Going to university is a seminal moment in a young person’s life – and it’s a transition that can often be as difficult for parents as it is for their offspring. While there’s plenty to think about in the days before they fly the nest – from purchasing kitchenware, to essential tech – it can be easy to gloss over some of the most important and, at times, awkward conversations that can make the difference between your child leaving with clarity and confidence or doubt and worry.
We’ve spoken to the experts to get their insights on the most essential discussions parents should have with their child before they take their first major step on the road to adult life – and how to do so without squirming.
How will you manage your money?
“Encourage your child to make a budget as early as possible, ideally before they go to university. According to our , maintenance loans fall short of living costs by an average of £502 per month – so, unfortunately, there’s a good chance they’ll have some gaps to fill. Having this discussion early on means your child can work out where they might need to cut back, if they’ll need to get a part-time job and, potentially, if you can increase your contributions.
How to be more grateful for daily life in five easy steps
The world feels like a difficult place at the moment, and it can feel very hard sometimes to find things to be thankful for; when we are overwhelmed, we have less capacity to notice and reflect on the good things. Yet, ironically, proactively cultivating gratitude is one of the things that can actually help us feel less stressed.
NHS GP dR RADHA
The science
Research has shown that feeling or expressing thanks can actually alter our brain.
- The balance of neurotransmitters change; more serotonin and dopamine (feel good chemicals) are produced.
- This can be long lasting if we make gratitude a regular habit.
- We also get a decrease in our cortisol (stress hormone) levels which helps lower anxiety.
- Being grateful can strengthen the nerve pathways which triggers positive emotion.
How can we build gratitude?
Change your words
Instead of seeing something as a problem, try to see the opportunities within it.
Our brains are very receptive and what we read or write can alter our emotional system.
Express it
This will not only make you feel good, but you will also get a positive response from others.
How can we build gratitude?
Notice more
Throughout your day, try to notice all the things that are going well; has someone opened a door for you, or smiled?
The basics
By being thankful for the small things every day, we are far more likely to be and stay healthy so that we can enjoy them.
What to do
Gratitude can lead to feelings of optimism, lower our blood pressure, and improve sleep quality.
- Write down what potential good aspects there are to the things you don’t feel like doing, or even what could be worse about it.
- Spend a few minutes writing down three things that you are looking forward to that day, or the good things that have happened to you that day.
- Say thank you to yourself for the things you have achieved, or managed to get through and changed that day.
Sales of battery
electric vehicles hit a record high last year.
Starts at £22,995 for the smaller battery
Available with either a 40kWh battery or a larger 52kWh pack, that offers almost 255 miles, the latest, retro-inspired Renault 5 is both a joy to behold and a hoot to drive.
The interior has been lavished with a level of detail that’s typically reserved for more expensive cars.
4 min read
A champion of EV efficiency
It offers a remarkable 491 mile range on a single charge from the 85kWh battery.
It is a technological masterclass inside with the ability to option screens that span the entire width of the dashboard, including an optional display for the front passenger.
Priced from £37,400
2 min read
It’s a lot of money to part with, but this is arguably all the car you will ever need.
The £89,000 Macan is a premium SUV that somehow manages to blend Porsche’s reputation for dynamics and sporty driving with everyday practicality.
The 95kWh batteries can go from 10 to 80 per cent in as little as 21 minutes from the fastest public charging outlets.
With the business class-style six seat configuration costing a staggering £76,995, it is by far the most expensive Kia ever made, but it backs up its financial demands with a suite of genuinely useful and impressive onboard technology.
It’s fast, goes a long way between stops and charges relatively quickly but the interior is bland, the onboard technology is infuriating and the experience is devoid of emotion.
All of its gadgetry can’t disguise the fact that performance is weak, even for a typically zippy EV, the ride is fussy at slower speeds and it’s not in the least bit enjoyable to drive on a country road.
- While good value (prices start at £17,935) for the 200-mile max range, there are more interesting options from Hyundai, Citroen and Renault for similar money.
- It attempts to wow with tech, much of which hinders, rather than helps.
- There’s no tangible benefit over mounting your phone to the dash.
- Simply an average driving experience, adequate range and slow charging speeds.
2 min read
The kitchen gadgets under £25
Victorinox paring knife
It’s comfortable to hold, with a point sharp enough for scoring pastry.
ProCook cast iron pan
For unbeatable searing and heat-retention, cast iron is the top choice.
Tesco chopping board
Priced at just £22, I’ve yet to find another board that matches it for sheer value and quality.
The kitchen gadgets under £25
Pyrex jug
It is the perfect vessel for blending smooth sauces, melting butter, or warming stock. It won’t stain like plastic and the red measurements never fade.
Salter scales
“I’ve had my slim little set of Salter Disc Scales for over a decade, and I’m delighted to see they are still made to exactly the same reliable design today.”
Microplane grater
It uses photo-etched stainless steel teeth that stay razor-sharp for a decade, something the lookalike copycats simply can’t match.
Braun hand-held blender
It’s an essential for everything from making velvety soup to getting the lumps out of white sauce.
Bodum cafetiere
As well as delivering great results, cafetieres are easy to clean and there’s no ongoing filter paper costs or pod recycling to deal with.
5 min read
The kitchen gadgets under £25
Oxo peeler
What truly sets it apart is the chunky, rubberised handle that absorbs pressure and stays completely non-slip, even if your hands are wet. It is inexpensive and incredibly durable.
Falcon pie dish
Made by fusing porcelain onto heavy-gauge steel for smooth durability, it is dishwasher, freezer, hob, air-fryer and oven-safe.
The golden rules for a happy, secure relationship
Psychiatrist and neuroscientist Dr Amir Levine, author of bestselling book , explains why we behave the way we do in love.
Golden rules for happy relationships
Start with your own behaviours
The foundation of a secure, connected life is being what I call CARRP: that means being consistent, available, responsive, reliable and predictable. All of these qualities can be enacted in small gestures every day.
Express your needs
People need consistency and connection to feel safe. This is not, ‘You hurt my feelings by never replying to me’, it’s more ‘this is the kind of contact that helps me feel secure’.
Golden rules for happy relationships
The appendix ‘inflammation’ rule
If a relationship repeatedly inflames your nervous system, you need to disengage and deprioritise it.
Lean on community
You don’t need hundreds of friends. You need people and places that regularly remind you that you belong.
Stop blaming childhood
Humans are much more complicated than: ‘this happened to you, therefore you are doomed to be anxious’.
Reach for a
secure script
When something unsettles you in a relationship, your first reaction is not always the most accurate one.
If you’re anxious, your brain may jump very quickly to: ‘this is the beginning of the end’. If you’re avoidant, your brain may say: ‘this person wants too much from me, I need to get away’. So one very practical thing you can always do is pause and ask: ‘What would a secure person do here?’
Loneliness elsewhere
When people talk about loneliness, they often assume it means you don’t have enough people in your life. But you can be surrounded by people and still feel lonely if those relationships leave you feeling excluded, ignored or disconnected.
What to do
- Build a community that works for your temperament and gives you regular, reliable moments of connection.
- You can still be kind to people while not treating them as someone who belongs in your inner circle.
- Explain what you need. Sometimes people simply don’t realise how you are experiencing them.
- Check in with people: does this person actually feel that I’m reliable? Do they experience me as predictable? That’s the only way that you can start to become more secure.
Do some foods leave
you feeling hungry rather than satiated? Experts say there are…
Foods that leave you hungrier
A bowl of cereal and glass of orange juice
More refined cereals are digested quickly, and fruit juice, whilst one of your five-a-day, contains less fibre than whole fruit. This might mean you find yourself hungry again within 1-2 hours of eating this breakfast.
Swap the orange juice for a whole orange, the cereal for oats and milk or serve it with Greek yoghurt or a boiled egg. This would increase the fibre and protein content; two nutrients strongly linked with fullness.
Foods that leave you hungrier
These pastries are made primarily from refined flour and butter, and are relatively low in protein and fibre.
Toast and jam
Shop-bought packs can contain a lot of white rice, which is digested quickly, and the protein content is often modest.
Foods that leave you hungrier
Vegetable soup
On its own, it is often very low in protein and calories, so hunger can return quickly.
Unless it’s loaded with veggies, it’s probably pretty low in fibre.
Liquids are generally less filling as they require little chewing which may not trigger satiety signals.
Foods that leave you hungrier
Snack bars
They are ideal for a quick pick-me-up, but if reducing hunger is what you’re after, it’d be better to swap it out.
Low-fat yoghurt
A full-fat plain Greek yoghurt with berries and seeds tends to be much more filling due to the protein, fat and fibre.
On an empty stomach, it can actually increase your appetite.
What to eat instead
Instead of thinking about avoiding foods, think about what you can add to them.
- Add beans, lentils or shredded chicken to your vegetable soup and pasta.
- Thicken your smoothies with Greek yoghurt, chia seeds and oats.
- Apple slices with peanut butter, yogurt with berries and hummus with oat biscuits are better snack options than a pre-made snack bar.
- Have alcohol alongside a balanced meal containing protein and fibre.
How to age well
without pain
Will Harlow, a physiotherapist
for the over-50s and author of Independence for Life, shares
the key signs you’re ageing
badly – and what to do about it.
How to know
Ageing well is maintaining the ability to do what you want you want for as long as you want without needing help. Everyone is talking about longevity but what’s the point in living longer if the last decade is painful and you’re [totally] reliant on people?”
The signs to look out for
- The most obvious early warning sign of bad ageing is pain says Harlow.
- Another is losing confidence in doing daily tasks, which can quickly lead to a lack of independence.
- One call Harlow often receives is people calling after having a fall and struggling to get up.
4 min read
How to age without pain
Not just stopping
When people retire, they often put their feet up and stop. Your body really is use it or lose it.
Throughout our entire lives, Harlow says we need between seven and nine hours of sleep.
Social isolation
The lack of connection can increase the risk of premature death by
as much as 29 per cent.
Strength training
It really is the proxy for
overall independence.
The more muscle mass you have, the less chance of heart disease, diabetes, falls and even anxiety, depression and dementia.
The brain can be linked to muscle mass too, Harlow says. It’s not just about being able to lift things. It gives you more energy, better sleep and you’ll look and feel better.
How to age without pain
Daily habits
Do short bursts of exercise, between 30 and 60 seconds, in otherwise dead time during the day.
Stretch in bed
Take joints through a full range of motion for five minutes to loosen it before getting up.
Don’t crash diet
How to age without pain
Harlow advises 1.6 grams per kilogram of body weight to stop muscle loss alongside resistance training.
Don’t wait
Harlow finds that many patients put off making a change to their lifestyle until their lives are consumed by pain.
For most people, it’s about reducing the number of times per week you’re exercising, not reducing intensity.
The three ageing tests to do
- Lie completely flat on the floor and get back up to a standing position using any technique. This should take less than 10 seconds.
See how many times you can sit on the chair and stand back up again in 30 seconds. Men should be aiming for more than 14 times and women 12.
The single-leg stand, which involves standing on one leg and balancing for 10 seconds. Everyone should be able to do that and for those under 65, Harlow asks them to do it with their eyes closed.
Despite the job market hiring fewer entry-level roles, employers are still looking for grads…
But you should be prepared to keep an open mind.
We’ve compiled the sectors hiring graduate roles, what degree is required, and what they pay.
The degrees to choose for a career
Hiring in the UK could
finally be on the up
47%
of employers offered entry-level
positions from July.
That is up nearly 15 per cent from the same period last year.
700,000
But graduate unemployment rose to six per cent in 2025 and 700,000 jobless graduates were claiming benefits.
Finance and insurance
- Around 42 per cent of UK finance and insurance employers say they will be open to graduate roles this summer.
- Business loan company Portman Finance Group has taken on 50 graduates over the past four years.
Portman graduates start on £36,000 for the two-year programme and the education you need to apply is a minimum “ABB” of A-levels, and a 2:1 or above university degree. But not in a specific subject.
Trade and logistics
What makes it particularly rewarding is that there’s always something to learn.
Nearly half (47 per cent) of trade and logistics companies will be giving graduates a go this year.
Salaries start at £30,000 with an uncapped bonus, rising to £50,000 plus a company car as a senior account partner.
Technology and IT
More than half (52 per cent) of UK tech and IT firms are actively looking for graduates.
Successful entry-level candidates can earn a basic salary of up to £35,000, with the opportunity to triple that within their first three years of working.
4 min read
Public sector, health
and social services
46 per cent of public sector, health and social services organisations are also ready to take graduates, according to a survey by Manpower.
- For example, Police Now runs a graduate programme into policing. They recruit graduates from any degree field, as long as they achieve a 2:2 or above. Starting salaries range from £31,164 to £42,210 depending on location and rising each year.
Can we treat guests without blowing our budget?
According to Waitrose, a dinner party revival is underway led by younger people trying to reduce the cost of getting together.
Always have bread
People will feast on the
ELLA RISBRIDGER, AUTHOR OF THE KITCHEN BOOK – GOOD FOOD FOR EVERY DAY
bread, and then need less fish/steak/expensive whatever. All small plates restaurants know this: this is why the first thing on the menu is always artisan bread and butter.
Use vegetables as centrepieces
Add pantry items
Graham’s recipes include a braised cabbage with a preserved lemon sauce, a roast cauliflower with saffron, and harrisa roast carrots with mango labneh.
How to host on a budget
Improve the everyday
Guests will always appreciate a stellar interpretation of the ordinary. Think lasagna or curry.
Cooking dinner for your guests is spoiling them – you’re being generous with your time, your effort, and your home. So don’t feel the need to go overboard elsewhere.
Ask for help
Ask friends to bring a contribution, be it a nibble or a pudding.
Big platter energy
[Presentation] can be the key to elevating something . Spaghetti and tomato sauce suddenly looks like a feast when tumbled on a lovely big plate, dressed with olive oil and parmesan and placed in the middle of the table.
Food writer and editor Eleanor Steafel
How to host on a budget
Taco party
Have one expensive filling, like shredded chicken, and two cheaper options, like refried beans, says Ella Risbridger.
Shop-bought ice cream is so easily zhuzhed up with the help of handy toppings, says Eleanor Steafel.
“One simple tip for budgeting at uni is to have two bank accounts. Your child should apply for a dedicated student bank account, used for receiving their loan and paying any big expenses like rent or bills. Then, each week, they can transfer a set amount to their second account, and use that for everyday spending. That makes it much easier for them to keep track of what they’re spending, and avoid accidentally blowing a huge chunk of their loan early on.” Tom Allingham, Save the Student
What will you do if it runs out?
“Remind your child that if and when their loan runs out, they have options. As an adult with years of personal finance experience, you may be wary of using your overdraft – but the ones that come with student bank accounts are usually interest-free and remain so for at least a year after graduation. This money is far safer, cheaper and more accessible than other forms of borrowing. In our ranking of the best student accounts, the size of the 0 per cent overdraft is one of the most important factors, because having the biggest safety net possible is far more useful than any sign-up freebie.
“Of course, if you’re able to offer additional financial support, reassure your child that they can turn to you before borrowing from riskier sources such as credit cards or private loans.
“And if they find themselves in serious difficulty, your child should also know that every university offers hardship funding. There’s no guarantee that they’ll get it – and they certainly shouldn’t budget for it – but it’s an option if they’re really struggling.“
How much do you want us to contact you?
“It can be helpful to agree to some loose boundaries around staying connected while assuring them they can reach out any time.
“Timing matters: Ask when they prefer to talk. Respect that they might not answer immediately.
“Quality over quantity: One meaningful weekly conversation trumps daily checking in. Focus on listening, rather than interrogating.
“Digital balance: Text for quick check-ins: ‘Thinking of you’ rather than ‘Are you okay?’. Video calls for important conversations. Voice notes can feel less intrusive than calls.” Counselling Directory member Victoria Froome, author of ‘Starting University: A Student’s Guide to Mental Health, Wellbeing and Navigating the Transition to University Life‘
What will you do if you feel lonely?
“Typically, during freshers’ week when there is a lot going on, there is a ‘honeymoon’ phase. This can be followed by a crash around weeks three to four when the novelty has worn off, academic pressure has begun and homesickness hits hard. They may cry, express regret, or ask to come home.
“This is challenging for parents, because your instinct is to rescue them – but the most helpful response is usually to listen, validate and encourage them to access university support. Parents can reassure them that the emotional rollercoaster is part of the normal pattern of emotions (evidence shows that one third of students report loneliness). You can also help them identify what may suit them – societies, groups, structured activities or online communities.
“Reassure them that they do not need to say yes to every single opportunity, and that it takes time to build meaningful friendships.”
What happens if you don’t get on with your flatmates?
“As a first-year, the clusters of students living together is a lottery, so it makes sense that it may not go smoothly for everyone. Signposting your young person to the accommodation office can be useful. You can also reassure them that this is not a permanent arrangement and that, going forwards, they will be choosing their own flatmates.
“There can be friction over different schedules, noise or mess. Encourage them to have a face-to-face chat with their flatmates, as this will often resolve things, daunting as that may feel.
“Some students feel lonely or left out. This can be much harder. Encourage activities outside the flat, where they may be more likely to meet like-minded people.”
What does consent mean to you?
“Talking about consent with your child might seem like a given – they will have had a lot of lessons on it throughout their time at school and it’s likely something they will have learnt about through storylines in their favourite TV shows and while scrolling through social media. University means a whole new environment and way of life, however, and therefore a whole new way of putting consent into practice.
“A great place to start with talking about consent in the context of university is to get your child to think about what consent means to them. This can open up a discussion about consent beyond its definition; exploring the law, understanding body language, how to handle pressure and where they can go if they need support.
“It’s important young people feel empowered to say no and to know they can change their mind at any time – this doesn’t just apply to sex and relationships, but also to going out clubbing, drinking alcohol and taking drugs, and hanging out with people they might not be comfortable with. Alice Hoddinott, media and communications coordinator and former education and wellbeing specialist, Broo
Who would you call if you were in trouble?
“There will always be unexpected challenges at university, and most can be sorted out easily by talking to peers, students’ union reps, or the student’s academic tutor. For more serious issues, students should be encouraged to talk to family and friends of course, but beyond that, every university has a student counselling or wellbeing team, searchable via the university website.
“Many universities also have a GP service on site or close by, for physical or mental health worries. They are experts in all aspects of student health and, most helpfully, in how university processes work should time off or a letter for the academic department be required.
“The most important message here is not to leave things until they reach crisis point, but to deal with them early and effectively through whichever team seems most relevant. Students are often amazed at how easily problems which seemed insurmountable to them could be overcome by talking to university staff (for whom this is their day job!).” , former university GP, TEDx speaker and author of the ‘Student Wellbeing‘ Series and co-author of ‘How to Grow a Grown Up‘
What happens if you or a friend have too much to drink or a bad reaction to drugs?
“For some students, university can be a time for experimentation with drugs or alcohol. Try and talk openly about staying safe without being judgemental. If a friend has had too much to drink, or taken something and doesn’t seem right, the most important thing is to stay calm and stay with them at all times. Don’t leave them alone, even for a moment.
“If they’re unresponsive, or their breathing changes, call 999 straight away. If they’re not fully alert, put them in the recovery position, on their side, so they can’t choke if they’re sick. Don’t try to make them vomit. Don’t give them coffee or a cold shower to try to sober them up, as this won’t help.
“If you think drugs are involved and you have naloxone, use it. It’s a nasal spray that can temporarily reverse an opioid overdose. It’s safe to use even if you’re not sure exactly what’s been taken, and it won’t cause harm if the problem turns out to be something else. When the ambulance arrives, tell the crew everything you know, including any information you have about drink, drugs or medication they’ve taken. Calling for help is always the right call, even if it turns out you didn’t need to.” Gareth Balmer, harm reduction lead at drug and alcohol charity, WithYou
What happens if you hate your course?
“This is not an uncommon issue, but is entirely fixable. Decisions sometimes made a year or two prior to arrival on campus can lead to the realisation that the course you are on is not, in fact, for you.
“There are very clear processes in all universities for managing this scenario, so it is really important to start conversations about options early, rather than ploughing on with a frustrating and unsatisfying situation.
“The first person to talk to is your academic tutor, or someone in your academic department office, to be signposted to the next steps.
“University Careers teams are also a valuable resource, and should definitely be consulted before a final decision is made about moving courses, or even leaving university.”
Who is responsible for contraception?
“It’s also helpful to talk to young people about contraception and their choices. Remind them that while anyone and everyone is responsible for contraception, if they’re prepared then they’ll never be in a situation where they don’t know what to do. All forms of contraception – including condoms – can be accessed for free from sexual health clinics and GPs. The morning after pill is also accessible for free from sexual health clinics, GPs and pharmacies. Making this a valid option is important – sometimes accidents happen (maybe the condom broke or someone didn’t take their pill on time) so it’s important young people feel empowered instead of shamed about accessing emergency contraception.
“Remember, consent and contraception go hand in hand – your body, your choice applies to everyone.”
And, most of all…
“The most important message any parent or carer can share with their young adult is that there is no problem that you don’t want to hear about. Remind them that whatever they are struggling with, you are there for them and they are never alone, even if you are many miles away.” Thompson