Information for parents and guardians
Starting university is exciting but it can also be daunting. This page aims to help parents and supporters with their queries and concerns, and offers advice on ways you can help your child get the most out of university life.
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Why go to university?
A university education can open doors. Many careers now require a degree, but studying at undergraduate level offers more than just a route into work or further study. It's a chance for your child to enrich themselves academically, socially and culturally.
They’ll meet people from all over the world and from different backgrounds, and get the chance to try new hobbies and activities through the Students’ Union. University can also help students develop self-confidence and gain independence.
Choosing a course
Deciding what to study can be overwhelming, and it can be tempting to choose a course based on career prospects. Thinking about the future is important, but it's also good to encourage your child to think about what they enjoy and are passionate about, rather than getting bogged down in future careers.
There are many cases in which a career path is reserved for those with a specific degree subject, but the good news is that most degrees will give your child transferrable skills that a wide range of employers will value.
The most important thing is to focus on the course content. Your child needs to make sure that they're going to be happy studying this programme for three years and that the modules offered are going to give them the skills they need and keep them interested throughout their degree.
Why choose Goldsmiths?
London is the world's best student city (QS Best Student Cities 2024) and Goldsmiths is a close-knit community and creative powerhouse with a rich academic heritage. It is a top three university in the UK for ‘value added’ (Guardian University Guide 2024) and is ranked in the world's elite in several subject areas (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023). Find out more about choosing Goldsmiths and studying in London.
The cost of studying in London is a concern for many students and parents, but there are various forms of financial help available. Take a look at our fees and funding pages to find out what funding your child is entitled to.
We also have advice on living costs while studying and budgeting as a student.
Whether your child is applying for a place in halls of residence, looking for somewhere to rent privately, or in need of advice on any accommodation matter, we are here to help.
Find out more about Goldsmiths’ halls of residence, renting privately or get in touch with the Accommodation Office.
At Goldsmiths we have a range of welfare services that provide advice, guidance and practical support to students, including counselling, mental health support, disability and dyslexia support, and a drop-in wellbeing service.
Find out more about the support available for students.
Goldsmiths welcomes students from all religions and beliefs. Our multi-faith chaplains offer confidential pastoral care, provide spiritual guidance and support the religious societies and groups at Goldsmiths. They can also help you find places of worship in London.
Find out more about chaplaincy at Goldsmiths.
Goldsmiths has strong links to employers, both within academic departments and through the dedicated employer engagement staff within the Careers Service. Employers are involved in the Careers Service programme and students have many opportunities to meet with them.
In addition, many courses at Goldsmiths offer an accredited placement as part of the course. If your child's course doesn't offer this, the Careers Service can help them with finding their own work experience or placement while they study.
There are a number of opportunities to work on campus which can help your child gain skills and experience and earn some money during their studies. Your child can work as a student ambassador, or find employment in the bars, shops and cafes. There are also many opportunities to find part-time work in the local area. The Careers Service holds an annual Part-Time Work fair to assist students in their search.
Encourage your child to go to the Careers Service as early as they can to find out how they can be supported in their career goals.
We’ve compiled some guides to the areas local to Goldsmiths to help students and their parents and supporters adjust to life in London.
Visit our Life in London pages.
Open days, campus tours and applicant days are the perfect opportunity to join your family member in finding out more about Goldsmiths. Find out more about visiting us.
If you are overseas you can meet Goldsmiths staff at international education fairs around the world.