Going to college is a steep learning curve - both emotionally and academically. For many university students, having a personal tutor provides vital academic support and professional mentorship.

It’s common to have additional support from a private tutor to get through school exams. But what happens after that? The academic workload and independent learning requirements of tertiary education can be a real challenge. Thankfully, personal tutoring extends far beyond early academic stages. University students can also benefit from the vital support a tutor can offer.

Our clients who have engaged a private tutor for a student at university report not only academic achievement that far outstrips their peers but also personal and professional development. The support of a tutor and mentor at this stage of life often results in calmer, more motivated students who are able to better cope with the pressures of student life, exams and their first steps into working life. Our private tutors become enablers to equip students for independent learning.

Whilst some students may have had the benefit of personal tutoring to reach earlier academic achievements, support often stops once they fly the nest. Faced with the rigors of an Ivy League, top Russell Group or prestigious European establishment they are set adrift to navigate their new challenges alone. For most, it’s the first time they’ve lived away from home, and while many welcome the opportunity to spread their wings, some young adults feel isolated and out of their depth.

Better learning isn’t just about academic results

If you are feeling overwhelmed, learning and staying on top of your studies can be a real challenge. A 2022 study by mental health charity, Student Minds, reported that 57% of respondents told of a self-reported mental health issue. The top three causes of stress were:

• Performing well academically in coursework, assessment and exams.
• Keeping up with study, such as note-taking, reading and assignments.
• Managing time effectively: balancing independent study, motivation and deadlines.

Leaving home and living independently for the first time often means being without the familiar social and emotional support of family. It’s even more difficult when the student is leaving to study abroad. Coping with a new language, culture, and less frequent trips home can be scary for parents and students alike.

Poor mental health can lead to a serious decline in both grades and, more importantly, your child’s overall wellbeing. Parents often approach us when a student has experienced a particularly low point  needing additional support to help them get back on track with their academic journey.

Mentorship, wellbeing, and academic growth

Personal tutors who accompany students to university can be the cornerstone in a student's university experience. By acting as both a mentor and educator, tutors empower students to thrive academically and personally, supporting students in many ways:

Enhancing academic performance: University-level work can be demanding. A tutor’s support can be invaluable in tackling difficult assignments and refining their skills. This includes help with:

• Essay structure and writing guidance
• Time management strategies
• Independent study habits
• Building self-discipline

Special Educational Needs (SEN) support: For students with special or additional learning needs, tutors provide personalised assistance, ensuring they receive the support they need to reach their full potential.

Cultural transition support: For international students moving to a new country for university can be daunting. Having a tutor who can help students adjust to different cultures and educational systems, ensuring a smooth transition into university life.

It’s not only during university that tutors can enrich a learning experience.  If a student has decided to defer their university place and undertake a gap year, a tutor can create a learning programme to complement their adventures. Whether it's continuing academic studies, learning new languages, or developing skills in a unique setting, having a private gap year tutor ensures they start university fully prepared.

The long-term value of tutoring

University education is undeniably costly, but the additional investment of a private tutor can help secure a brighter future for your child.  A tutor helps students with the initial academic challenges of university life and also builds lifelong skills that carry far beyond the classroom.

One recent example is a university student embarking on their journey to study architecture who will be accompanied by a specialist tutor, a recently qualified architect with RIBA accreditation. This one-on-one support will provide tailored guidance throughout the student's undergraduate education, ensuring they receive expert advice both academically and professionally.

Adam Caller, our founder and CEO knows the benefits a personal tutor can bring:

“University students are navigating one of the most pivotal stages of their lives, balancing academic expectations, personal growth, and the pressures of independent living. Personal tutoring provides a crucial support system, helping students manage their academic workload, maintain motivation, and develop essential life skills. For parents, investing in tutoring is an investment not only in their child’s academic success but also in their overall well-being and future professional achievements.”

Engaging a private tutor can be hugely beneficial in helping your university-aged child navigate these formative years. Our tutors nurture their students, helping them with their personal growth and supporting them through this crucial academic focal point.

If you're considering hiring a private university tutor, Tutors International combines a personalised global search with rigorous processes and works tirelessly to ensure the ideal match for a student.

We also work with specialist partners like Archer Franklin who help expatriate and international students secure a place at a university that not only aligns with their aspirations but maximises their potential. Please contact us for more information.