Parents and Carers

Moving away from home can be a daunting prospect. Your child will need to adapt to university lectures, make new friends and learn how to look after themselves.

Here at the University of South Wales, we know that parents are increasingly involved in their child’s applications.

We know it can be hard knowing how to help them – from choosing their university to what course they’ll study and where they'll live for the next few years.

We’re here with advice to help you prepare them for the next big step in their lives – whether you’re nervous about the support they’ll receive, how they’ll settle in, or even if you’re unsure what they’ll need to bring with them.

Once your child has accepted their university offer, they can start thinking about where they want to live. We go through the options, from Halls of Residence, private accommodation or even living at home.
Dropping your child off at university is emotional for any parent. You'll be left worrying if they are looking after themselves and making friends. Find out what their first week has in store for them.
Our Disability and Dyslexia Service and Student Money Teams can be contacted before your children arrive to study in September and to help with any of your concerns on the support available at our university.
Going to university is a big future investment. Your child may be eligible for grants, loans or bursaries to help with tuition fees and living costs.
If you’re worried about the cost of seeing USW for yourself, the bursary covers the cost of reasonable expenses associated with visiting us to attend an undergraduate open day, interview or an applicant day.

Exterior view of the University's Cardiff Campus.

A group of students walking down through Cardiff holding coffee.

Two adults talk sincerely while sat in private on two chairs in a canteen setting

A close up of someone holding money in their hands.

A train travelling along train tracks with the sun setting in the background.

How has university changed?

Read about their first week

Disability and Dyslexia Service Additional needs and disability support

Look at available fees and funding

Find out more about the Open Day Travel Bursary

Why choose USW?

We are here to help our students be bold and independent. We are one of the largest universities in the UK, offering our students excellent opportunities and prospects.

Our industry connections and emphasis on equipping students with real-world experiences make our graduates among the most employable in the UK. A course at USW is more than just a degree. Inside and outside the classroom, we will help your child to achieve their potential professionally and personally.
We continually invest in our campuses to ensure our students have the best possible experience and gain all the skills they need.

Our students learn about their profession in environments that recreate the workplace while using industry-standard equipment and software.

A young person sat in a chair talks to an older adult in a chair opposite in a therapy setting

Supporting your child at university

When your child leaves home, it can be an uncertain time for everyone. We know this can be harder for students with mental health conditions, disabilities, learning difficulties, and long-term medical issues. We are here to support your child - the Advice Zone has a range of services that offer confidential advice and help, whatever the problem.

The Advice Zone

UCAS Jargon Buster

There are a lot of words thrown around while your child is applying for university and it can become confusing trying to remember everything. From the different types of offers and degrees to the various parts of the application process, here is a handy glossary of terms to help you translate what is happening every step of the way.

UCAS terms explained

two members of university staff working on the phone lines during clearing

Helping them through clearing

We know that results day can be stressful for both your child and you, but we're on hand to help you know what you can expect in August. Whether your child hasn't yet applied to university, they applied after the June deadline, or if they didn't get the grades, read our guide to the clearing process.

Guide to clearing

What to teach them before they leave

Help your child leave home with confidence by teaching them key skills to live independently. From cooking to washing clothes, we've put together a list of handy skills to teach your child before they leave home.

Life skills to help them thrive

An academic presents to a lecture theatre full of people

Help them prepare to start university

It's exciting helping your child get ready to start university, but it can feel hard to remember everything they will need to do before they arrive on campus. We've put together a checklist to help you guide your child before they join us in September.

Getting ready for the start of term