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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:
flatmouse · 22/08/2018 11:12

Yes - in my opinion laptops/tablets are not covered by "powered solely by its own internal batteries"

Maladicta · 22/08/2018 11:15

Re. printers, we're going to wait until 2nd year. Knowing how un-tech savvy dd is, it'd be more trouble than it's worth.

So the next pressing question... mattress toppers - yay or nay?

bruffin · 22/08/2018 11:17

Flatmouse,
My friends ds was hassled last year by tv licence people and wrote that he was only watching on unplugged laptop and it was ok

SpareBedroom · 22/08/2018 11:20

Flat mouse I took it to mean only if you were watching a TV programme live via YouTube or SkyGo.

flatmouse · 22/08/2018 11:42

Mattress topper definitely from what I've heard! DS given one which is warm (furry ish) one side, cool (micro fibre) the other. Can get memory foam ones too.
Still undecided re tv license. DS would watch live (eg football) on sky go. Not sure he'd remember to always be unplugged!

SpareBedroom · 22/08/2018 12:20

Nokidshere DD has her accommodation sorted now. Smile She got what she wanted.

She's stuck with enrolment though because she hasn't been given a room number, and the enrolment process needs one. We are assuming that once the four-day window to accept accommodation is up and they know for definite who's going where, they'll allocate room numbers and then she can do that bit. If not we'll have to get in touch with them.

Still badgering here to change her bank account to a student one... Honestly it's like corralling a hedgehog.

SpareBedroom · 22/08/2018 12:21

*her

TheThirdOfHerName · 22/08/2018 12:44

DS1 has left for Reading, which gives me some space to focus on DS2, GCSE results and sixth form.

Daisymay2 · 22/08/2018 13:24

Dunno about matress topper but I made sure that they had decent matress covers, Most rentals/halls had them but they were the waterproof type which can be sweaty, so we bought thequilted covers.
Don't forget that halls are hot!!!
Also try to encourage them NOT to try to organise next year's rental by the end of November. The friendship groups change during the first year and they don't want to be tied into a rental with people they no longer like. DS2 did a semester abroad and had loads of messages from people wanting him to share for 3rd year as they were unhappy with their current group or wanted to replace an individual .We have found that not all of the good property goes early! DS2 did last year in a lovely newly renovated house with good insulation close to the Uni gate which was avilable in May. Having said that DS! was in a uni flat of 4 in first year and as still sharing with one of them and 2 from the flat next door in the third year.
( I can recommend a good letting agency in Nottingham and possibly Southampton ) if you PM me.)

HesMyLobster · 22/08/2018 13:36

Hello all. My DD1 is off on 23rd sept (just realised it's exactly a month tomorrow!Shock)

We haven't had accommodation details yet, so a bit stuck when it comes to shopping/preparing.
We did have a wander around ikea at the weekend just so DD could start making lists as she was desperate to get started.

She has to move out completely at the end of each term though, so I'm trying to encourage her to think minimal when it comes to packing! Confused

voilets · 22/08/2018 14:42

I think a mattress topper is a must. Some unis specify this. We bought a quilted one from Asda which is now being used for DC2. Washed well.

BambooWhoosh · 22/08/2018 14:47

Hi HesMyLobster! Where is your DD off to? My DS starts on 23rd Sept at York.

Original poster
Justanothermile · 22/08/2018 14:48

Has anyone found a university stationary set that is value for money, rather than buying each item individually?

DS is booked in for his meningitis jab.

I've started!!

OP posts:
voilets · 22/08/2018 15:21

Thanks mrs fezziwig for tip.
I've been giggling about laidback boys being described upthread - this was my boy 3 yrs ago. He only packed his computer, mum did all the rest. But he's done great with 1 year to go. Was and is far more organised than I could ever imagine.
I remember he had one damp drawer of clothes early on which i warned would end up with him smelling if he didn't dry them properly which he took on board sharpish.
Otherwise, he just coped with day to day.

Makes you proud. Smile

voilets · 22/08/2018 15:22

My DD about to go is complete opposite. Possibly too organised! Want her to chill a bit.

nokidshere · 22/08/2018 17:03

@SpareBedroom glad she got her choice 👍🏻 DS is going to Mayflower C

The online enrolment should have all the details and apparently that should come out around next week sometime.

Original poster
Justanothermile · 22/08/2018 18:30

marvellous we are close to Leeds, so any questions please ask!

OP posts:
cathyandclare · 22/08/2018 18:38

Hi all, OK if I join you?
DD2 is heading off to Bristol in September. She got the halls she wanted and we're number crunching. How much are people budgeting after catered accommodation costs?
DD1 has just graduated, so i should be more clued-up but Bristol is much, much, much more expensive than Cambridge.

cathyandclare · 22/08/2018 18:39

Hi Justanother

tothesideoftheirlives · 22/08/2018 18:47

DD is off to York moving in 23rd Sept - Alcuin college

We live a long distance away so trying to decide whether to use one of these courier companies, such as unibaggage or sendmybag, to make the journey easier as don't have a car, has anyone used these? Where they reliable?

UrsulaPandress · 22/08/2018 18:48

Pillows. I presume they need there own?

And where is everyone buying their mattress toppers from?

UrsulaPandress · 22/08/2018 18:49

Their. Obvs.

cathyandclare · 22/08/2018 18:59

I got DD1's topper, pillow and duvet online from soak and sleep. There's usually a voucher code around and they're pretty good quality. i just washed the (feather) topper and it's come out brilliantly.

Up there with the White Company ones we've got at home IMO

BambooWhoosh · 22/08/2018 19:00

@tothesideoftheirlives Oh another passenger for York! What subject is your DD doing? My DS is taking Maths & will be at James College.

partystress · 22/08/2018 19:01

To the side my DS is off to York too. His college offer a package to buy - basic is just bedding, but then there are lots of add ons. Didn't look massively overpriced. Maybe an option if you haven't already bought stuff?