New Uni starters 2015 (continued from Preparing for Uni)

[circular]

Thought we needed a new thread to continue from preparation.

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/higher_education/2466997-Preparing-for-Uni-in-2015-continues

Suspect all have arrived by now...

Fairenuff think there were about 20 pages to read with DS's tenancy agreement - I left it to DH to deal with

DS has just got back from Northumbria and has said one of his housemates has got mumps. He messaged all the flat mates today to let them know.

DH is guarantor for DS as are all the other 7 parents for their DC. If one of the students misses their rent payment - then the guarantors are billed.

Ours is the same for DD.

Try to make sure that the guarantor agreement is individual and ONLY on your own DC's share of the rent and damages.
This can be done even if the tenancy agreement is joint and several - which most are.
Try and avoid a single rent collection payment. If they all pay individually, then at least the landlord/agent knows who has paid and who hasn't.
I also don't like the idea of joint bank accounts for bills with others you hardly know. Can affect your DC's credit rating if 'financially linked' with someone who is bad with money. Having said that, hope the tenancy agreement doesn't link them in that way.

DD recently signed up with 5 others. So glad it's out the way before exams start. Seems a reasonable house, and OK Agent, so fingers crossed.
Like many student towns, had to take for 12 months from 1st July. So though monthly rent appears less, once that's taken into account plus bills, likely to be the same or slightly more than this years halls.

We have similar tenancy agreements as mentioned. Yes, price is not a lot different to halls once bills are paid. House of 5 students.

I'd like a few ideas about how they pay joint bills. I did see a scheme mentioned somewhere. Anyone know?

There are several schemes, 'split the bills' or similar is one that springs to mind. They provide online quotes, but not sure what that entails.

Also, should bills always be split equally? What if some students choose to move in in July, and the others wait till September? Likewise if some go home Xmas & Easter and others don't.

I think the first step might be trying to find out from existing tenants how much the bills on the property have been recently.
Not sure how co-operative suppliers are in putting 5 or 6 names on each, making them all liable. Perhaps try and change to a supplier that does?

And if they'd rather not have a joint bank account, one that doesn't charge too much extra for not paying by DD.

I SAW THIS COMING ....
DD has had 5 weeks off for xmas break with No work and no exams -
Due to go back on Sunday - had sad day lots of tears and basically she is very lonely at uni! Likes her flatmates but they all seem to party apart from 1 who is a hermit and she doesn't really see him! She has social anxiety and a deep mistrust of people stemming from serious bullying at senior achool thus taking a while to make friends! She is trying really hard to make an effort with people but all she wants is one or two friends so she isn't so lonely! I'm actually dreading Sunday as I can see it being a make or break situation! Wish us luck!

Good Luck Quietly, it's so horrible when you know your DC is not totally happy.

My DS was quite affectionate at home over Xmas (not usual for him) so I think he has started to appreciate what he has here...

I was worried in case he admitted he hadn't settled, but all is well I think.

Good luck from me too Quietly

Same here Horsemad although he was always affectionate as a child when he got to about 13/14 it sort of dwindled somewhat - would always give me a hug if I asked but wouldn't just come up to me and do it. I am sure going to miss him. Am making him Moroccan lamb and the one pot curry tomorrow (portioned up for his freezer) to take back with him.

sorry to hear that quietly.

we have times when DS has a lack of confidence over friends.

Leaving home and coping in a new environment is good for them to develop but must be painful at times. We forget how it was for us I guess.

Just encouragement is all we can give I think.

Circular: Thanks for advice - I'll look into split the bills

Quietly - I hope today goes okay for your DD.
I am taking DD back this afternoon. She had a rocky first term and I hoping she will be better this term. She has got her first exam tomorrow and is a little stressed. She is going to come home for a few days the following week as her exams will be finished and she has a gap before formal lectures start again. I am hoping this will break her in gently this term!

That was a long break for your dd Quietly, perhaps too long? I hope she settles back into her routine there quickly. It's not that long until the Easter break and she will be so busy, the time will fly by. Has she joined any clubs?

If it doesn't improve, she can always ask if there is any chance of swapping rooms/moving to a vacant room and trying a new set of housemates. My friend's dd did that at the end of last term and went back to her new flat last week.

Thank you for your kind words. DH has tsken DD1 back today after lots of hugs and tears! She has said she is scared of being lonely but her anxiety doesn't allow her to trust people! It's so hard seeing your child in turmoil. On a positive she has started looking for student halls for next year x

hellsbells and fair good luck to your DC and hope it's a good term for them all

Hope all the returners have been OK. That seems a really long break though.

DS had 3 weeks holiday, but only 2 with us and it went slow and quick at the same time...

DS went back on Friday after 4 weeks off. He was looking forward to getting back. The house is very quiet and I'm feeling a bit sad. I always find the January return the worst.

Time to line up a big treat for yourself NiceCardigan.

dd2 is doing work experience in a local school (arranged through the university). All seems to be going well.

ds has taken the emptier house as a cue to fill it with assorted 14 year old friends so no peace at all yet.

NiceCardigan. I felt a bit flat after DS went back.

Me and DH have a few theatre trips and dinners out arranged for the next few weeks to try and cure the January blues. I'll get back into my normal routine and it will be ok.

DD1 has paid deposit on next years accomodation - decided on student hall type set up! £235 a week inc all bills and unlimited wifi and tv in kitchen area! GULP

Wow, that's a lot Quietly, dd's is £75 with bills on top. It will probably be more like £100pw once everything is included.

And then there's still food to pay for and her phone and transport. It's a lot isn't it, the poor child is going to come out with massive debts

Yes that seems expensive - we are paying less for catered halls this year. Dd has just signed a contract on a house share with some of the people in her halls. £90 per week incl bills. That seems reasonable to me but it is up north!

She is in London and zone 1! We knew this was going to be expensive! Her loan/grant covers her this year with a small top up from us but next year the top up will be more than our monthly mortgage!!!

Gosh Quietly - I am so glad my DD has chosen a Northern uni! We would not be able to afford that. DD2 is hopefully off as well the September so we need to be able to help 2 of them - luckily she will also be going to a Northern uni.

hellsbells she does get extra loan:grant due to being in London so our top up this year has been a minimal amount each week! And she has been very sensible and doesn't ask for extra at all and also works when she comes home to top up her 'personal' money! Thankfully my DH and I are very low maintenance and don't spend a lot of money!! (Not that we have mich left to anyway!!) I have a DD2 with a chronic illness and im unable to work so thinking im going to have to claim DLA for her