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Original poster

Ds stranded at university

62 replies

IpeartreeI · 27/03/2020 13:01

Ds wanted to remain at uni to see if the finals were going to go ahead. He became ill and then had to go into quarantine so missed his slot for returning by train. We're in lockdown now and he's going to be doing finals online.

In theory, he could return home, but are the trains still running? He's at the other end of the country and I couldn't drive it in one day.

At some point the uni will ask remaining students to leave, so what then?

I don't know if people are allowed to travel, but he can't remain stranded forever. I don't know what to do?

OP posts:
Atleastthedoglovesme · 27/03/2020 13:04

You need to check if the trains are still running and he needs to return home ASAP.

My DS uni asked them all to leave and go home - they had till 31 March, although he left immediately because a lockdown was imminent.

Why did he wait until after the lockdown when we all knew it was coming?

Cohle · 27/03/2020 13:05

The government has only advised against non-essential travel.

If he cannot stay in his current accommodation then his travel is essential, but I think he would be better doing it sooner rather than later.

Original poster
IpeartreeI · 27/03/2020 13:07

I warned him lockdown was coming and I bought a train ticket, but then became ill and had to stay in his room.

OP posts:
strawberrylipgloss · 27/03/2020 13:09

My son came home yesterday as they are closing all uni accomodation today. Trains are running but there's only half as many running here

Original poster
IpeartreeI · 27/03/2020 13:11

If he can get to an area around 50 miles away I could collect him in one day round trip.

OP posts:
Hannah021 · 27/03/2020 13:13

the poor thing, difficult to say... I would have said stay there until u have no choice... But then what if train drivers refuse to work when things get worse? :(

Im sorry he's stranded :(

Original poster
IpeartreeI · 27/03/2020 13:14

I warned him this would happen, but he was obstinate.

OP posts:
bananaskinsnomnom · 27/03/2020 13:16

Not ideal, but can you go up, stay over and bring him back next day?
How far are we talking hours wide?
Minimise it by going up in evening, staying over with enough sleep to manage the drive and then come straight back nice and early. Probably your only solution.

playthestation · 27/03/2020 13:16

If he can get to an area around 50 miles away I could collect him in one day round trip.

You have a car? Well how far away is he? Check with the train companies as they have all reduced services but still running. 50 miles is not really far, maybe you could go a bit further to get him?

bananaskinsnomnom · 27/03/2020 13:17

Hours wide? I mean hours wise, how far?

DrinkSangriaInThePark · 27/03/2020 13:21

How many hours away by car is he? 50 miles is not very far to drive... Could you not drive for a few hours each way?

Original poster
IpeartreeI · 27/03/2020 13:23

He's over 300 miles away

OP posts:
JustVisiting9 · 27/03/2020 13:24

Can he drive (and is insured)? If could you drive there and he drive back?

Original poster
IpeartreeI · 27/03/2020 13:24

If he can get to another part of the country, it would cut the mileage and it's a straight route for me to drive.

OP posts:
Original poster
IpeartreeI · 27/03/2020 13:25

He can't drive.

OP posts:
StormyClouds · 27/03/2020 13:27

He's not stuck- tell him to get a train home ASAP. It's essential travel.

midwestspring · 27/03/2020 13:27

From someone living in the USA 600 miles sounds perfectly doable as a days driving if you have to.

Set off early. Have a decent break when you arrive with DC and drive back again.

The roads should be quiet.

Sally872 · 27/03/2020 13:28

Trains are still running where I am. It is essential travel if he is finished self isolating due to being ill then i would look at available trains.

Original poster
IpeartreeI · 27/03/2020 13:28

He says he wants to go to a friend's student house. At least that's nearer to home.

OP posts:
maddy68 · 27/03/2020 13:29

Trains are still running but they're reduced

Original poster
IpeartreeI · 27/03/2020 13:29

If I had to collect him would I get into trouble from the police?

OP posts:
Original poster
IpeartreeI · 27/03/2020 13:30

Trains are still running? That's something at least. I'm so stressed

OP posts:
MitziK · 27/03/2020 13:31

Yeah, driving interstate in an automatic is quite significantly different to driving through, around and between numerous towns, villages and, if possible, a few bits of motorway in the average small UK car, @midwestspring.

Coveredincathair · 27/03/2020 13:32

What don’t you stay overnight in the uni accommodation and return home the next day. I’ve done this a few times when going to pick my daughter up.

HoofWankingSpangleCunt · 27/03/2020 13:37

Has he definitely had the coronavirus, or as sure as he can be without testing?

I would be concerned if he went to the student house then wanted to come home. Theoretically he could still be a vector.

It's a tricky one, isn't it? I'd book a ticket asap but use sites that offer cheaper fares by choosing part journeys. I'm.bit explaining myself very well but Martin of Money Saving website has information. Immediate tickets can be eyewateringly expensive and you've already paid out once. Were you able to get a refund ?

I don't know the rules about staying somewhere en route to an end destination. Common sense would tell me he would have to stay at his friend's a good while whilst lockdown is on. How long has he said he would go for?