A guide to empty nesting

STUDENTS LEAVING HOME A guide to empty nesting AUTUMN 2025

INTRODUCTION: THE TRUTH ABOUT EMPTY NESTERS “It was a strange experience dropping Anwen off - I felt a combination of emotions - excitement, curiosity, fear, sadness, worry and dread. I cried a little on the way home. Back at home and going into her empty bedroom - I felt a sense of real loss... of emptiness. There is a loneliness without her in the house.” Angharad, from Swansea who dropped her daughter of at UWE Bristol in September 2025 Just remember, you are not alone. In fact, a poll of 1,000 parents of first-time university students revealed: While this heightened sense of loss might feel overwhelming as a parent or guardian, rest assured it’s very common to feel this way. At Unite Students, we know those first few weeks after your young person has flown the nest can be hard. As the UK’s largest provider of student accommodation, we’ve teamed up with Dr Dominique Thompson - an award-winning former GP, young people’s mental health expert, TEDx speaker, author and educator - to offer help and support to those struggling to cope without their young person living at home. Research has shown that Empty Nest Syndrome is hitting parents hard, with 83% agreeing that dropping their child off at university this autumn caused them extreme grief. 25% 17% 23% 29% Feel like a part of them is missing Fear what the future holds for themselves Wish they’d spent more time with their child before they went to university Are arguing with their other half more, and worry their relationship will break down “I am so happy she is pursuing her dream of becoming an architect, but she’s left a big hole in our lives. I can’t help feeling very sad that I won’t see her as much. I keep telling myself - this is her life, her time to grow up and just have a great time. I am already looking forward to seeing her again. I haven’t ruled out driving up to Reading just to take her out to lunch!” Steven, a father of two who dropped his youngest child, Martha, off at Reading university this year

It’s natural for parents and guardians to feel at a loss when their young person leaves home for the first time. Here, Dr Dominique Thompson provides 10 top tips for those dealing with Empty Nest Syndrome: EXPERT TOP TIPS: COMING TO TERMS WITH AN EMPTY NEST About Dr Dominique Thompson Dr Dominique is an award-winning former GP, young people's mental health expert, TEDx speaker and author with over two decades of NHS clinical experience. As an independent mental health consultant, she holds roles including; President of the Student Health Association, membership of the UK government’s Higher Education Mental Health Implementation Taskforce, and Clinical Advisor to NICE and Student Minds. 9. Don’t guilt them: Instead, let them know they’re missed. Send a picture of their empty room with a joke about how tidy it is, rather than a crying face emoji! They’ll know that you miss them but want to feel reassured that you’re coping. 10. Ask for help: If you’re still struggling after four to six weeks, try not to overburden your young person with worries. Talk to your support network and ask your GP for help. You’re not alone - help is out there. 5. Give it time: If the loss of their presence feels like a bereavement, remember it takes time to adjust and recover. However, as with grief, it happens in small steps, and you might need support to get there. 6. Focus on you: Take time to address health issues, tackle weight loss, increase fitness, investigate a hobby, or learn something new. 7. Avoid loneliness: Actively plan to spend time with your family, friends or partner. Make sure you see or speak to someone every day if you need companionship. 8. Stay in touch: Pre-arrange how often you’ll speak to them, and plan when you’ll see them next. For anything in- between, set up a WhatsApp group for pictures and banter. 1. Find a new purpose: Having a new reason to get up every day is vital for wellbeing and provides structure and meaning. Why not help a neighbour, try volunteering, or even get a pet or plant to nurture? 2. Establish new routines: Loss of routine and daily structure can throw you. Establish routines that make you feel good. A peaceful morning coffee or evening walk will help ground you and reduce anxiety. 3. Address sensory loss: You may miss their voice, their smell, and even their movement around the home. Photos can remind you of happy times, while a bottle of their scent or aftershave can trigger sensory memories. It’s normal to miss their presence, so wean yourself off gradually. 4. Address other issues: Rather than making life-changing decisions in throes of empty nest sadness, use the time to sort things out. Talk to people you trust, take time to ponder options and decide when you’re ready. Further resources and support: Websites www.growingagrownup.com www.savethestudent.org Books ‘How to Grow a Grown Up’ by Dominique Thompson and Fabienne Vailes ‘The Empty Nest: Your Changing Family, Your New Direction’ by Celia Dodd Communities For all parents and carers – Facebook: The Growing a Grown Up private community created by Dr Dominique Thompson For single parents – gingerbread.org.uk/ community/online- forum/topic/empty-nest-cant-stop-crying/

We’ll always follow up on any concerns raised. Our 24/7 Contact Centre is open 24 hours a day 365 days a year. You or your young person can call: If your young person has flown the nest this year, it’s normal to have lots of questions and concerns. That’s why Unite Students is here to provide you with the reassurance and support that you - and they - need at this time of transition and change. Our properties are only accessible with a secure fob or card system, and every student room has its own individual lock. We have CCTV in every property and an overnight Student Safety team in each property, there to welcome them home and respond to incidents. We’ll be there if they need us. Each city has several welfare leads who are trained listeners and can signpost students to resources of support. Resident Ambassadors are also there to help students to settle in and meet friends. 1. We’re keeping your young person’s home safe 2. We’ll support your young person through their studies Flat chats on our Unite Students app allows our residents to write bios that tell their flatmates who they are before they start chatting. Chats have safeguarding features to prevent abuse of the messaging function. The app also offers Property Communities, so residents can stay up-to-date on the latest events and alerts in their building. Advice, tips and recommendations from Resident Ambassadors and neighbouring are only ever a message away. 3. We’re available to help 24/7 📞 4. Our student app helps your young person stay connected 📱 0300 303 1611 UNITE STUDENTS: WE’VE GOT YOUR BACK If things are tough, residents can get help at the touch of a button through the Unite Students app – or they can access our Support for You resources, including FAQs and contact details. To download the App, search Unite Students in your app store. For more than 30 years, we’ve watched thousands of parents and guardians wave goodbye to their young person at the start of a new academic year. During this time, we’ve learnt a thing or two about providing the right tools and guidance.