Starting Uni (first year) 2018. A support/chat thread.

[Justanothermile]

Hi there.

I don't think there's another thread for folk with DC starting university this September/October. I'm not sure there's even a need, but I thought I would start one and see.

DS is my first DC and going to Lancaster. New territory for us, so we are learning as we go.

The last few weeks have been reading up about clearing and alternative courses in case he didn't get his first choice, he was pretty pessimistic but did get accepted.

Now it's countdown to the big day and planning what things he needs to take etc.

I believe accommodation will be confirmed in the next few days.

Well, thankfully DS2 has decided not to apply to Edinburgh following last weekend's visit. It'd be a 8 hour drive away, or a ££ flight (the Open Day cost the 3 of us about £1000 all up!) 🙄😊

DS1 is 40 minutes away and should be coming home next weekend. He's 'OK' but not loving uni, he's told me he's feeling a bit down, and I think has too much 'free' time at the moment. He's joined a couple of clubs, says his flatmates are 'OK', has struggled to boil pasta 🙄, but the course is going 'OK'....!

We message a couple of times a day but I think about him a lot, hoping he's fine!

He says he's finding having to do everything for himself quite hard, and I do wish catered halls was a possibility, but there you go!

I’ve just had my first conversation with DS, although he chatted to DD more and told her more than he told me!

We’ve gathered he’s glad real work has started and he found freshers boring. He’s not joined any societies. He’s managing on his money. His loan has been paid. His flat mates are nice but quiet, as he is. He’s friendly with someone doing his subject on the next floor. Not been out loads.

Lots of his lectures start at 9am or 10am, which he’s less keen on. And he’s done one wash load.

And he’s having fish cakes for tea😂

Has everyone settled in OK? DD (Lancaster) has viewed two houses for next year and signed the lease tonight with friends she's made on her course, 2 boys and a girl! It's all going very fast but she seems to be enjoying it, she's coming home on Monday for reading week, I am very excited to see her!

DS has settled well but imo is going our way too much. I'm hoping he stops some of the nights out soon but no sign of them stopping yet.

Not looking at houses for next year yet as there's lots in his city so not too much of a hurry yet.

Things have slightly improved with DS. He's met his personal tutor and accessed the drop-in counselling sessions on campus. He's also attending a weekly anxiety management class, arranged by the Wellbeing Team. I'm quite proud that he's seeking help to make things easier for himself.

He's seen another advisor who confirmed that he could park on-site if he decided to live at home and drive in (35 mins), (really limited parking for students)
but... at the moment he's sticking it out and staying where he is.

He's even begun to understand some of his lectures, and is meeting up with an old school friend who went through exactly this last year, and is starting again, more successfully this time!
Onwards and upwards!
Hope everyone else is settling in!