We've survived the first half term - go us! (starting uni 2017)

[flyingpigsinclover]

New thread....we've got to the first half term!

Mine said he was fine but he was coughing away on the phone today. As people say they will be home fairly soon now anyway. they had a school friend up for 2 nights - one night one floor, one night on the other ones floor, who had a very good time with them, the best he said (their friend is at Warwick and loving that too however). So all well except one is spending a bit too much going out so had to use a bit of his savings but in a sense that is what they were there for built up over his life from presents from relatives to use as an over spill at university as long as it does not go down too quickly. You can always get a job I said..... He got the group essay in on time - the group of 4 each wrote one paragraph. That sounds a bit incoherent to me and one of them should have taken the whole thing and got a consistent styel but at least they got it in.

Will have to see if my DD got her first essay in today 1Mother. It seemed to be going fairly well on Wednesday but deadlines have a habit of creeping up on her somewhat!
A paragraph each in a group essay sounds like it could make for interesting reading ☺

DS (16) is having similar challenges with group work in drama GCSE. At open evening he seemed to be the one with a bit of a reputation for saying "You know what, why don't we just start again!"

Just catching up with everyone's thread and bookmarking my place. It is hard to read of other people's dc having mh problems. My dd does, too, but will clam up if I try to make enquiries. I tasked her brother with checking up on her as much as he is able in their facetime conversations, and he says she is sorted. I hope she is managing the workload, too, as she has a bit of a block about essay writing, and avoided essay based subjects at school. There is no avoiding it at uni, though.

It is good that we're talking about mental health more now (than in my day for example). All such a huge change for them there are bound to be various challenges.

If our DC know they can talk to someone about how they're feeling that has to be the most important thing.

Blog - hope your DD had a better experience with her counsellor.

If anyone has a Hema shop near them (Euston station, sort of cross between Clas Olson & Ikea but also sell chocolate), they do lovely Christmas decorations such as felt banners (like reindeers and snowflakes on a string) which would be easy to post. I am putting together a parcel for DS, so far I have an advent calendar and three felt banners. Any other suggestions?

Ono, how about some make your own paper chains packs? Christmas crackers. And some chocolate coins!

Ds1 had problems throughout college but seems to be enjoying uni

He is really close distance wise and is like a bloody boomerang

He is sat in the playroom at the minute and is coming home next weekend as well

Then I probably wont see him til Christmas

It's great that we're able to talk about all kinds of issues, but just remember that this is a public forum....

Ah what a lovely lot you are! Things have gone a bit pear-shaped today with DD’s work but the counsellor was very helpful - phew! It all feels a bit precarious but this could make all the difference.
omo I like the sound of hema - I must check that out. Trying to think of little treats to do an advent thing for DD. I like the sound of felt banners though.

Ds1 is supposed to be seeing a student/study mentor

Is he?

What does everyone reckon...there is no prize as the answer is bloody obvious

Tiger is good for daft things too ( another Scandinavian shop).

spoke to dd tonight and she mentioned looking into holiday job again, due to her placement and not finishing uni until end of June she doesnt finish in time to start Camp America and a lot of the European summer jobs seem to be revolved around partying and drinking which she isnt particularly interested in, think she may be better trying to find a part time job after xmas until her placement starts and spend summer travelling and do a bit of volunteering

Hope she finds a job to suit dolfinne.

Up early so excited about picking dd1 up in a couple of hours.

Have a great time together RedHelen ☺

Thanks RedHelen Have a wonderful time today

Have a good time RedHelen

Have a lovely time RedHelen

Well Dd is home again this weekend 👍🏻
I’m out tonight with her birth mum and Dd is hopefully our taxi home

She’s kind of decided 80% that she’s
Commuting next year as most of the people In her actual halls are doing different courses, she’s met them and made friends as they live together, but most on her actual course that she studies with and has come to get to know slower, commute from local.
One of her flat mates is adamant she wants to 2 people flat share with Dd next yr and she’s adamant no
For 1 thing, 2 people is way too expensive, Dd loan won’t cover and buggered if we can afford it -!; b) she’s quite moany and 3) yeah would need a house with 6 ish and there prorbay aren’t 6 peeps she would share with

There’s been a few chucked out, fights, Police, security and ridiculous exhibitionist drinking behaviour so she’s kinda stepping back

Ds says his flat is now officially playing xmas music. He is rather disappointed with the fake tree but was outvoted on getting a live one. I think I will send up 7 little presents to go underneath so that it looks slightly less forlorn.

eatyourveg Wow! That's nice looking student digs DS's are far shabbier than that.

I'm LOVING the 🌲! 😁

Repositioned and lit up!

DS is home this weekend too - taking advantage of the long weekend. It's his 18th birthday on Wednesday and he'll be back at uni by then so we asked him to choose a restaurant for us to take him to for an early birthday celebration. He's refused and instead is insisting on cooking us all a steak dinner. At least he's allowed me to buy the ingredients

Bloody Hell! DS has just opened up a letter that arrived here for him yesterday and it's a totally out of the blue scholarship award for $1,250 from the Ministry of Education, for "Academic Achievement" Nice unexpected 18th birthday present from the government!

What a nice surprise, lazydog