MORE than nine in 10 students wish they had done more preparation for university or college life, according to a recent survey from UCAS.

The University and Colleges Admissions Service found 93 per cent of first-year students - or freshers - felt they should have done more groundwork before flying the nest, while a third also admitted being nervous about meeting new people.

Before leaving for university, most people are organised enough to open a student bank account and remember to take the basics - cooking equipment, plates, bowls and cutlery.

But do they take the time to learn how to get the best out of them?

To offer a helping hand, UCAS has supplied parents some simply advice to help their children settle into what can be a surprising unnerving, new environment.

n Help them throughout the UCAS application process to avoid the feeling that they are taking life-changing decisions on their own.

n Advise them on money management, such as opening the right student bank account - a cash gift may be attractive at first, but a rail card may save £100s in the future.

n Make sure they know their way around a washing machine and ironing board - it may be obvious but it can save costly clothing disasters.

n Teach them a few tricks in the kitchen. The average student spends £122 a month on food - ensure it is well spent by teaching them nutritious and cheap recipes.

n Encourage them to develop social skills - simply speaking to different groups of people at school or joining an after-school club can help.

And for those leaving home to study in September, the preparations should begin now.

"Enjoy your last few months together before they leave home," said Ben Firth, from UCAS.

"It's important to squeeze in some family time before you and your teenage children begin a new and exciting period of your lives."

Roger Prout, head of student services at University College Worcester, agreed with the sentiment.

"September may seem a long way away - especially with A-levels to come - but over the summer try to give some thought to the new life," he said. "It's never a good idea to leave it to the last minute.

"At UCW we send material out, such as student induction packs, before they come to us.

"We are currently putting this year's together and it will include everything from administrative forms and where to go on day one, to budget tips and how to make money go further."

Before starting at most universities, students are sent book lists for the coming year.

At UCW, students also receive study tips and advice on how to revise and take notes in lectures - skills that may either be forgotten by mature students or not fully developed in some teenagers.

Two Visitors' Days have also been held at the Henwick Grove college in the past fortnight alone to further ease anxiety among September's intake.

Unlike Open Days, which help prospective students decide where they want to study, Visitors' Days are for parents and those who have already been accepted, to introduce them to tutors and show them their future accommodation and campus.

"It's a new life experience, especially for those who are moving home, and people need to take advantage of the services that are available to help them," said Mr Prout.

"Certainly, on the last Visitors' Day we had a good turn out."

Although no specific tours of the city are organised by the St John's college, prospective students are also advised to take a trip around Worcester to familiarise themselves with the surroundings.

Once September comes, the head of student services said it is just a case of being sociable.

"What we would suggest is simply to join clubs and societies and get involved as much as possible," continued Mr Prout.

"Keep your door open while you are in and chat to people, particularly those in your house or halls and those in your classes. Don't just go to lecturers and then straight home again.

"We take the induction process very seriously and try and make sure that people make social networks as soon as possible."

As if to emphasise the point, UCW has sought international backing, with cash from the European Social Fund being used for an on-going project to help mature students settle in. The next Visitors' Day at UCW is on Wednesday, May 11.