Uni Freshers parents 2016?

[granarybeck]

hi

I've just been reading recent threads on weekly living costs and what to take to uni and found loads of useful info. I'm certainly finding that there was so much focus on getting the results/not tempting fate that it all feels a bit of a panic now. I have a dd going to warwick and a ds going to bath.

Wondered if there is already a thread for other general tips for those with dd/s starting uni this September?

Just back From Bristol. It was really well organised and we left DD happy and cosy in her room. The halls have organised for the self catering students to eat in the catered hall tonight, a lovely idea. Wow, her bedroom at home looks very sad!

Peace and love. Which halls in Bristol is your DD in? Mine is going to Badock. She can't get in until tomorrow. I think it will be a shock to her how small and scruffy her hall room will be compared to her bedroom at home. She has an en suite at home. She doesn't even have a sink in halls!

Back from dropping DS and it is feeling strange although his mess is still everywhere.

His room has a 4ft bed around which there is space to walk (his room at home can't even fit a bed that size). If that wasn't enough he has an ensuite (which we knew he would) and he has a walk-in wardrobe.

He going out tonight. The thought of not knowing he is safely back feels awful. My friend tells me that it took her a few weeks to get used to that.

I sort of envy those of you that have done it and got it over with.

We did the big Ikea shop today.

Less than a week!

Hi Bluesky, she is in Hiatt Baker and lucky enough to have an en suite. The whole dropping off was very well managed by the University. It was all self catered today, I think catered are tomorrow. Is your DD catered?

Peace and love. yes, Badock is all catered. That is what she wanted. Badock is out at Stoke Bishop too. I think it is all very sociable. Everything seems to be well organised.

Gaslight my DS is going out tonight too and I am finding the not knowing he will be back safe awful.

Dropped him off today then came home and cried.

My house is a bit quiet tonight with both DDs having left today. DD1's room is emaculate and looking very empty. DD2's room is a tip with towels and washing all over the floor, looking like she is still here - a job for tomorrow!

DD went today, I have been very strong. no tears. Miss her and am worried for her but confident she is happy.
Did face time her though which was lovely.

for everyone whose dcs have gone this weekend. We have another week to go. Part of me wishes it was sooner, part wants it to never come.
Ellen fantastic news about the bursary.

We are still 2 weeks as well Ellen. Not Warwick though.

We did a big shop round Morrison's this morning ticking off most things from wooden spoons to paracetamol.

Great news about the bursary Ellen. DS1 qualifies for 3 different bursaries/ scholarships and I had picked up they used the info from Student Finance for 2 ( the other is an academic one). But I think its brilliant they were all automatically awarded, less chance of people missing out!

I have suggsted DD contact SFA regarding a possible bursary, cheers for that.

For those still packing I really reccomend vacuum packing bags!! From dunelm/ pound shops reduce bedding etc to 1/4 size! We could have never fitted it all in the car otherwise. Good luck to you all.

Thanks for the tip sandwich

Ellen great news about the bursary. Hope it makes student life easier for him

Great news about the bursary Ellen.
DS2 has become a bit of a party animal in the last few months since exams. I hate the waiting until I hear him come in, not that I wait up, but just a vague unease until he is home safe. In a way I think it will be easier not actually knowing that he is out.

To those worrying about whether their DC come home safe, I have been there, but honestly it IS actually easier when they are away rather than home. When they are coming home you don't sleep until you hear the key, when they are away you aren't going to hear the key and generally speaking they all come home together the same house, so rather than worrying about your child coming part of the way in a taxi alone, they all stick together.

I had one rule and one rule only, they text me the next morning and let me know they are safe.

I too worried less about DD1 when she was away at uni because if I didn't know she was out I couldn't worry about her coming home. She was pretty streetwise though. DD2 is not nearly as streetwise but also much less likely to drink a lot.

We have now had breakfast and going to head up the the Bristol uni area for a wander and to let DH see around as he has never been. We will have some lunch and she is booked in for a 2pm slot to get in to halls. Eek.

CAtnip if they are away you ask them to text you the next morning if they are going out?
do you know when they are going out eveyr time?
just curious

Ellen good news about the bursary

DD2's room is a tip with towels and washing all over the floor, looking like she is still here Just been saying the same thing to my DH except DS's mess isn't confined to the bedroom.

DS was only 18 a couple of weeks or so ago so hasn't had much time to be able to nurture his inner party animal.

Catnip I'm the same and I just don't know how reasonable it is. On one hand in halls they don't have flat mates to notice them coming and going, on the other hand- they're 18 and living away from home...
Last active on wassapp and Facebook messenger is very reassuring.

I am sat here trying very hard not to text DS to check if he has gone to breakfast! I have harped on for weeks about catered accommodation being a waste if he doesn't regularly make it to breakfast

Apocalpyse, To see DD active on facebook last night was indeed reassuring

justaweeone How did you get?

That meant to say - how did you get on

Likewise Noah! I. Going to be his stalker. He also face timed this morning from bed. Went to local pub with housemates last night after their "free" first meal of lasagne.