Answering tricky questions from your kids doesn't get easier no matter how old they are. But we've got some answers to some of the questions your kids are going to start asking about uni.
Updated: 22 Sept 2026
Going away to university can be a pretty scary prospect, and not just for the kids. To help you rest a little easier here are some handy tips to see you both through the harder questions you might have to field if your child is thinking of going to uni.
It's no secret that money could be tight for a lot of students, as the cost of living keeps on rising across he country. Of course, this will vary from household to household, but there are a few responses that apply to everyone, and will hopefully stop your child from worrying too much.
Wherever they decide to go, every university has a student support service. Before the course even starts, they can give your kid advice on what they can receive in financial support, both from the university and local council. You could also both take a look at our student money and budgeting article to get more info on the subject.
NEXT: See our Complete Student Money Guide
What you earn will directly affect the size of maintenance loan they'll receive, so make your you've got that information to hand.
It might sound a bit strange, but the idea of having over £9,000 dropped into their bank account can be a bit anxiety-inducing for some young people. That's likely the largest sum of money they'll be interacting with. Luckily, they won't be interacting with it at all. The tuition fee loan will go straight to the university, so your child will never have to worry about it.
A lot of students have a hard time choosing what they want to study, so doing joint honours is a happy medium which would enable them to study two or more subjects at the time same time.
However, it pays to remind them that whilst it doesn’t mean they have to do twice the workload, they will have to be more flexible with their timetable when it comes to studying and making sure they get to all their lectures.
Alternatively, a lot of universities let students study separate modules without having to commit to a joint honours, which can help with picking what they learn.
NEXT: More info on joint honour degrees
For the most part, first-year students tend to live in university halls, either situated on the campus or further out from the university’s main buildings. Staying there is a great way for them to make friends and meet new people.
However, that's not a rule for all students. Some students will stay with family if they’re nearby, which can be super helpful for saving money.
Other might decide to find private accommodation if they're particularly independent, or living with a partner. This can be much more expensive, so careful budgeting will be very important here.
This is a pretty big question with about a hundred different answers, all with very valid reasons. Remind them that it's ultimately their choice, but that there are some things they should think about while making that choice, like...
How close is the university to home in they want to visit?
Does the university offer exactly the kind of course they want to study?
What is the cost of living like in the area?
Are the facilities at the university what they need?
Does the university offer good career prospects or graduate opportunities?
If you’re stuck with how to respond, don’t worry. We've got a whole section of advice articles about researching universities that can give you and your child ideas on where to start looking.
NEXT: Read our Research and Prep articles
Most universities have a grace period where students can switch courses if the head of departments and lecturers agree to the move, providing there are spaces left on the other course.
It’s not an uncommon occurrence and so they shouldn’t feel as if they’re letting anyone down or dropping out. Encourage them to speak to their course lecturers first though to make sure it’s not just a certain module they’re having difficulty with, rather than the whole subject.
NEXT: What to do if you hate your course at university
They might not be as up front as that about being homesick, but it’s probably going to be on their mind at some point whilst thinking about studying away from home.
Even if they don’t voice their concerns out loud, it helps to know that most universities have counselling services available for students who may need help if things get too much.
If you’re worried about keeping them safe, then contact the universities beforehand, they’ll be able to give you a better idea of what to do just in case, as well as helping you feel not so detached from what they’re up to at uni.
It’s well-known that it’s getting harder for university graduates to obtain solid employment once they leave, and your child might have already thought about giving it a miss all together.
However, it’s good to remind them that universities don’t just offer degrees, but also diplomas, and in some places degree apprenticeships, which can prove very useful in the workplace. So, it pays to contact the universities and workplaces to find out if there are any joint schemes set in place.
It’s also worth remembering university is also about growing up, meeting new people, widening your social circle and having a go at a being an adult. Which is just as important as grades and degrees.
This question may sound like a potential minefield of worry and anxiety for both you and your child, but it doesn’t have to be.
The response and resolve comes to down to being properly prepared, and doing the research with them and their school or college, so they don’t feel as their floating from once educational environment to the next.
The crux of everything in this guide is making sure you do the research. You don’t need to present yourself as overbearing or knowing it all, but these are big decisions for both parties and it will pay off and give you less sleepless nights knowing a little more about what they’re doing and where they’re doing it.
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