invest in one of these as a going away gift?
It’s important to remember that in self-catered accommodation, friendships are often formed in the shared kitchen areas.
Maybe even a basic guide to washing and drying clothes will be helpful too.
Talk about money
Double check all insurance documents and make sure you have enough cover – not all household insurance policies cover possessions.
Also, don’t forget the TV licence – it’s a must.
Try to encourage them to budget as best as possible and make them aware just how costly university life can be.
If they have not applied for a loan and need to, make sure they do so immediately.
Remember, having a large sum of money put into your bank account can be a risk if your child is not used to budgeting. Be aware of the need to keep finances in order – and avoid them blowing their loans on nights out and expensive TVs.
Loans are based on nine not 12 months’ minimum living expenses, so recommend they get part-time work.
And you’d better have THAT talk too
Yes, it might be a bit awkward, but university is a place where students are often care-free and independent, going on to form important relationships.
Pregnancy or STIs are many parents’ biggest fear when sending their teen away, so you both need to be clued up on the facts and the best contraceptives to make sure everyone stays safe.
They’ve gone – so what happens now?
Don’t worry if you’re feeling a bit emotional, it’s completely normal. They’re bound to be having a few nerves too.
At Sunderland, there is plenty of help available at its wellbeing services department, from advice to support to counselling. Other universities are likely to offer similar services.
It could be that you are finding the transition harder than they are.
Remember, this is a new start for you too – but they will be back visiting before you know it.
They will soon be back in their bedrooms, leaving clothes everywhere and driving you crazy.
Keep in touch
It doesn’t matter how short the phone calls, texts or emails are – just keep them coming.
Of course, there’s another section of parents to consider: those who are planning to keep on offering bed and board to their offspring while they study.
The Sunderland team warn you shouldn’t just expect nothing to change. It will.
Here’s some tips to avoid Fresher fury:
1) They are adults – so give them some space.
2) Brace yourself – there may be nights where they don’t come home (see point 1)
3) Probably best to set down some agreed rules, so you’re not worrying and they don’t feel like schoolchildren.
