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Talk to other parents whose children are preparing for university on our Higher Education forum.

Talk to other parents whose children are preparing for university on our Higher Education forum.

Higher education

ANYONE WITH OFF CAMPUS ACCOMMODATION EXPERIENCE?

20 replies

amumthatcares · 22/08/2013 10:55

DD has been accepted at Sussex and has just received her accommodation allocation. It is a house off campus provided through a management company (not the uni). DD is just a bit apprehensive about being isolated from campus (few miles away) and other students and missing all the campus parties and socialising. Also the possibility of only sharing with 2/4 others that could all be males or people that are not like minded doesn't drink and party hard

Anyone else had experience of this themselves or with their DC and how did they get on?

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SilverApples · 22/08/2013 11:37

DD prefers living with males, far less fuss and bother and bitchiness. Less squabbling over the bathroom as well, and she was very firm about not being the Den Mother type and the cleaner.
She and her friend are in their third year of off-site accommodation.
Does your DD have a bike? The train and bus links are very good to Falmer, and a lot of student socialising happens in Brighton anyway.
Try not to worry about stuff until you find out if it's actually a problem.

noddyholder · 22/08/2013 11:38

Where is the house? I am in B and know several students who live off campus.

noddyholder · 22/08/2013 11:39

There are no halls at ds choice either and he is going into off campus in B'mouth. 3 boys 3 girls. It is walking distance to campus though

amumthatcares · 22/08/2013 11:41

Thanks :) You are right silver I worry too much, lol. noddy Evelyn Terrace area :)

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amumthatcares · 22/08/2013 11:41

noddy how does he know there are 3 boys and 3 girls? DD knows nothing

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SilverApples · 22/08/2013 11:49

That's a good area, and very handy for students staying over in town.
Close to Kemptown and interesting shops, and a short stroll to everywhere.

noddyholder · 22/08/2013 11:51

He went to an accommodation day and they got into groups. He has met them.

noddyholder · 22/08/2013 11:53

Are there no rooms in halls? Or in the Lewes rd area?

amumthatcares · 22/08/2013 11:54

Thank you silver DD has only just had allocation (she went through clearing) and so never got the opportunity to go to an accommodation day noddy Guess she will have to wait until the day to find out!

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noddyholder · 22/08/2013 11:56

Can you get in touch with the agent and ask if they can have some details re the others? Ds has a facebook page with his group and they are (supposed to be) sorting out who is bringing what so they don't double up. What course is she doing?(nosey)

SilverApples · 22/08/2013 11:58

Psychology, isn't it?
Yes to the communication through FB, most houses seem to set themselves up a group to communicate through.

HuglessDouglas · 22/08/2013 12:00

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

amumthatcares · 22/08/2013 12:07

Yes it is Psychology Good idea about the FB group. Would like to contact the management company but don't know who they are as it is done through the uni...will probably suggest DD e-mails uni accom people and ask them.

Hugless that thought did cross my mind about there being a lot of other student houses in the area which would give that 'on campus' feel, just hope, as you say, that other friends she might make are not all on campus

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SilverApples · 22/08/2013 12:09

What are her hobbies? Joining a club or two will give hr a friendship base too.

amumthatcares · 22/08/2013 12:12

-drinking and partying-- Tbh, she's just a normal 18 yo girl thats into clothes, make-up, socialising etc. The only hobby she does have is reading and I can't see her touting the local library for friends lol

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SilverApples · 22/08/2013 12:14

There are a lot of lovely pubs and good music in Brighton, and she won't have far to go to get back home if she's a little squiffy.

amumthatcares · 22/08/2013 12:21

Thank you silver I think I am just acting the over bearing protective mum at the moment and doing her worrying for her. She'll probably be absolutely fine, though she is a little disappointed/worried

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SilverApples · 22/08/2013 12:24

It's natural to be a bit nervous, for both of you.
Can you get down on a day trip before she actually moves? Not BH weekend, it will be heaving.
Just to wander around and look at the city with the eyes of a student, even if you've been before.

amumthatcares · 22/08/2013 12:28

We have been several times before (DH cousin lives there and actually graduated from Sussex herself this year) and DD has been down a few times with friends for clubbing nights. It's mainly the feeling of not having the same opportunity as everyone on campus to make friends and as hugless said, making friends that are all on campus and she has to come home alone

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SlowlorisIncognito · 23/08/2013 14:50

She will be able to make good friends, especially if she is proactive in doing things like joining societies. Lots of people commute to uni from far further away than a few miles and have no problem making friends. Once she makes friends, I'm sure they'll be happy to have her stay over after a night out, so she's not worried about getting home.

The distance is a bit difficult though. It's a long way to walk in for an hour lecture. Are there good public transport links? Would you consider buying her a cheep bike? The difficulty may be her having the motivation to get to the main campus for study. Students who have chosen to commute have commited to this, but your DD hasn't.

Is your DD unhappy enough about this to consider making the effort to look for alternative accomadation closer to campus?

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