10 practical ways you can help your child before they move to the UK

If your child is preparing to start university in the UK, you may be wondering how to support them through this transition.  

Whether you’re navigating the final steps of preparation, or just starting to think about what to expect, here are 10 practical ways you can support your child - and look after yourself, too.

Leaving home to study in another country is a big step. And for many parents, it’s a mix of pride, excitement - and a little bit of worry. You might also be feeling the weight of what it means to let go, and the impact on your own life living in a different country from your child. So, what can you do to help them - and help yourself too?  

Contents:

1. Understand the student visa process 
2. Help them prepare for the journey 
3. Plan their financial setup 
4. Knowing what to pack 
5. Talk about what to expect in UK university life 
6. Encourage independence 
7. Help them find the right support when they need it 
8. Stay informed and reassured 
9. Find your own sources of support 
10. Celebrate what comes next 

1. Understand the student visa process

Most students from outside the UK will need a Student Visa to study here. While your child is responsible for the application, you can help them by keeping track of the paperwork and deadlines. 

They’ll need: 

• a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from their university 
• proof of English language ability (if required) 
• financial documents showing that they can support themselves 
• proof of visa application payment and Immigration Health Surcharge 
  

Find out about UK government student visa guidance 
Discover Newcastle University Visa Support 

2. Help them prepare for the journey

Getting to the UK from abroad is usually straightforward - but planning ahead helps ease first-day nerves. 

• encourage your child to use the Meet and Greet service from Newcastle International Airport 
• check they’ve saved all key documents in a secure (and accessible) way 
• look up airline baggage limits and rules 
• talk through what will happen at border control, including showing their visa 
• make sure they have a working bank card. The UK is increasingly becoming a cashless society, but having some British pounds in cash can be helpful when first arriving

Newcastle has excellent transport links across the UK and Europe, so it’s easy to get around once they arrive. 

Explore how to get to Newcastle 
Meet and greet service for international students 

3. Plan their financial set up

One of the best ways you can support your child is helping them get financially prepared. 

They may need to: 

• open a UK bank account (some banks won’t allow this until after they arrive, and it can take weeks to process so be prepared in advance for this) 
• set up online banking and international transfers 
• plan for monthly expenses: food, rent, travel, socialising 
• pay their visa fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge

Newcastle University offers financial advice and budgeting support. There are also practical student savings in place such as student transport discounts and more.  

Our financial support and advice 

4. Knowing what to pack

Most UK universities offer self-catered accommodation, and your child will likely have a private room with access to shared kitchens and common areas. 

Here’s what they’ll usually need to bring or buy: 

• seasonal clothing (including warm layers and waterproofs) 
• essential tech (laptop, chargers, adapters) 
• toiletries and personal items 
• copies of important documents 
• small personal touches to make their room feel like home 

Large or bulky items (like bedding or kitchenware) can be purchased in the when they arrive so they don’t need to worry about using up their luggage allowance on the flight with large items.  

Accommodation at Newcastle University 

5. Talk about what to expect in UK university life

The UK learning environment might be very different from what your child is used to. 

Universities like Newcastle focus on: 

• independent study: students are expected to manage their time and workload 
• critical thinking: essays and projects involve building arguments and analysis, not just remembering facts and information
• blended learning: in-person teaching is combined with online resources and self-guided study

It’s not always easy at first but there’s plenty of support available to help them adjust. 

You can help by talking about what university life might feel like and reminding them that it’s okay to find things challenging at the beginning. 

6. Encourage independence 

It’s natural to want to help with every step. But in the UK, students are encouraged to take ownership of their experience - from arranging medical appointments to reaching out for help. 

You can support your child by: 

• encouraging them to use university support services 
• checking in regularly, but not too frequently 
• trusting them to make decisions and showing confidence in their ability to cope 

Apps like WhatsApp and FaceTime make it easy to stay in touch. Setting regular times to talk can help manage time zones and avoid late-night worry. 

7. Help them find the right support when they need it 

University life can bring ups and downs. But students at Newcastle aren’t expected to manage everything alone. 

Newcastle University offers: 

• personal tutors for academic support 
• wellbeing advisers for mental health and pastoral care 
• financial guidance, careers advice, and accommodation support 
• the SafeZone app for on-campus security access

If your child feels overwhelmed, remind them that asking for help is a strength - and that support is always available. 

Student wellbeing and safety 
Wellbeing information for parents and family members 

8. Stay informed and reassured

As a parent, you might be worried about how your child will settle in. That’s completely normal. 

You can feel reassured knowing that: 

• Newcastle is consistently ranked one of the most student-friendly cities in the UK 
• cost of living in the North East is among the lowest in the country 
• there’s a large international student community with plenty of peer support and networking groups and activities. 

The university also shares updates, blogs and information aimed specifically at parents. 

9. Find your own sources of support 

While your child is building their independence, it’s okay for you to need support too. You might have spent the last 18 years or more of your life dedicated to caring for their needs. You might miss them a lot and need to adjust to the change of them not being home all the time.  

Your role is just as important now though, even if it’s a little more behind the scenes. 

You might want to: 

• follow Newcastle University on social media for updates 
• attend virtual events and information sessions for parents 
• connect with other families going through the same experience 
• make a plan for how you will fill extra time you may now have in a way that brings you joy and fulfilment

10. Celebrate what comes next 

There will be moments when you miss your child. You might worry. That’s a natural part of watching someone grow. But this is also a time to celebrate: your child is stepping into a world of opportunity - and you’ve helped get them there. 

From building friendships and navigating new cultures, to growing in confidence and independence, studying in the UK is more than an academic experience. It’s a life-changing one. 

And while they may be miles away, you’ll still be there for them. Listening, encouraging, cheering them on from home. 

Find out more:

Remember, we have plenty of information and guidance to help you to help them. Our International Parents’ Guide is a great place to start: 

Read our free International Parents’ Guide