Continuing Year 13: January 2016

That's a shame, BethanKate. DS has been in a job as a programmer over the summer, not sure if doing Java, though. Must ask him.

Ellen our drop off will be Oct 1st, perhaps we'll manage to see each other sometime in the future.

DS has ordered a book on his course reading list & started learning java like they suggest.

A Monday? That's inconvenient. I work in a school as well so that would have been really tricky.

Thank you. I knew they washed their own clothes and stuff, as I did 30 years ago, but back then the hall provided sheets and pillowslips and clean ones every fortnight. I suppose I wondered if they would do the same. It meant that the sheets provided with the room were in a nice clean state and regularly washed for the next year's students. I'm not sure I would want second hand sheets that it had been my DS's responsibility to wash!

My DS has to be there between 9-12 noon on Monday 3rd October, a thorough nuisance as I work in a school. It's also hundreds of miles away from us and I assumed he could go down at the weekend but no, not allowed!

EllenThey have to do washing. Each hall has a laundrette. The machines are huge everything goes in at once and ends up grey. A big laundry bag and an airer were very useful. DS took a second pillow and a double duvet. Although I sent spare bedding he never used it because he washed, dried and replaced it all in one day though not very often.

So drop off day will be Sunday 2nd October for DS, as surname in the range N-Z.

Thanks, mygrandchildren. Will let DD know, although not sure she particularly cares at the moment!

DS likes the idea of a mattress topper! Good call.

That is really frustrating for your DD needmore can understand that she feels upset.

That inventory is really useful Dunlurking - thanks.

We've got some bits but thinking we need to make a proper list.

He's in process of putting together a desktop computer.

Wondering if all this stuff's going to fit in the car.

Leeds the school contacted the exam board and asked for a Priority remark. If the grade hadn't changed, that would have cost us £40, whereas a regular remark is about £11. They can take between a day and a week to do and we were very fortunate. I think his Headteacher was on the phone to them several times and to Oxford to let them know what has happening so they kept his place open a bit longer than normal.
Not sure if English marks are down nationally but they certainly were at DS's school.
EllenJane everyone seems to be saying a mattress topper is a good thing to take, makes the bed much more comfortable.

Thank you Secret. That's saved me a job. I can't think of what else to get him, though. Can't afford much over £100.

Do they wash their own bedding, do you know? I see they are supplied with a sheet, quilt cover and pillow slip, wondered if that got laundered for them like mine was back in the day? That was a catered hall though and just sheets and pillow slips.

Ellen They're not allowed mini fridges in Warwick halls (or most others). DS yearned for one when he was there (Claycroft). When he moved off campus in Year 2 he got his wish for a mini fridge . He did find that some of his flatmates had quite impressive cooking skills and took things like slow cookers and George Forman type grills.

Well Done to your DS, mygrandchildren. Can I ask why/how his English got upgraded so quickly? My DD's school had a lot of problems with English marks (doesn't affect her as we are dropping her off at her uni (overseas) tomorrow, but I wondered if it was a national thing.

That's useful! No need to get a kettle or toaster then. Thanks.

I do wonder if a mini fridge is a bit of an unnecessary luxury! But that's the point, really. He needs a desk lamp and an extension lead would be handy. (wanders off to Argos)

mygrandchildren glad to hear things have been sorted now.

Needmore how frustrating. Sorry to hear of yet another near miss. Anyway she's got her place and a great gap year ahead. Medicine is so tough she definitely deserves a breather.

Ellen and Bethan I've just discovered the inventories pages for the Warwick halls - here www2.warwick.ac.uk/services/accommodation/studentaccommodation/inventory/16

Thanks, it has really sunk in now and we can put the last 48 hours behind us and concentrate on the future.
Needmoresleep I hope your DD is alright, it can be hard to know how much is 'doing enough' can't it?
Sounds like you had a good time shopping EllenJane, that's something we have yet to do.

That's great news, mygrandchildren. You must be relieved!

Needsmoresleep your poor DD! I know it 'doesn't really matter' but it must be quite upsetting. Any point going for a remark on them? They won't go down a grade at least.

I've been shopping at The Range with DS today, bought cheap crockery, cutlery, glasses and mugs, some saucepans and kitchen utensils, (very important tin opener and corkscrew/bottle opener!) A few collapsible boxes and a suitcase so he doesn't pinch mine. Laundry bag, towels and a snugly fleece throw to make his room look personalised. An older couple in the shop asked if he was going to university! I guess it was obvious. DS is with his father this weekend and back at work on Monday so it was a good opportunity.

I want to get him something nice as a reward but can't afford anything big. I wondered if a mini fridge would be a good idea but not very exciting. Any ideas?

Good news mygrandchildren!

Got UCAS confirmation of DS's course about 11.30 then went out to lunch to celebrate. Feels strange now knowing for certain where he's going & Warwick is a reality not just a dream.

Good advice Needmoresleep and I fully agree!

My son's mark has now changed and he's got an A* in English so the Oxford offer still stands! Trouble is he spent all day yesterday getting his head round Oxford not wanting him and his reserve were in touch really wanting him and he's now not sure what to do!

It was exciting yesterday. Going to uni became real for DS2 for the first time. His accommodation offer came in before lunchtime and he got his first choice.

We had a lovely family night out last night and DS2 is going clubbing tonight with friends so another sleepless night til he crawls in at 4am

It seems like yesterday when I was thinking about packing for DS1 going to Warwick for his first year, now he's going into year 3.
I have "packing lists" for 1st year in S/C halls, 2nd year in rented house and now DS1's 3rd year beckons .
Our house is going to be very quiet soon...

I was wondering if I'd been unduly pessimistic but I'm usually a realist. Even DS was surprised, though. Warwick was always a long shot, but worth trying for. I always thought Cambridge was going to be out of his reach, and after seeing his exceptional friend getting S levels on all 3 STEP exams I know we were right to discount Cambridge.

This can become a getting ready for Uni thread now! Maybe move over to Higher Ed when we reach 1000?