Information for parents, carers and supporters

University is a place of independent learning and by the time your student joins us they are usually over 18 and legally an adult. When a student enrols for their course of study, a relationship begins with the student and the university. You will no doubt know that there will be a limit on what the university can share with you about the student you are supporting. We are bound by GDPR Laws and confidentiality. We know this is different from school or college where you may have been able to call up and ask about progress or attendance. We understand that a student with additional learning requirements may still need the support of their family and friends to engage fully in their studies. If you feel that this applies in your case, please raise this with the student you are supporting and ask them to talk to us. We can provide further advice on how we can include you in certain information we can share from Inclusion while they study with us.

We recognise that university is a significant time of change and transition for students and their families. We advocate spending time to help prepare a student to develop independent life skills in a supportive environment, especially if they are moving away from home. They will need to prepare to be organised, which includes strategies to be ready to attend lectures whatever time of day these may be, plan effective use of their study/free time, manage their money, take control of shopping, cooking and other domestic tasks. If appropriate, a student will also be expected to manage their medication.

Further information about our academic support

Young Minds have provided some hints and tips to help you and your student prepare for university.

Young Minds hints and tips

Our recommendation is that as far as possible, students are encouraged to take responsibility for themselves, start to develop self-advocacy, self-management and transferable skills which will support them when they eventually leave university and start on their career pathway.

We know that this doesn’t happen overnight depending on the support requirements of the student, but we do ask you to work with them, especially prior to starting university to help them with steps towards independence.