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Higher education

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

Original poster

Fresh new 'mum of a medicine applicant' thread.

559 replies

Mindgone · 11/11/2014 11:58

I thought I would start a new one, as the last one went a bit 'off topic'! How's everyone getting on? Am so excited, and a bit nervous, as DS has two interviews coming up! How is everyone else's DCs preparing? Also, any tips from anyone who's been there?

OP posts:
Carriemac · 18/02/2015 19:25

I've just texted him.

Original poster
Mindgone · 18/02/2015 19:31

Oh God, I'm nervous for you!!

OP posts:
Carriemac · 18/02/2015 19:32

I need to get a grip. HE has a birmingham offer.

Original poster
Mindgone · 18/02/2015 19:38

But to have slightly less pressure would be great!

OP posts:
Carriemac · 18/02/2015 19:58

You are all being so supportive. My real life friends are great, but this is a great place to obsess. DH is still at work.

Carriemac · 18/02/2015 20:42

Leeds offer!! Am in tears here , he has just phoned . DH still operating so can't be interuptwd so though I'd update you all.

angethomp190 · 18/02/2015 20:43

Carrie - I feel for you having to wait for your son to get back and I really hope he gets an offer from them, if not tonight then tomorrow or Friday.

Medusa - Thank you so much for your post. It's good to hear from someone who has been through it all and you must be so proud of your DD. She sounds like she has had tough times but come through them.

angethomp190 · 18/02/2015 20:44

Just seen this. Fantastic news! Congratulations to your DS. He must be thrilled.

Decorhate · 18/02/2015 20:52

That's fantastic news Carrie! Must be such a relief. My dd also got an offer this evening. So good to know they now have a back-up plan

Carriemac · 18/02/2015 20:56

Great news decorhate. AAA seems so much more achievable

Decorhate · 18/02/2015 20:59

Yes. Dd will be gutted if she misses the A* for Oxford. But she loved Leeds too in a different way

Oyster2 · 18/02/2015 21:20

Congratulations all. Leeds offer here too. Such a relief, I feel like this process has finally come to an end
and dd can relax a bit. Sorry to hear
about your ds's health issues Carrie but hope the Leeds offer is a bit of good news.

Decorhate · 18/02/2015 21:22

That's great Oyster! Yes agree that this stage is over now for us thankfully as dd has had offers for her two favourites. Just wish there was a teeny but more studying going on...

Carriemac · 18/02/2015 21:32

Amazing news everyone . What a supportive thread . Will have to have have accommodation discussions next. Am resolved not to nag re studying.

Decorhate · 18/02/2015 21:35

Yes I suggested to dd that she could withdraw from the ones she hasn't heard from so she could get on with applying for accommodation etc.

Original poster
Mindgone · 18/02/2015 22:20

Oh wow! Fantastic news for you all, so happy for you! Grin I just watched a film and came back to all this happy news!
I agree Carrie, we all understand so much better on here than friends who's kids have chosen other courses. Am expecting another month of waiting before DS hears from his favourite!

OP posts:
Decorhate · 19/02/2015 09:05

And advice re Leeds accommodation Mindgone? Is it best to go with on-campus or very close for first year, especially when they have long days?

Original poster
Mindgone · 19/02/2015 15:53

DS1 is in Lupton and has been very happy there, it's basic but fine. He is on a heavy course too, and one of his flatmates is a medic. He didn't apply for this accommodation, and he was unconditional too! He has a friend in Henry Price, and he's happy too. I think they're maybe more likely to get what they want if they choose a residence with lots of rooms. DS chose one with less rooms available, but was very happy straight away at Lupton. It's very handy for shops.
I think that one of the best things he did, was to go a little earlier than most in September. The accommodation was available from the wed, but most people arrived at the weekend. DS went on the wed, and was alone in the flat for a couple of days, but got to know loads of other early arrivals in different blocks. He now has a very varied social life, and is never stuck for company. I guess this wouldn't work so well for someone shy.
I will ask him if he has any other advice for you.

OP posts:
Decorhate · 19/02/2015 16:05

Thanks that's v helpful

Carriemac · 19/02/2015 17:57

That's really useful. Trying to get my head around costs etc - am thinking if we pay his accommodation he should be able to live off his loan?

Decorhate · 19/02/2015 18:02

Hi Carrie. I think parents either do it the way you say or get their dc to use the loan to pay off most of the accommodation cost & then give them a monthly amount for living expenses.

Not looking forward to having two to pay for at the same time eventually!

Carriemac · 19/02/2015 18:16

I know! I have DTs doing GCSEs so might have 3 at uni together. Am strongly encouraging a gap year for one of them at least...

Decorhate · 19/02/2015 18:21

It's a shame that student finance isn't more nuanced to help for things like twins! If dd had applied for something that was a 3 year degree she would be finished before s1 started... At least she and he should both be finished before the youngest starts

Carriemac · 19/02/2015 19:50

I'm still resentful about the maternity leave - should have had a bit extra for producing 2 babies!

Decorhate · 19/02/2015 20:08

In Ireland you get double child benefit per child if you have twins. And I think some one off payments when they are born in recognition of the extra expense

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