Starting university is a major milestone for both students and those supporting them.
As your student prepares for life at NTU, there are practical steps you can take to help them feel confident, independent and ready for the transition to university.
At NTU, students benefit from:
- a first-year accommodation guarantee
- award-winning student support services
- our Employability Promise
- dedicated wellbeing support throughout their studies
We've put together practical advice, key information and useful resources to help your student prepare for university life, as well as a handy checklist of things they should sort before starting at NTU to help make their transition to independent living as smooth as possible.
How you can help before they arrive
There are several practical ways you can support your student before they start university:
- Encourage them to manage a budget and understand their income and outgoings.
- Make sure their student finance application is complete.
- Help them plan travel and arrival arrangements.
- Encourage them to practise a few simple meals before moving away.
- Discuss wellbeing and support services available at university.
- Help them explore accommodation, Nottingham and campus facilities.
- Encourage them to take responsibility for key deadlines and decisions.
Developing independence before university can help students settle in more confidently once they arrive.
What support is available for my student at NTU?
NTU's Student Support Services team offers tailored support throughout your student's university journey.
Support is available across:
- wellbeing and mental health
- disability and inclusion
- financial guidance
- academic support
- faith and spirituality.
In terms of safety at university, NTU's security team is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and students can access emergency contact details directly from their NTU student card. We also work closely with Nottingham Trent Students' Union (NTSU), local councils, Nottinghamshire Police and other community partners to help create a safe and supportive student environment.
What parents and carers can do
Before your student starts university, encourage them to:
- familiarise themselves with available support services
- save important contact details and feel confident asking for help if they need it
- understand that support is a normal part of university life.
- discuss personal safety and wellbeing
- talk about staying connected while respecting their growing independence.
Find out more on our student support page.
Money matters
Learning to manage money is an important part of becoming more independent.
Helping your student understand budgeting before they arrive can make the transition to university life much easier.
Encourage your student to:
- create a realistic budget
- understand how student finance works
- plan for accommodation and living costs
- consider whether they need insurance for personal belongings
- track spending during their first few months at university.
What NTU provides
Students can access financial guidance throughout their studies, whether they need help creating a budget, managing money or understanding available support.
Our Financial Support Advisers are available to provide practical advice and guidance.
Visit our living costs pages for budgeting tips, information about student expenses and guidance on managing finances at university.
Get to know the city of Nottingham
Nottingham combines the opportunities of a major student city with excellent transport links, green spaces and a welcoming student community.
Whether they choose to live in university accommodation, private housing or commute from home, many students quickly feel at home in Nottingham.
Find out more about student life in Nottingham.
Starting at NTU
Our Starting at NTU hub brings together everything they need to know before joining us, from arranging their funding to what to expect on moving in day.
Read our parent and carer preparation FAQs
Students don't need to bring everything with them from day one. Focusing on the essentials can make moving in easier.
We recommend bringing:
- kitchen utensils
- bath and hand towels
- a laundry bag
- coat hangers
- bedding and pillows
- toiletries
- IT equipment
- sports equipment
- photos and personal items that help them feel at home.
Students living in NTU-owned accommodation will already have bedroom furniture, a microwave, kettle and toaster provided.
We've also created a handy pre-arrival checklist to help students prepare for university life.
At NTU, students graduate with experience, not just a degree.
We're ranked in the top 5 in the UK for Employability (Uni Compare 2027), and employability is embedded throughout the student experience.
Through our Employability Promise, undergraduate students benefit from opportunities to develop professional experience, build industry connections and prepare for their future careers.
Students can access:
- employer-facing experiences
- placements and internships
- careers coaching
- CV and interview support
- skills development opportunities.
For up to three years after graduation, students can continue to access careers support, coaching and employability expertise.
Learning a few simple cooking skills before university can help students feel more confident and manage their budget effectively.
Encourage your student to:
- learn a few easy meals
- understand typical food costs
- plan shopping budgets
- make use of student discounts where available.
NTU campuses offer a range of cafés and food outlets, providing convenient options throughout the day.
Students can find more budgeting advice, food cost guidance and student discounts on our living costs pages.
It's completely natural to have mixed emotions about your student starting university.
The first few weeks are often a period of adjustment for everyone. Students are building independence, establishing routines and finding their place within a new community.
Most students settle in gradually as they meet new people, get involved in activities and become familiar with their surroundings.
What parents and carers can do
- Stay supportive while encouraging independence.
- Keep communication open.
- Encourage your student to access support if they need it.
- Remember that developing confidence takes time.
NTU offers a wide range of support services, opportunities and resources designed to help students thrive throughout their university journey.
Whether your student lives on campus, commutes or lives elsewhere in Nottingham, support is available whenever they need it.
Find out more about...
Nottingham
Whether you’re looking for a night out or want to relax and unwind in a quiet cafe, Nottingham has something for everyone in its affordable variety of attractions, shopping venues, nightlife, and natural spaces. With good transport links across the country and our City Campus at the heart of it all, Nottingham is a great place to call your home from home.
Student life
University isn't just about your studies. Everything’s on offer here - there’s sport, art, music, food, and so much more. Find out about living here or how to commute to NTU.
Student support
We offer personal and discreet support to our students and alumni, including health and mental wellbeing, financial and academic support, and more.