Preparing for Uni in 2015

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Carrying on from yr13 thread, here thought we could share our ideas for Uni preparation.

All welcome, not just those in above thread. Would especially appreciate contributions from those who have 'been there'

Topics that spring to mind, and a few recent threads on them are :

What to take What to take , What NOT to take, Shared accommodation

Clearing out rooms

How much to contribute What does it cost, How much needed weekly, How much are you subbing

Budgeting, cooking, and other life skills to learn Easy recipes for teens

Leaving friends, family, boy/girlfriends behind

Us coping without them - noted series of 'Empty Nest' threads.

Hope all the links correct!

Cathcustard and Basildon - another one for Exeter here (geography). Also waiting to hear about accommodation. Trying to pin ds down to think about preparation but since Thursday morning he's either been asleep, out partying or playing rugby! Really hoping he gets somewhere nice on campus.

I'm quite shocked actually because I'm sure in my day term didn't start until October. I'd dared to look at the start of the week and noted that it starts on 21 Sept at Exeter but was forgetting about freshers' week (how could I!). So we need to do some serious shopping next week!

Still, all takes my mind off DS3's GCSE results next week!

When are your two planning to go down? We'll probably go on the Saturday (12th) and I'd thought we'd stay over (not to hang around ds but to have a look around Exeter which I don't know at all) but every hotel/b&b in Exeter seems to be full!

Hi stone - once your ds has accepted his accommodation he can then plough his way through 36 pages of online induction and at the end book an arrival time. You only get 20 minutes to park on campus to unload . Luckily as ds already had his results he got his accommodation offer early so I've managed to get a civilised early afternoon slot

They do seem to start v early as most of ds's friends don't go until the following week

Visited Huddersfield with DD today - she got a place through clearing and is getting used to the new prospect. Went and looked at the accommodation - houses of 8 so fingers crossed she gets some good housemates. Stopped off at IKEA of way home and spent fortune on towels, pans, kitchen stuff, storage boxes and a couple of strings of lights because we liked them. It all feels real now.

Nah, go for the very earliest and baggsy the best part of the fridge and biggest kitchen cupboard!!!!

Thanks so much cricketballs!

I'm sure we will have questions over the next few weeks as everything has happened so fast & is all very new for us.

The open day was really informative & we were quite impressed with the university as a whole I have to say.

I do feel slightly more at ease now that her accommodation is booked but I've come home this evening feeling a little bit emotional knowing that she will be so far away & that we will be leaving her there , but I guess we are all in the same boat & it's not easy is it

Cooroo
congratulations to her
Good luck

Cooroo, I'm glad your DD feels happy about Huddersfield, I'm sure she'll be fine. The IKEA shopping sounds good - there's one in Soton but I hopefully won't be going anywhere near it when DS moves in, as I imagine it'll be rammed with Fresher's and Parents!!

Aha found you Will read thread properly later - am trying to split my poor brain between last minute holiday stuff and uni info and there's just too much!

I'm joining in. Dd awaiting remark but has applied for accommodation in Bristol (her insurance) and we are assuming she'll be there. Term starts earlier than her firm did so just 5weeks, she's got a new job starting Tuesday so will hopefully be busy.

DD has ordered a very lovely quilt and I am trying to make a surprise emergency Fresher's kit for her...door wedge, Starbucks card, mini bottle of booze, chocolate, first aid bits, a tenner, maybe condoms but still not sure!
Any ideas welcome :)

Cathy as you know we are also waiting a remark - if dd goes to her insurance she is hoping for self-catered whereas her firm is catered. So can't buy too much until we know either way. We have just got her laptop (she didn't already have one & hoping it will cheer her up). So that is the major expense out of the way.

Yes good plan Decorhate, no kitchen stuff her just bits for her room. A laptop sounds fab but DD has one that's fine. I've been told a printer in invaluable, has anyone found a small/light and most importantly cheapish one?

I'm holding fire on a printer for now as the printing facilities seem very variable. I think most printers are very reasonable now, it's the replacement cartridges that cost.

Apart from bedding, my list has a kettle, tin opener & door wedge on it. I'm going to give her two large floor cushions we already have and an oil diffuser thing someone gave me

Horsemad my ds is going into his third year at Southampton - ask away if you have any questions!

Don't buy software!
Unis will have licenses for student use. DS got office free to download once he got his student log in. His laptop was later replaced and he was able to get it again free the same way. They also provide specialist software for STEM subjects.
A printer is different. Yes they can buy credits and print in the uni but having a printer in your room is so much easier, even DS who is not doing essays found it useful. I think I paid about £40 for his. They are cheap to buy but of course the ink is expensive. In halls the rooms are often hard wired for ethernet (super fast compared with our home broadband).

decor just be careful with the oil diffuser as lots of halls won't allow any candles or candle-like items

Yes I know - it's one of those pots of scented oil with sticks, no flames involved!

Anyone know anything about Portable Appliance Testing (PAT)? Apparently any electrical items DD brings to uni will have to be tested or they'll slap a 'do not use' sticker on it.

They offer testing on site but there's a charge - not clear what it is.

Mattress topper, kettle, toaster, iron and ironing board all provided.

Have bought DD a hand blender with chopper attachment for less than £20 (Ocado) - she likes to make smoothies and I'm hoping she'll take to making soup as well.

We got her a nice laptop for the 18th b'day. Will look out for a printer that doesn't cost the earth to run - any recommendations gratefully received!

Will they let you have PAT done before you take the appliances to Uni muffin, or does it have to be done by them?

DH is qualified to do PAT I think. I'll ask him if he knows.

DH is qualified to do PAT I think. (Ooerr, lucky Pat!! )

Horsemad, it's not clear whether you need to have it done before. THey do offer it on-site. But I googled some local companies that do PAT and they seeem to deal with companies/landlords/schools etc., not with individuals.

I need to look at the accommodation handbook more closely - just skimmed it earlier.

Some passport size photographs and one that can be uploaded online is a good idea. Loads of passes and ID cards will be issued, most needing photographs.
Saves having to queue at the local photo booths with every other fresher ....