Preparing fresher students for this new stage in their lives is vital so remembering to equip them to deal with the minor ailments of life without crying "mummy" is quite a good idea.

FIRST AID / EMERGENCIES

Often young people accuse their parents of fussing and imaging the worst, which generally may be true but some simple items of a first aid nature can be a wise precaution.

Sending the student off with some elastoplasts, antiseptic cream, a small box of paracetamols and a bottle of vitamin tablets might stand them in good stead when the youngster hasn't got "mum" around. It was mentioned before that "Alka Seltzer" might be a useful addition to any such kit. The more liberal or pragmatic parent may wish to include a packet of condoms as well. Whether you child has been sexually active in the past or not, many will be at university; and sadly it is the previously uninitiated who may not have precautions to hand when the time comes.

Naturally making sure a young person is supplied with any regular medication they need is important and discussing how they will get their next supply.

Encouraging the new student to register with a health clinic / doctor is worthwhile and then when they do have a health problem they are not fumbling around trying to find a doctor in a panic. Perhaps the kindest thing to do is to reassure the new student that they can ask parents or university staff for help and advice without any come back. Ensuring basic knowledge like how to call the emergency services (knowing they can dial 999 / 911 even if their mobile has no credit left) and basic first aid is very sensible.