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Wellbeing at University - A Guide for Students and Those Supporting Them

28 August 2025
Marketing at pirkx
3 minutes read

Wellbeing at University - A Guide for Students and Those Supporting Them

Heading off to university is a huge step — exciting, yes, but also a little daunting. Whether you’re a student gearing up for independence or a parent, grandparent, or supporter helping behind the scenes, preparing well can make all the difference.

That’s why we’ve turned our University Wellbeing Checklist into a practical guide. Students can use these tips themselves, and parents can play a supportive role in making sure the essentials are covered.

Before They Go: Setting the Foundations

For students: Life admin might not be glamorous, but it sets you up for a smooth start.

Open a student bank account.
Double-check ID, student loan info, and vaccine records.
Register with a local dentist near your campus.
Create a simple budget for rent, food, travel, and nights out.

How parents can help: Sit down together to review paperwork, walk them through budgeting apps, or even role-play what a week of expenses might look like. It’s reassurance wrapped in life skills.

Health & Wellbeing: Daily Habits that Count

For students: Taking care of yourself is about more than avoiding colds.

Learn to cook 3–5 simple meals you enjoy.
Stay active — whether through walks, sports, or the gym.
Know where to find support, like university counselling or wellbeing services.

How parents can help: Cook a few go-to meals together before move-in, gift them a simple cookbook, or check out local gyms that offer student discounts. Knowing those options exist can make it easier for them to stay on track.

Social Life & Support: Finding Belonging

For students: University is as much about people as it is about lectures.

Say yes to a few welcome or freshers’ events.
Join at least one society or volunteering group.
Take note of peer support networks.
Set personal boundaries around time, relationships, and partying.

How parents can help: Encourage them to try things out, remind them it’s okay if friendships take time, and gently reinforce that boundaries are healthy, not antisocial.

Academic Prep: Tools for Success

For students: Staying organised from the start reduces stress later.

Bookmark your course calendar and deadlines.
Make note of office hours and support contacts.
Do recommended pre-reading if you can.
Collect key textbooks or e-books early.
Set up cloud storage (Google Drive, OneDrive) to keep work safe.

How parents can help: Provide support with tech essentials like a reliable laptop, headphones, or cloud storage setup. Even small gestures — like ensuring they have backups — give peace of mind.

Packing Essentials: The Little Things That Help

For students: Beyond clothes and bedding, a few small items go a long way.

Earplugs or a white noise app.
A journal or notebook.
Photos of family and friends for comfort.
Multivitamins or supplements (especially vitamin D).
Laundry know-how — whites and darks really don’t mix!

How parents can help: Slip in a framed family photo, add a set of vitamins, or give them a final laundry demo. These gestures show care without being overbearing.

One Last Thing…

Supporting a student doesn’t mean hovering. It means equipping them with tools, encouragement, and confidence to look after themselves. And remember, this checklist isn’t just for parents — students can pick it up themselves and start building routines that will serve them well through university and beyond.

If you’d like to give them an extra layer of support, a pirkx membership can help. From gym discounts to counselling access, it’s designed to make student life healthier and easier — offering peace of mind for both students and families.

Access Your Free Printable Checklist

Want a handy version of this checklist to stick on the fridge or tuck into a suitcase?

Access our exclusive content by filling out the form below. You’ll get instant access to a free, printable University Wellbeing Checklist to help you and your student start the year with confidence.

Get your checklist here.