How can I support an NTU student?
A big part of university life is learning to become independent so at NTU, we recognise and treat our students as adults.
We aim to provide them with the room they need and the respect they deserve. We're here to help if our students need us, but as adults, we expect them to take the first step and let us know when they need help.
As their parent, carer or guardian, there are many ways you can provide support and help to them too. This page provides a selection of the products and services NTU offers that you may want to bring to their attention.
How to help with the transition to university
Starting university is a major milestone. It brings excitement, uncertainty and real personal growth.
In the first few weeks, your student will be adjusting to new routines, the way university study works, new friendships and greater independence. It’s normal for them to feel homesick, overwhelmed or unsure at times – even when they seem confident.
As a parent or carer, your role shifts from day-to-day decision-making to offering steady encouragement and support.
Regular check-ins
Keep in touch, reminding them that challenges are a normal part of settling in can help them build resilience and confidence. Listen to them without immediately jumping to conclusions and solving problems.
Encourage independence
Give them space to manage their own finances, workload, wellbeing and social life, while reminding them where to find help if needed.
Find the right balance
Most students will encounter setbacks, from coursework to trying to fit in, but you can help find the right balance between work and social life. Offering a good balance of guidance and reassurance will help your student develop the confidence to thrive at university.
Next steps and support guidance
If you notice your student has shown significant changes in mood or has disengaged from studies, or is reluctant to seek support when needed, encourage them to speak with university wellbeing or support teams or academics.
We hold emergency contact records for all our students; this doesn’t necessarily need to be a parent, but will need to be someone we can contact if we have any concerns about their health or wellbeing.
Please encourage your young person to update their emergency contact information so we can get in touch with their preferred contact quickly when they need them most.
If you have concerns about a student’s wellbeing, you can let us know by completing a referral form.
The form needs to be completed with the student's consent, and we will reach out to them as soon as the form is received.
First year students at NTU have their accommodation guaranteed (T&Cs apply), which can take some of the stress away when it comes to starting university.
We also have a dedicated team of Student Accommodation Support Officers (SASOs) who help students settle into halls and help deal with any problems that might happen.
You can make sure your student makes use of the travel options if they decide to commute to campus instead of living in accommodation.
Nottingham has a range of different public transport options which include bike, bus, trams and train, making it easy to get around our campuses and the city centre. We also have arranged offers for discounted travel passes so ensure that your young person utilises what is available.
University is an exciting experience, but like with any big life event, it can also have its challenges.
We are here to support students from their very first day and have a range of resources available to help students maintain positive physical and mental health, which can be found on StudentHub.
We also have different student support services on hand to help with needs or address concerns throughout their university journey.
Budgeting is a key part of university life, so it’s important that students know how to manage their money properly.
Our Student Money Team also offers free financial support workshops throughout term time.
NTU has a range of bursaries and scholarships available to help students with living costs and tuition fees. See a full list of our bursaries and scholarships and how students can apply.
We also have several Hardship Funds available each academic year, visit StudentHub to find out more.
Each first-year undergraduate will be assigned a Student Mentor – someone in their second year, final year or a postgraduate student who studied the same course. A Student Mentor will share their own experiences of being a first-year student, provide peer-to-peer support and help with finding the right team so that your young person has everything they need to be able to thrive at university.
They’ve been specially chosen to help your young person settle in to life at NTU and encourage them to take part in the many opportunities available through their academic school, the University and Nottingham Trent Students’ Union (NTSU).
If your young person is unsure who their Student Mentor is and would like some help getting in touch with them please get them to email CERT@ntu.ac.uk.
For those students wanting to earn some extra cash alongside their studies, we also have paid part-time work opportunities available. From Student Ambassador roles to jobs in our campus cafes, students can search for paid work on NTU’s JobShop.
Volunteering can be a great way for students to gain work experience, boost their CV and improve their life skills whilst making a difference to the lives of others. There are plenty of opportunities for students to get involved with volunteering at NTU, learn more about the initiatives available.
Our Nottingham Trent Students' Union has an agreement with Nottingham Cars’ taxi service, so all NTU students can get a taxi home and pay the next day – meaning there’s no excuse to walk home alone even if they’ve run out of cash.
To find out more about the scheme, please visit the Trent students website.
Feel free to keep the number handy too – 0115 9700 700.
NTU’s Employability team supports students with their next steps after university and helps boost their career prospects.
The Employability team offers a range of services, from CV support and interview tips to hosting job fairs with employers.
Visit StudentHub to find out more about upcoming employability events.
We are also proud to offer all undergraduate students our Employability Promise. This means once they've graduated they can access employability support as well as a paid placement at an employer if they're not in work or further study 12 months after they've graduated.
Looking for more advice?
If you know a student joining NTU in the future, visit our parent and carer guide for advice on how to support a prospective student coming to NTU.