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!

Ironing fitted sheets?! Even I don't do that!!
Quick blast in tumble dryer usually sorts them out

Mind you, having just seen DS screw up all the nice clean dry washing into the basket, I can tell he needs a lesson in folding

Do they have tumble dryers? That is what I do as well but just presumed that the university wouldn't have one.

She has decided to go with the creased look.

Most unis have a laundry room with washing and drying facilities. A friend's DC was at Northumbria and they had their own washer/dryer in their flat!

You are quite correct. Washers and dryers with 24 hour access.

DS going to Northumbria Horsemad, accommodation only been up a year so hopefully he will have washer/dryer in his flat.

Will they have to pay to use them?

Have slot and flat no. here too now.

Teaching DD to fold and hang up rather than iron - surprising how few of her clothes seem to crease when she ditches the floordrobe.

PUG - no, was all part of accommodation fees. I'm going to check these were Uni halls and not private though, as it was quite a last minute decision to go to Uni, so maybe he had to private rent?

Will text friend to ask.

Def halls!

That sounds lovely mumslife Going to put an emergency bottle of beer in his, amongst other things!

Anybody else's eyes keep filling up at inopportune moments? I'm bowled along with excitement for ds most of the time (though in the middle of the night I'm prone to imagining all sorts of horrors befalling him). Every so often though it hits me that I won't see my lovely boy for ages. I was buying a few bits for him in Sainsbury's today and praying the checkout assistant didn't put two and two together and ask if I had a dc off to uni. I was teetering so she'd have had me bawling at her if she had!

I can hear him watching rugby in the other room with DH - so much jolliness and chatter. The house will be sooo quiet without him (despite his brothers still being here) as he is such a funny, energetic engaging boy.

Sorry, I didn't mean to bring the mood of the thread down! Just pass me a tissue and ignore me!

Horsemad thanks for that

Haven't done s treat box for DS. Would be s bit stuck what to put in it. He doesn't have hot drinks...I mentioned girls to him as condoms would be the obvious but he tells me he isn't likely to meet any . He does like chocolate and wine gums and things like Oreo biscuits so I suppose I could do those. What else are you putting in DS's *Horsemad"?

I said to DS they we are all going out for tea next Friday. He asked why. He said you make it sound like the last supper , you will be seeing me again Mum.

stonecircle oh don't worry, I have my moments too!!!!

stone circle dd has secured a weekend job so I won't see her till Xmas! And she's planning to only come home for a week then go back and work.
Ditto Easter.
So I will realistically see her twice before next summer

PUG, I'm not sure if they have washing machines in all Northumbria accommodation, but his was a new build in Gateshead and above a Tesco Express, so if your DS is there, then fingers crossed!

So far for DS I have a T-shirt which says 'Chemistry is like cooking, just don't lick the spoon!! Have got him a Periodic table wall chart. I also have some condoms, a £20 note in a frame with a note 'In case of emergency, break glass'. I have hot chocolate sachets too and will pinch mumslife's Costa voucher idea. Also a bottle of beer and some clean pants & socks Prob put some Pringles in there too.

Not too weepy - YET! DH is choked up when we discuss anything about his departure though
I will be worse when we get home and I see his empty room...

Horsemad sounds like the same! Trinity Square is in Gateshead with a Tesco! Bless your DH getting choked.

Have just put some condoms on my online shop for next Friday. Socks and pants a good idea - will nip into Topman during the week. Will also put some money in. He loves popcorn, so will pop a bag of that in.

Yes, I think it was Trinity Sq

I love the idea of a treat box mumslife - I think I will copy that idea.
DD is having a rare night in with us and has just announced that she is planning to come home once a month - I don't think I have seen her that often over the summer

Silly question, but those doing treat boxes - are you making hampers, using a plastic box or large gift bag?

Those disposable shot glasses would be a welcome addition. Especially if including vodka or similar.

Gift bag here I think.

How do you know what size condoms to buy?

Fairenuff I would probably ask DD what size she wanted.