How to prepare your child for University applications
As the new school year comes around, a lot of parents are going to have children who are going to start thinking about university. They are going to be thinking about what they want to study, where they want to study, and what their future plans are going to be. Don’t let your child fall behind. Here is what they need to prepare for their university applications.

Acquire all transcripts
If you can’t do it yourself, have your child go to their school’s office for their transcript. This comprehensive document will show all the marks your child received while in secondary school. This document is a great way to determine what kind of university your child is suited for.
Once you have these papers, your child can start to make a list of the schools they want to attend. Rank these schools from “reach” schools that may be harder to get acceptance from to “safety” schools, which are schools that your child will definitely get an acceptance from. This is a good way to plan your next steps.
Get the applications
Once you know what schools are on the lists, get your applications and start filling them out. You will need to know all the important education information as well as any extra documents. Each university application comes with its own checklist, so as you go down the list, check everything off to ensure that nothing is missing.
Write a Personal statement
Every university is going to want a personal statement to determine who your child is and how they stand out. This is going to be the most difficult piece of the puzzle for most. If your child is having a hard time, you can hire a personal statement service to write the statement for your child based on the information they are provided.
A lot of people go this route because although your child is a great student, writing may not be their strong suit.
Get recommendation letters
Once the applications are filled out, you will learn how many university recommendations your child needs. As soon as you know, have them go to school and ask their teachers, administrators, or coaches to get to work and write letters. Many kids think they are burdening adults with this task, but in reality, adults will be more flattered than anything.
Pay the application fee
Many university applications are made online these days, so you can pay the application fee immediately. Long gone are the days when you had to mail a cheque to the university directly. Paying the fee is typically the last thing on the list before you click send and start sending good vibes into the universe that your child will go to the school of their choice.
Take a breath
Start early and take your time. You are going to be more nervous than your child, so just be supportive, stay with a positive mindset, and cheer your child on no matter the outcome. Once the application is done, you’ll need to start thinking about other things, like where they’re going to live while they study – you’ll want to research accommodation for their chosen uni, such as Canterbury Christ Church accommodation, for example, so take a breath now and get ready for the next steps.
![[AD] ✨ Festive magic for local families in the heart of Guildford ✨
We had the loveliest evening exploring the @guildfordilluminate light trail at Guildford Castle
The trail takes around 30–40 mins
with cosy stops for hot chocolate and toasting marshmallows, it’s a gorgeous Christmas activity for Surrey families.
It’s on until 4th January and makes the perfect festive plan:
🛍️ Christmas shopping in town
✨ The light trail
🍽️ Finish with dinner in Guildford
If you’re looking for a magical, stress-free festive outing with the kids — this is one to add to your Christmas list
📍 Guildford Castle, Castle St, Guildford GU1 3SX
#GuildfordWithKids #SurreyFamilies #ChristmasInSurrey](https://suburban-mum.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/589257185_18566118850016840_4432952740767953046_n-180x320.jpg)
![[AD] We went to the newly opened Cha Sha Kingston a couple of weeks ago, and wow — taste bud adventure unlocked! The boys devoured the masala fries and chicken tikka rolls, while we couldn’t get enough of that epic kebab butter curry 😍🍛.
It’s amazing value for food this tasty (and everyone left happy and VERY full!).
Delicious food, vibrant vibes and incredible value — the perfect combo for your next meal.
📍Cha Sha Kingston
43 Surbiton Road, KT1 2HG
🌐 chasha.co.uk
Other Cha Sha locations in Birmingham, Ilford, Southampton and Wembkey
#ChaSha #ChaShaKingston #KingstonEats #FoodieFinds #UKFoodie #FoodReview #KingstonUponThames #FamilyEats #FamilyDining #FoodieKids](https://suburban-mum.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/574770541_18560351146016840_6855048070839528040_n-180x320.jpg)

![[AD] We’re a cricket-mad family, so we’re buzzing that @thehundred is back this August! 🏏🔥
To get ready, M tried out the official FREE Activity Pack — and it’s brilliant! 🙌
Packed with fun games, creative challenges and sporty tasks, it’s perfect for getting kids hyped whether you’re at home or on the go.
👉Download yours now (link in bio)
@londonspirit @ovalinvincibles #EveryMomentCounts #TheHundred
#EnglandCricket #CricketFamily #TheHundredCricket #LondonBloggers #Cricket #CricketIsLife #kidsfun](https://suburban-mum.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/505472555_18531279601016840_7092520074819907569_n-180x320.jpg)



![[AD - Press visit]
We enjoyed the glorious sunshine this weekend with a trip to Brighton. We went on the @brightoni360official which is right by the sea front.
The i360 pod take a slow journey up, allowing you to take in views across Brighton and the South Downs 450ft above ground. There’s a bar inside with drinks and snacks available to purchase and the experience lasts 25 minutes.
Afterwards, we headed to the open air roller rink for a roller skating session!
The roller rink is:
⭐ Suitable for over 5s
⭐ £6.50 if you have your own skates or £9.50 if you need to hire them
⭐ 45 minutes per session
Full details to visit the i360 + skating
📍 Brighton i360, Lower Kings Road, Brighton BN1 2LN
🚗 Parking nearby (we parked in the Regency Square Car park)
🎟️ Prices start from £25.40 for an adult and £16.90 for a child
🕐 Opening hours are currently Sun-Fri 10.30am-18.30pm and until 19.30pm on Saturdays
☕️ Bar inside the i360, cafe and gift shop
Book tickets here:
https://tickets.brightoni360.co.uk/tickets/?_ga=2.195305772.1869001490.1689671753-1757164059.1689671753/#events?eventid=157](https://suburban-mum.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/417980235_313576471048632_3682382982231216432_n.jpg)

![[AD] ***Summer of fun at Barracudas Activity Camps!****
There is plenty for kids to do at @barracudas_activity_day_camps
From Tennis, Archery, Swimming, Motor Sports and more you can be sure that there will be something for kids aged 4.5-14. ⚽🏈🥅🎾🏓🏎️🏹🏊♂️🏉
You can book on a day by day basis - so it can fit in with any other days out/activities you have planned and there are early drop off and late pickup options available. Barracudas are also Ofsted registered so you can use your Childcare Vouchers too.
⭐⭐⭐Get £20 off a week or £4 off a day using my discount code: MARIA20⭐⭐⭐
#BarracudasActivityDayCamp #BarracudasActivityCamp #BarracudaAmbassadors #SummerHolidays #SchoolHolidays #Summer2023 #SummerCamp #DayCare #Camp #KidsCamp #surreymummy #surreymums #SummerOfFun #ActivityCamps #HolidayCamps #Childcare #SchoolHolidays #schoolholidaycamps](https://suburban-mum.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/353583570_625625966167953_545896259645102575_n.jpg)



![[AD] We have some super exciting news...we have been chosen to be Laser Quest Ambassadors, and the boys are over the moon!
We are really lucky that our local Laser Quest (@laserquestkingston) is just around the corner from us. It means we can pop in of a weekend or anytime during the school holidays, and with summer just around the corner, I know Laser Quest will be one of our go-to places for some family fun.
As well as games of Laser Quest, there are also VR experiences and arcade amusements too. To find out a bit more about how Laser Quest works, you can read my blog post: https://www.suburban-mum.com/laser-quest-kingston/ (clickable link in bio)
Don't forget to keep an eye out for our Laser Quest posts - I'm going to be giving away two family passes to use at Laserquest Kingston!
If you can't wait and want to head down to Laser Quest to try it out, use the code SUMMER30 for 30% off your booking. The code is valid from now until the end of August 2023 and can be used on Laser Quest games and birthday party bookings.
#LaserquestAmbassador #Laserquest #LaserquestKingston #ActivitiesForKids #FamilyFun #DaysOutWithKids #Lasertag #LaserquestVR #Kingston #ThingsToDoInKingston #SurreyFamilyDaysOut #ThingsToDoWithKids #RainyDayFun #SurreyMummy #SurreyLife #LifeWithKids #LifeWithBoys #familyfunday](https://suburban-mum.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/353230107_797358078406942_2405522556733455165_n.jpg)

![[AD] The sun has finally made an appearance and the boys have been making the most of it by spending it
in the garden.
They’re go-to is always football and they’ve been trying to improve their aim and accuracy with the new Messi Foldable Footlball goal from the #MessiTrainingSystem range.
I love the fact the goal is foldable, making it easy to store away when not in use. It is also lightweight so you can effortlessly pack it up and take it to the park or to a friend’s house.
The Messi Foldable Football Goal retails at £36 and can be purchased from @argos
You can read my full review here: https://www.suburban-mum.com/messi-foldable-football-goal/
#TrainLikeMessi #FoldableFootballGoal #FootballSkills #OutdoorFun #LionelMessi #LeoMessi #FootballAtHome #OutdoorKids #JustGetOutside #OutdoorsAndFree #ScreenFreeKids #WhateverTheWeatherKids @flair_gp](https://suburban-mum.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/341194882_615024710178056_41977149395989448_n.jpg)

![[AD] We are absolutely thrilled to announce that we are Barracuda Ambassadors again this year.
With Easter just around the corner, the boys were sent the @barracudas_activity_day_camps new camp kit in preparation for the school holidays.
There’s a wide range of activities for kids aged 4.5 - 14 including Tennis, Archery, Basketball, Arts & Crafts and more.
If you like the sound of Barracudas, find out more over on their website. You can also save £20 a week or £4 a day, using my discount code: MARIA20](https://suburban-mum.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/336812306_765234558514317_685553691647241974_n.jpg)





