Oxbridge applicants 2018

[OhYouBadBadKitten]

I've hesitated before making this thread as I don't really like the whole making Oxbridge out as a special case when there are lots of amazing universities that are just as good for individual courses. However, it is a different application process with a lot happening by January should they get that far and irl I don't know anyone else's dc applying to talk to them about it. I expect most of us are in that situation. At the moment I rely on dd and the occasional foray into student room to learn what happens next.

So welcome all parents of Oxbridge candidates - a thread to chat over what's to come and to support if our kids find they have to steer in a different direction.

Application forms due in in a few weeks

Pls help - Would like to visit London on Dec 12 afternoon/evening after the Oxford interviews. Really want to experience the Christmassy ambience of London (never been there before in Christmas!). Can someone be kind and offer me ideas on - where to go? how/where to park my car? I will have to head back to Tonbridge in the evening as DS has to resume school day on Dec 13.

Thanks!

we’re on the train to Cambridge, first interview at 9.30. She feels better this morning and seems quietly confident which is fantastic!

Very glad to hear she's feeling better Papyrus. Good Luck all! 🍀

Good call Risotto. It would be very, very unusual at Oxford to stay anywhere other than the college during the interview period and would definitely be noticed. Cambridge is obviously different because of the nature of the stays.

Wonderful news papayas ! Wishing all DCs interviewing the very best of luck !

Anyone going to Oxford for interview!! Take lots of warm Clothes to sleep in. Just heard from my DD that she was freezing last night, even though she slept in a cardigan and hoodie. Going to get her a fleece blanket today and meet her. She has two things today. One at 11.45 and one at 18.00.

papaya, best of luck to your DD!

Stranger, thank you for the tips!
But I would stay in Oxford before and after the interview day, is that a bad idea?
And how about accompanying DS in between the interviews? I really have the dilemma here! Want to get the instant first hand update from him but on the other hand, don't want him to feel ashamed or embarrassed in front of peers.

Good luck for your DD Marmite!

The best of luck to everyone who has an interview today. What a wonderful experience and here's hoping that all of them get offers.

weather forecast update: staying mild (except in college rooms) until the transition on Thursday. Rain coats needed Thursday! Turning very cold Thursday night and through next week.

Risotto, it’s best to leave him be in between the interviews, unless he initiated contact.

Stomach churning, buzzing head, loss of appetite, sleep problems!! Hope DS is doing better!!

Ok, roger that Kitten!

I will stay nearby for him to find me!

Or if he needs thermals and fleece blankets Risotto!

Gosh, leave him alone, Risotto! At the Oxford interviews there is excellent bonding. Ds has stayed in contact with his fellow interviewees, wherever they eventually ended up. Plus they are escorted/guided to interviews. A mum tagging along would raise a few eyebrows!

(Reminds me of a post on Student Room where a mother asked what college accommodation would be provided for her dd and her . An admissions tutor on the thread gave her short shrift.)

DS in college library at 9 am!! I'm impressed.

Risotto we sometimes use this car park when in central London. Poland Street car park. It is very expensive, but so perfectly placed for seeing the Regent St/Carnaby Street lights it might be worth it for you. There is a fair amount of on street parking around Soho Sq etc too, but it is very much luck if you find a space.

If you park in Poland St, the best lights are all within a short walk, and you can also see the Liberty/Selfridges/Fortnum & Mason windows, depending on how much time you have. Bond Street lights and windows are also amazing if you have time.

Risotto staying the night before won't raise any eyebrows at all and gives you a chance to catch up, just that he's best being resident in the college from the time they've asked him to be there. After that, just get him to message when he gets out of interviews and get together for an assignation in a coffee shop. The de-brief done, he can shoot off back to college while you carry on exploring/ mooching etc. The main thing is not to actually stay anywhere other than the college. Loads of parents are in town, some vastly less discreet than others. Eg maybe say goodbye at the Social Sciences library, rather than a fond/ anxious farewell in the lodge at Catz!

Of course staying the night before in a hotel etc is ok - I had a festive time writing my Christmas cards in the Travelodge - I was just saying that accompanying a dc everywhere would be not just cramping their style, but totally unnecessary. I remember ds texting to say he had had a fine dinner in college the first evening - turbot, no less! They all watched Love, Actually and had a quiz night whilst they were there.

she’s in and I’m currently sat in a cafe in the grand arcade sending big support vibes her way and really feeling for her (but she seemed fine)

Just settled down in Waterstones with the Christmas cards.

Are you in Cambridge Papaya?

I hadn't seen your post LadyinCement. Yes quite - try to keep your distance but if you're in town,then an unobtrusive coffee can't harm. Risotto is over from HK after all, with a boarder DS - possibly slightly different situation from most. My post was intended to be a gentle warning not to overdo it and very definitely not to let the DS stay away from overnight accommodation in Catz.