Save The Student!
Teatime
If you've just packed your child off to college for the first time, how can you make
sure they're looking after themselves? We have some cunning tricks for concerned parents...
Keeping it clean
A student room needn't be the filthy cliché. Your kids may complain bitterly about helping with chores at home, but it's important to practice the basics before being let loose on their own room at college. Similarly, if they haven't already got a working knowledge of your washing machine and drier give them a crash course with tips like removing coins and tissues from pockets and separating colours.
Safe And Sound
Student rooms are extremely attractive to thieves with their iPods, laptops, TVs etc. Check if the belongings they take to college are either included on your home insurance - if not, take out separate insurance cover. Stress the importance of locking up when they go out and keeping valuables out of sight. Simple safety rules should become second nature: don't dry clothes in front of gas fires, don't leave candles and joss sticks burning unattended.
Money Matters
Most students will never have done much shopping for groceries before they start university. On a limited budget, students need to know how to shop for bargains. Comparing prices, finding special offers, getting value packs and end of the day discounts, all make a substantial saving on the week's food bill.
Food For Thought
A student who arrives at university without being able to boil an egg, won't get very far. Anyone can learn to make simple standby dishes like vegetable chilli or pizza, so show them how. After all, compared with A Level maths, it's easy. Train up your prospective student by letting them prepare a family meal once a week.
