So your child has been accepted into their chosen university or maybe they are moving out with friends. See below a few tips to prepare them for life away from home. 
Consider the practical skills that they may need beyond cooking such as ironing, sewing and cleaning. 
Provide advice on staying safe when out a night, whether its practising moderation when drinking or staying safe when out at night.
Knowing basic first aid is very helpful. 
Remind them that they don't need to conform to peer pressure and its perfectly okay to spend time alone, they shouldn't hesitate to retreat to their room, close the door and  watch a movie.
As a parent try not to visibly display your anxiety. 
Resist the urge to constantly monitor them on social media, instead reassure them you are just a phone call away.

Do not police your child, they will learn by making mistakes, just be there incase they need you.

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,We all know the planet is in a precarious position and that we all need to do our bit to make it a better place for us all to live and restore balance. 
We have specifically chosen quality goods that will last the duration of your course and beyond. Our duvet covers are made using plastic bottles ( don't worry it doesn't feel like bottles, more like clouds ) 
We use recycled cardboard boxes and our soft plastic courier bags can be recycled and make into posts at Future Post, just drop them in the soft plastic bin at your local supermarket.
We have chosen kiwi suppliers that are dedicated to sustainability which was a key factor for us and will continue working to ensure we are doing our bit to protect this beautiful country we call home. 

Most students have to be very careful with their money, even with a part time job and with the price of grocery items rising, shopping for filling healthy food is tough. 

See below a few tips to help when shopping. 

• I know it's obvious but make a list, check what you have in the cupboard so you don't buy what you don't need, make a meal plan but be prepared to change if other items are on special offer. 
• Shop in the morning, after some food, shopping this time of the day is when you are more focused and less likely to buy on impulse.
• Find out if there is a local veg market, they are normally much cheaper than the supermarket.
• Don't be afraid to use frozen veg and berries these are just as healthy as fresh and there is no waste if you don't eat them quickly.
• Store carrots in a resealable bag they stay fresh for much longer. Also put grapes and fresh berries in glass jars with lids they last for weeks like that, I discovered this with strawberries and they last so long in glass jars rather than going off in 3 hours in the plastic containers. 
• Buy items in season, out of season fruit and veg is very expensive.
• Try cheaper brands, most of the time they taste the same as the more expensive ones. 
• Add grated carrot to mince to bulk out and give you some veg. 
• Make you own pasta sauce using chopped tinned tomatoes, 1 onion grated, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 2 cloves of garlic, splash of worcester sauce, 1/4 tsp chilli flakes ( optional) Brown the onion, add everything else and stir until bubbling, sorted and healthier and cheaper than a ready made sauce. 
• Rolls a bit stale? splash with water and pop in the oven for a few minutes, freshens them up lovely. 
• Bulk buy pasta and rice with your house mates, usually these items are much cheaper in bulk.

1:Get Involved: Join clubs, organizations, or student societies that align with your interests. This is a great way to meet like-minded individuals and make friends who share your passions.
2:Attend Events: Participate in university events, workshops, seminars, and social gatherings. This will help you connect with different people, learn new things, and have a well-rounded experience.
3:Manage Your Time: Create a balanced schedule that includes time for classes, studying, socializing, and self-care. Effective time management will prevent burnout and ensure you have time for both academic and personal pursuits.
4:Explore the City: Familiarize yourself with your university's surroundings. Discover local cafes, parks, museums, and entertainment venues. Exploring your new city can make your university experience even more exciting.
5:Build Relationships: Form relationships with professors, advisors, and classmates. Building a strong network can provide academic support, mentorship, and potential future opportunities.
6:Stay Healthy: Maintain a healthy lifestyle by getting enough sleep, eating nutritious foods, and staying physically active. Good health contributes to your overall well-being and enjoyment of university life.
7:Try New Things: Be open to trying activities or subjects you've never considered before. University is a time to explore and discover new interests.
8:Set Goals: Set both short-term and long-term goals for your academic, personal, and career aspirations. Working towards these goals can give you a sense of purpose and achievement.
9:Embrace Diversity: Engage with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures. This can broaden your horizons and help you gain a deeper understanding of the world.
10:Seek Support: If you're facing challenges, whether academic, personal, or emotional, don't hesitate to seek help. Universities usually offer counseling services, academic advisors, and other resources to support students.
11:Travel and Study Abroad: If possible, consider participating in exchange programs or studying abroad. It's an incredible opportunity to experience different cultures and broaden your perspective.
12:Document Your Journey: Keep a journal, blog, or photo album to document your university experience. This can be a great way to look back and reflect on your growth and memories.
13:Stay Positive: Maintain a positive attitude and approach challenges with resilience. A positive mindset can greatly influence how much you enjoy your university years.

Remember, university is a time for personal growth, learning, and exploration. By taking an active role in your education and social life, you can create a fulfilling and enjoyable university experience.

​Studying in New Zealand offers a unique and enriching academic experience for students from around the world. Renowned for its stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and top-tier educational institutions, New Zealand provides an ideal environment for pursuing higher education. The country boasts a diverse range of programs and courses, ensuring that students can find their niche and pursue their academic interests. Moreover, the emphasis on research, innovation, and practical learning equips students with valuable skills that are relevant to the ever-evolving global job market. With a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere, international students find themselves part of a multicultural community that fosters cross-cultural interactions and lifelong friendships. Beyond academics, New Zealand's outdoor adventures and recreational opportunities offer a balanced lifestyle, contributing to personal growth and well-being. In conclusion, studying in New Zealand not only provides a quality education but also an unforgettable journey of personal and academic development in a breathtaking setting.

Tips
Home Comforts
Leaving home for the first time can be scary so make sure to pack some items that remind you of home, it could be and old cuddly toy, photos, favorite blanket, even a body lotion that reminds you of home. Items from home should help you settle in quickly. 

Budget 
Moving out of the comfort of your family home means you will need to learn how to budget carefully, try not to spend all your student allowance in one month on takeaways and wine or beer. Getting a part time job will help and it will also assist in making friends. I worked in a café so had free lunches. Try and save a little bit of your money each week or month just so you have a little buffer incase of an emergency. You could club together with some other students in your accommodation on food as bulk can be cheaper, and cooking together is a great way to get to know others. Look online for cheap meal ideas. Getting your accommodation packs ordered before you start University will save you having to spend money when you arrive at your accommodation.

Weather
Research the weather at the city you will be studying in, North and South Island can have completely different weather at the same time. It is true that you can experience 4 different seasons in one day. Make you you research what the weather is generally going to be like before you move over and pack accordingly.  Don't forget your sunscreen as even on cloudy days the power of the sun can be dangerous, oh and insect repellant as sand flies are a nightmare.