Information For Parents - Keele University
Holly Cross Banner  

Why Keele?

Grounds for Greatness

“Once you’ve been here for even just a week, you’ll never want to leave!”

Keele Overview Video

Accommodation

Information For Parents

We're proud of our University and the sense of community students feel when they live here.  We aim to make sure that the 'Keele Experience' is a positive one and the benefits last with our students throughout their life.

As a Parent Ambassador, I regularly meet and talk to parents whose children are considering university when they leave school.   As a member of staff at Keele, I see how quickly students do settle in to their new home but, as a parent with a daughter who recently went to university, I can appreciate your concerns. 

Going to university is an exciting opportunity for our children but for parents it can often be a stressful time.  Although your son or daughter may be independent and capable, you will understandably worry that they might not settle in to university life.  Some of the questions that may be going through your mind will probably include, will they:

  • make friends?
  • eat properly?
  • balance their work and social activities?
  • manage their finances?
  • have someone to chat to if they have any problems?

The best way you can support your child is by

  • Listening to them and helping them find out as much information as possible in the months before they leave home
  • Visiting the University on an Open or Visit day to help them get to know where they are going (this can be the first step towards putting your mind at ease).   A tour of the campus, including the teaching buildings and accommodation was helpful for me and my daughter as there were student guides to offer a wealth of information. 
  • Find out about the excellent network of support available to all students on the campus such as the Student Finance Office, who give information about loans and grants etc;  Student Support, Accommodation Office, Residential Managers and Tutors, who are on hand in the halls of residence to deal with any problems which students may encounter etc. 
  • Provide a mobile top up voucher so they can ring you whenever they feel the need
  • Help them with budget advice, cooking skills and understanding laundry labels.

Going to university and living away from home allows our children to develop life skills and independence.  They will still come home and visit, usually when they want home comforts, someone else to do their washing and a nice Sunday roast!

Jayne Arrowsmith

Parent Ambassador of the Year 2008 – 2009

Keele Student Accommodation Lettings Services Assistant