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Higher education

Talk to other parents whose children are preparing for university on our Higher Education forum.

Original poster

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

480 replies

Justanothermile · 18/08/2018 08:55

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.

OP posts:
Fifthtimelucky · 21/08/2018 22:36

@Maladicta: sorry to hear your daughter didn't get any of her accommodation choices. Mine is also off to Exeter. She didn't get her accommodation choices either, but is nevertheless happy as she is on the main campus next door to where she wanted to be, and self-catered, as she wanted. Unfortunately it's more expensive than the ones she applied for, partly as it is a 44 week lease, whereas some of the others are only 40, but we've accepted it.

Now she needs to find the group chat and can then work out who is going to bring what pans and things.

She had her jab today, so is making progress. Like some others, she will be getting a printer as part of a DSA package and that is all in hand.

choirmumoftwo · 21/08/2018 22:40

DS also going to Cardiff and accommodation confirmed some time ago (gap year so offer was unconditional). No deposit asked for as far as I know and DS is hyper organised so would have told me! Exciting times for them and us.

UrsulaPandress · 21/08/2018 23:24

A fruit bowl!

I'm impressed.

Daisymay2 · 22/08/2018 00:13

I was surprised Ursula 🙄. Btw I have just spotted 10%discount on Apple stuff via Apple for Education. Details on money saving expert. Apple Mac seemed de rigueur when we visited Exeter.

OhYouBadBadKitten · 22/08/2018 00:28

tv licence stuff www.tvlicensing.co.uk/cs/media-centre/news/view.app?id=1369782979800

partystress · 22/08/2018 00:43

OYBK have I read the TV licence stuff correctly? If watching on a laptop that isn't plugged into the mains, and parental home has a licence, the student doesn't need one? I know it's not a massive amount in the scheme of things, but ready to clutch at any straw right now!

JuneMyNameIsJune · 22/08/2018 00:50

Oh God this thread is making me feel worse! I was thrilled that DS managed to get on the right train to make a flying visit to his clearing offer!

So far he has lost his bank card (somewhere in his room), refuses to call the bank and assures me he has plenty of time to sort everything out. No mother/son bonding trips to Ikea here. When I suggested shopping he told me it was 2018 and the internet exists! He's getting our old kitchen stuff and bedding from his room that I'll replace when he's away.

Can I swap for one of your on-the-ball, organised and driven offspring who want to share the joy with you Grin. He is so laid back he's horizontal Hmm.

JuneMyNameIsJune · 22/08/2018 00:52

Oh and thank God they've guaranteed 1st year accommodation in halls. I just could not stand the trauma of searching for last minute accommodation.

ErrolTheDragon · 22/08/2018 00:55

I was coming here to post a slightly different link on tv licensing - essentially the same but maybe a bit clearer
http://www.tvlicensing.co.uk/check-if-you-need-one/for-your-home/students-aud1?WT.mc_id=r107&x=0

If watching on a laptop that isn't plugged into the mains, and parental home has a licence, the student doesn't need one?

Yes, so long as they don't use iPlayer. The thing about not being plugged in is because of an accommodation made for people who wanted to use portable TVs in their caravans, I believe.

partystress · 22/08/2018 01:01

. But you may be covered by your parents’ licence. If you think you are, please check that all of the following are true before telling us you don’t need one:
Your out-of-term address (parents’ address) is covered by a TV Licence
AND you only use TV receiving equipment that is powered solely by its own internal batteries
AND you have not connected it to an aerial or plugged it into the mains.

I read this as applying even if they do use iPlayer?

ErrolTheDragon · 22/08/2018 01:24

Sorry, yes I think you're right on second reading. There's some more details which I believe apply
If you already have a TV Licence for your address, you are already covered to download or watch BBC programmes on iPlayer when you’re on the go, provided the device you’re using isn’t plugged into the electricity mains at a separate address. If the device is plugged in at a separate address, you need to be covered by a licence at that address.

OhYouBadBadKitten · 22/08/2018 07:54

I think they are ok as long as it's not plugged in. If they aren't watching i player it's fine to have it plugged in.

flatmouse · 22/08/2018 08:22

Thanks for the link. My read is they do need one if they are going to Be watching at all.
I think plugged into mains point is relevant. Laptop/tablets will need plugging into mains, even if most of time you're watching you aren't.

Daisymay2 · 22/08/2018 08:39

June
I have been where you are , it's fine. Halls often have single beds but rented houses have doubles. So mine went with an old washable duvet and cover acquired from my parents house ( downsizing) I bought cheap fitted sheets. Then bought decent double stuff at start of second year. (And stored the singles for next DC) so don't rush to replace your stuff! Old kitchen stuff or Asda saucepan s are fine. Stuff gets borrowed burnt lost so don't worry about it. Dc2 has no idea what is his by the end of the year.

Original poster
Justanothermile · 22/08/2018 08:54

june - we are not organised here either, both DS and I need to get a wriggle on. He's working a lot until he starts, so slightly trickier but he's a laid back bugger anywaySmile. He doesn't start until 30 September so I still feel we've loads of time!

OP posts:
Iwanttoseethesea · 22/08/2018 08:59

Hi everyone . DS is off to Brighton. He's in a private rent as no halls where he's going. He leaves in 10 days ☹️

Daisymay2 · 22/08/2018 09:00

And in our case it was lost driving license - used for age ID in some places that was lost- although he was convinced he lost it on a cruise. It turned up in his room ( but not until he had paid for a replacement).

bruffin · 22/08/2018 09:01

June, nothing organised here yet, dd not in the country until 5th

captainoftheshipwreck · 22/08/2018 09:25

Still reeling from the fruit bowl! DD had to be reminded what an apple looked like Grin

marvelousways · 22/08/2018 10:05

Hello all, mind if I join you?
DD1 is off to her first choice, Leeds Uni, and has thankfully had her first choice accommodation confirmed. We have an ikea trip booked for this weekend, she has a pinterest board for room accesorising ideas!!!
For those with less interested dc - it will be fine. DS1 will be going into his third year at Uni this year. When he started he brought a rucksack of clothes and a box of books. That was it!! (admittedly he was in catered college accomodation , with bedding etc all provided) but he had no interest in anything else! Last year he used an upturned cardboard box as a bedside table and couldn't have cared less! He has made many friends, is doing fantastically in his degree and has been very happy - so all is not lost!

marvelousways · 22/08/2018 10:07

and actually I am also confused about tv licence....think dd will need one. DS hasn't had one I don't think, but I am fairly sure never watches bbc iplayer.....

JuneMyNameIsJune · 22/08/2018 10:25

"For those with less interested dc - it will be fine. DS1 will be going into his third year at Uni this year. When he started he brought a rucksack of clothes and a box of books. That was it!! "

This will be my son Grin

Seriously, thank you all for making me feel better. I'm normally a really calm, very pragmatic person but the unexpectedly crappy results, rollercoaster of clearing/flying visits/snap decisions to be made back-to-back has taken it's toll!

MrsFezziwig · 22/08/2018 10:25

@voilets my local uni charges per sheet for printing through their network printers (10p/25p for B & W/colour) so you may want to do some sort of calculation as to whether it’s cheaper to do that or buy your own printer (with all the associated costs). I think if you do a fair bit of printing the costs would soon mount up, and our uni is committed to printing less so they’re not going to make it a super-cheap option. I have to print though! (old gimmer). Just not used to reading lots of material on screens, though I’m sure the average 18 year old won’t have that problem.

If you google “printing costs” or similar on the Uni website you should find the info.

flatmouse · 22/08/2018 10:40

Re tv license, that link below states also required if watching sky go and YouTube - not just iPlayer!
Not sure I understand why YouTube is included, nor if Netflix would be (surely not as internet only service).

bruffin · 22/08/2018 11:04

"A halls communal licence won’t cover your room. But you may be covered by your parents’ licence. If you think you are, please check that all of the following are true before telling us you don’t need one:

Your out-of-term address (parents’ address) is covered by a TV Licence
AND you only use TV receiving equipment that is powered solely by its own internal batteries
AND you have not connected it to an aerial or plugged it into the mains."