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?

DD2 so far has discovered that the weird musty smell in her room is from the carpet, and been stung by a wasp. I haven't heard exactly what she's been doing, although I know that at least two of her flatmates were also not planning to go to any of the nightclub events this week. I assume she's been to some of the welcome events though, and got her timetable etc.

I may have cried this lunchtime when a delivery of flowers turned up from DD1 "to cheer you up once the novelty of having time to yourself wears off" - apparently she still feels guilty that I dropped her off at uni five years ago, then sat in the car park crying for half an hour

Spoke to DS2 today he says that he is settling in ok and making friends from his course and been to busy to join any societies.

But he has only had one meal a day while he has been there. He is already like a rake.

Oh dear. I never really thought about some of them not enjoying the experience. I loved it from the word go back in the day, but I was lucky to get on really well with two other girls on my corridor, one of whom was on my course. We are still friends now, 32 years later.

I really hope DS settles in well when he finally gets there in 10 days or so. He's much quieter and more reserved than I was, and struggled socially at school. He had a much better time in sixth form, but his friends were pretty dull dedicated and didn't go out much. I was hoping things would take off for him a bit at university.

I've had the electoral register letter through and have crossed him off. That's what you're supposed to do, isn't it? I'm hoping to continue with single person council tax as well.

ellenjane my DS has chosen to stay on his home electoral register rather than in his new Uni city. You can actually be on more than one (I'm on the register where our holiday home is and I theory could vote twice- a loophole in the system!). However you mentioned council tax relief so maybe in your case it's better for your DS not to be on the register- I'm sure someone who knows more about these things will confirm!

Students are allowed to be on the electoral roll at BOTH addresses. Obviously only vote once!

Gosh, Ellen, 10 days still to wait seems an awfully long time to wait! Is your DS champing at the bit to go, or happy to be at home?

I think my friend's DS going to Southampton goes this weekend, which I thought was late.

Are they? Oops, I've posted it off. I must make sure he registers in Warwick.

He seems quite happy to be at home still. He was working 9-5 from July until last Friday, so he's glad to have a bit of down time before he goes. (And his girlfriend is in Y 12 so still home)

And his girlfriend is in Y 12 so still home Ah, that guarantees he will be keen to come home for the odd weekend

Suggested that we facetime DS for a catch up and he just replied might do. Made me feel so upset.

Was talking to DD. Her comments were she would have been crying as we drove off and would have been on facetime in a flash.

Hoping he having a good time rater than too upset to speak to us

worryingly dd just messaged to say she had been ill, with palpitations, but we hopefully have put it down to the abundance of coffee liqueur wine

causing me to worry of course

I think I would take that as a good sign, Gas.

DS1 registered for postal vote EllenJane, using home address, if that's any help?

How are people doing today? Ive had good news , Dd went to a society get together, so proud if her for going at all, it was a real effort, and thank goodness it paid off, she had a great evening and met several people she actually liked and felt she could be herself with. Several of them also admitted to being homesick too, which was another shared interest . She's still homesick but it's helped her such a lot to have a whole evening of being relaxed away from her flatmates. And she's getting what, to her, is an 'early night' (1.30am )

That's such great news place, I'm so pleased!

DS is happy now too, thank goodness! I hadn't realised but his lectures actually started yesterday. He spent yesterday afternoon with some lovely people from his course, exploring the city and feels like he's found his tribe. And he chatted with his flat mates on his return and now feels he's resolved the awkwardness. Phew! No doubts there will be more ups and downs on the way, but I am relieved he's settled into a good starting point.

Thank you so much, Coconutty and others who provided words of wisdom and comfort. Place and I can do a little relieved and happy dance together now

Now he's shown he can find his way, I will now endeavour to step back and stop worrying!

Noah How's your DD now?

gaslight My DS is not keen on the idea of face timing and prefers to send texts. I think in his case, he associates it with awkward communications with elderly relatives.

Am pleased all the freshers are settling in.

DS is going next Sunday (2nd October). Seems like he and I has been waiting forever!

I'd like to get it over with

Same here lovelybangers, DD goes on Sunday 2nd too. It does feel like prolonging the agony doesn't it?

Yes.

He is finishing his job tomorrow - so we have a full week to make sure everything is packed.

It will be very quiet round here... ;)

Phaedra and Place - glad things are looking up! DD is still hanging in ok. I FaceTimed her yesterday as she had been sick the night before - self inflicted but as least she was out enjoying herself! She only did pre-drinks last night and was having an 'early' night - big night out tonight apparently. Her boyfriend is now going to visit her on Friday night so that has cheered her up. She met her tutor group yesterday and that was all good. She hasn't managed to speak to any girls on her course yet, all her sessions have been with boys so far.
Good luck to those still to go! I bet they are getting excited now.

Glad some of the dc are getting over their initial blues. Dh is dropping by campus later, to collect documents no longer needed and drop off usb cables and tooth mug and extra supply of homemade cookies! He is in the area at least once a week for work so a good standby. Things seem to be settling down with more course based meetings and socials. Ds has started to download some set texts from Amazon. His bookshelves look very empty thus far and even the library does etexts on loan.

DS has just sent ME a list of required textbooks.

Looks like just two have to be purchased -the others may be borrowed?

There'll still be no change from £100!

lovelybangers - he should be able to get second hand ones at the uni or on amazon

Usually returning students will sell off textbooks they no longer need. I've asked Ds for his reading list just in case we already have any - nothing received so far!

DD seems to be continuing to enjoy uni life, lectures started this week which doesn't seem to have impacted on her newly found love of her social life although she did text me to tell me she thinks she has freshers flu.

She's coming home next weekend to celebrate her birthday, I'm hoping to spend sometime with her then but I have a feeling she'll be spending most of it sleeping!!