Transitioning to Third Level
Top Tips For Parents & Guardians
At TU Dublin, we know transitioning to third-level education is a significant step for students and their parents and guardians. Caragh O'Buachalla, Operations Manager in the Student Hub Service and parent to TU Dublin students, shares some top tips for supporting your student through this exciting transition.
1. Encourage Your Student to Speak Up
If something is affecting your student, whether it's academic, financial, personal, health-related or accommodation concerns, encourage them to tell someone. They might speak to a lecturer, Head of School, Student Hub staff member, Students' Union officer or one of the University's support services.
TU Dublin staff genuinely want students to succeed and will do their best to help or connect them with the right support. If your student isn't sure where to start, the Student Hub is a great first point of contact and can help direct them to the right person or service.
2. Encourage Your Student to Get Involved
University is about more than lectures and assignments. Between clubs, societies and volunteering opportunities, there are over 150 ways for students to get involved at TU Dublin. These groups are often where students meet like-minded people, discover new interests and build friendships that can last a lifetime.
The hardest part is often turning up to that first meeting or event, especially when they don't know anyone. What many students don't realise is that everyone else is usually feeling exactly the same way. Encourage your student to take that first step. And if they don't join in the first few weeks, it's never too late. The students running these clubs, societies and volunteering groups were once in your child's shoes too and understand what it's like to be new.
3. Support Their Independence
University is an important step towards adulthood. Students are responsible for managing their own university experience and are encouraged to communicate directly with the University.
Due to data protection requirements, TU Dublin staff cannot normally discuss a student's personal information, academic progress or circumstances with parents or guardians without the student's consent.
Encourage your student to send the email, ask the question, attend the appointment and access support services themselves. These experiences help build confidence, resilience and independence.
4. Listen, Guide and Support
As a parent or guardian, your role remains incredibly important. Take time to listen to your student, encourage them to talk through their options and support them in making their own decisions.
Sometimes the most valuable support is helping them find the right person to talk to rather than solving the problem for them. Supporting your student to find their own solutions will help them develop the skills and confidence they need for university and beyond.
Remember: There is very little that TU Dublin staff haven't encountered before. If your student is struggling, encourage them to reach out and talk to someone. The sooner we know about a problem, the sooner we can help.