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

[flyingpigsinclover]

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

Dd us sharing with three other women and possibly one man, they are going to look in February.

The foreign students sharing with DD were complaining about the cold when we were there at half term. It was still in double figures at the time, so it really depends on what you are used to. We bought DD a new, warm winter coat before she left and I know it will be put to good use.

Dd1 declares I'm going through a midlife crisis because we've bought a puppy. Hasn't stopped

Dd1 from skyping to see the puppy!

Another puppy! What have you got Helen?

My son has come today for a surprise visit! Hes taken the dog out for a long walk and is now at a pub lunch with his dad. Then he's coming back for a chat.
I miss his hugs so badly when hes at uni - Ive already had two today

DS came home this weekend for a surprise visit too as all his friends were going home and he was full of cold. We saw him on Wednesday as we were Christmas shopping near his uni and he’s home next weekend for his grandmother’s 80th party. Then only two weeks until end of term.
I’ve had a few hugs too.

We have a puppy too - 6 months old now and going through a teenage phase.

lazydog that looks very pretty - I love a bit of snow. I’m guessing your DS will have a serious amount of the stuff over the winter!

I think I would be totally outed if I were to post a pic of mine (when we get it). It will make DD more keen to come home, I think. And the furbaby will be getting all the cuddles.

A shitzu

Another one here lucky to see my DD this weekend, having been to stay with her. It was lovely, but so hard parting this afternoon; hate seeing her sad. She is struggling, as some of you know.

Has your DD had any further contact with Student Support Blog?

Very cute RedHelen

Horse she’s got a follow-up with the second counsellor who saw her & various things to do before that. She’s arranged to see one of her tutors & will make a GP appointment.

Blog, I hope it all gets sorted.

Hope she's ok, Blog. Shes being a very brave lass to stick it out x

Had a lot of contact with DS recently as he’s asked me to review his 1st 3000 word assignment that has to be handed in today. Brief was 3000 words on a research topic of their choosing, most of the challenge was deciding what to write.

DS is very dyslexic so I’m very used to helping out with editing and typing up things for him, but his DSA has supplied dragon dictation plus headset and it’s amazing the difference it has made for him. In his words he wouldn’t be able to get a degree without it.

It seems there are a large proportion of students who need additional support.
It makes me wonder if this support should be offered to all - how many students are not diagnosed as they have not been tested ?
There needs to be a system in place where all students are tested using a standardised method - not just for dyslexia - if not many will fall through the gap and be at a disadvantage
I have come accross many students diagnosed through private testing but what about students whose parents can't afford or don't think of this?
The system seems very arbitrary , surely the fairest way is offer this support to all who feel they may benefit?

I see where you're coming from user. I'm fairly certain my DD has a couple of undiagnosed conditions, but she doesn't want to be tested for them.

The additional help she is receiving for her diagnosed condition is invaluable.

I do agree User - DS has had me in his corner fighting and supporting him since he was diagnosed at primary school year 2. Without this backup he wouldn't have A levels and be at university.

Its not only getting a diagnosis that is the struggle, battling though all the DSA requirements is a challenge and I do feel very sorry for those with no support.

Not every student wants help, even if they need it. My DD has depression and anxiety, the latter being more of a problem in some ways, but has not applied for DSA and insists that student support is only for people having problems with their actual course. She is too far away for me to get involved - nor would she let me, and I do worry that that it could all be the breaking rather than the making of her.

You'd think tutors were more the people to go for with any problems with the course itself and surely student support is for wider support especially with all the being away from home for the first time stuff as well as mental health, learning disability, and other specific challenges. But I'm sure it's not you I need to convince simbobs
Hope things will settle for your Dd soon simbobs x

DD has her first exam tomorrow. She is panicking taking it all in her stride.

simbobs, sorry to hear that - when I went on a uni visit with DD in Y12, I asked directly about support and they said they were there to support students struggling with MH and all sorts of other stuff, and to register on arrival if you would like support.

HSM, good luck to your DD - seems soon to be having an exam!

Sorry so many are struggling. Waiting to see what support DD will get - she has been reading small print on uni website & is under the impression that without a diagnosis she won’t get help... She got a good mark in her first essay today so that’s a nice boost.