University offers for 2017 start (Part 2)

[EnormousTiger]

Continuation of the original thread which is now on to 40 page maximum.
Original thread (part 1) here: www.mumsnet.com/Talk/higher_education/2759621-Uni-offers-for-2017-start?

Most offers now received. My twins have had offers from their 4 and are currently deciding which will be firm and which insurance. One twin
( possibly two of them) is going to an offer holders' day coming up at Bristol next month with his friends from school.

Trying Really sorry to hear that. Trying to get a positive from it, I think that rejection at this stage can be a good experience for later in life. She'll be able to look back at how, in the end, the disappointment worked out all right in the end. Whereas setbacks often seem to hit high-achievers much harder when they first happen later in life, without the support of the family. (I know that's scraping the bottom of the barrel, for positive spins, though.)

I think there can be a small advantage regarding accommodation choices in responding with your firm and insurance choices once you are really settled on what they are ageing, but I'm sure it's not crucial. Just that some take it into account when handing out accommodation - not all do though (as I understand things)

We have parents evening this week - though DD informs me I'm not to say anything much to her teachers but should leave it all to her, so they might as well call it students evening I think! Anyway I understand we might click the button sometime after that ☺

DD is not overly concerned about accommodation. She knows she wants self-catering, but other than that is not fussed.

Southampton guarantee accommodation in the halls of residence for all new undergraduates. The Bristol accommodation application process only opens in June. She will be fine, either way.

Hope you enjoy her last parents evening Juggling, even if you don't say much

I don't think Southampton is open yet either, DD reckons most of the accommodation is ok.

I don't think the accommodation issue is a problem if they hold their offers to the bitter end... However, for those that have experienced the awful waiting game to hear from a Uni, it may be kind to alleviate some other poor soul waiting to hear, as once offers are released, the Uni may be able to offer someone else..

Ds has received an email to say that his application for accommodation has been successful and to reserve it now he has to send £200. If they don't hear back within 7 days, they won't hold it for him but will allocate on a first come first served basis. (Although they do guarantee halls to all those who firm them).

It's good that he's been given his first choice but doesn't seem very fair to those who haven't even applied for accommodation yet.

Also, what about those students that can't come up with £200 in 7 days?

I think Bristol where mine will probably go do not take applications for accommodation until about June once offers are firmed etc which seems a fairer way to do it. At lerast yours has had the accommodation offer.

The Bristol visit went fine - the one who went. I still think they are both torn between Bristol and Durham and keep getting random advice from people on one or the other. On balance I think Bristol might suit them better as we live near London but I would be happy with either (and whatever they choose of course they may not make the grades anyway).

1st of June for Bristol accommodation. My DS is probably going to Bristol.

DS had been sure about firming Durham and insuring Birmingham for weeks. He was thrilled to be placed at Castle and went for the post holder visit Monday and Tuesday. He came home having had a good time saying he is firming Warwick and insuring Bath! It's nice he'll be closer and he feels the Comp Sci course will be more interesting. Both offered the Bsc if he doesn't get the grade for the Masters course so it's like holding 4 offers but my head is spinning at the quick change! Thank heavens he didn't rush the decision.

Ds doing back to back visits about 500 miles apart, (rough guess). Apparently it's so he can get a better perspective if he visits both very close together. No insurance as already has his grades, so one firm. I'm trying to get him to not rush the decision in case he changes his mind.

Four hundred miles- I've just checked.

Wish my DS was able to go to post offer days to help with the decision making but it's a bit expensive and time consuming from Spain!

Fairenuff my DD was asked to stump up £300 within a week as an accommodation deposit, and that was a few tears ago. I remember thinking the same - what if I had not had it? It's not enough time to organise a loan or a grant from a hardship fund.

Has he gone on his own, waiting? I'm toying with the idea of sticking dd on a plane to do the same, but have a lurking suspicion I should probably go with her. Trying to keep costs down. It would be cheaper to drive but not by much and would add three days. And we have to time it to not miss too much school or work which is a pita.

There seem to be quite a few of us with potential Bristol students, would anybody be up for a closed FB group in the event that they do go there?

Job, I applied from Germany when I went. I flew back for one interview and the woman wasn't even there. I went and found someone in the departmental office and explained and they said they would reschedule, and I said er no, I flew here for the day to attend the interview, I can't come back! So they found a random to interview me. I think just some poor prof that happened to be walking past. I got in, but it was a bit of a nightmare...

double, My DD is already at uni, and not Bristol, but I just wanted to say that I think it is an excellent idea, and one that I would really have appreciated last year. I hope you can get a group up and running.

Thanks leeds, if people are interested then I'll set one up.

Doing rounds of applicant days with ds. He keeps asking my opinion and worry I'll be swaying him if I seem to favour one. I don't know how much to say. If you thought two contenders with the same offer but one, possibly,had a better reputation, would that be a clincher? In some ways I think ds wants me to choose but I think that would be a bad idea.

I think it's fine to provide as much objective information as you have available. 'Good reputation' can be subjective, or out of date - esp tbh from a source such as MN - but if you're going on something like one of the metrics in a reputable source such as the QS rankings, then nothing wrong with discussing it.

Hi Tobee
I'm in the same position and am tip toeing around the decision. One University has the higher overall reputation and the other equally well regarded in his chosen subject.
There are so many factors to take into account, I've seen it as my job just to make sure he is taking them into account.

I have no experience of university so it feels a bit like the blind leading the blind and I have wondered if he keeps changing his mind because I haven't pushed for a specific choice.
Good luck and I hope your DC finds the right fit.

Thanks for your replies Holly and Errol. It's not helped by the fact that I tend to like whichever one that we are at best.

Mine are still mulling over Bristol v Durham. I think at least one is tending to Bristol still and might have Exeter rather than Nottingham as back up.

I don't use FB so would probably not use a FB group but it may be a good idea for others. My older daughter was at Bristol and she was very useful at lunch today in describing various halls there to her brother.

Beyond a certain point, if he's not sure and you're not sure, then maybe it doesn't matter too much and he'll be fine either way! (yes, I know, easier to say that than to stop worrying)

Hi littleoldladywho, yes, he's been accompanied by dh and/or me. Unfortunately this weekend was the moment the Durham rejection really hit home, ( been bothering him since it happened), but has really got to him over the last couple of days. We've left him 300 miles away from home with some friends, (pre-planned) and he will make his way back later in the week. It's a tough process for them.