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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:
voilets · 25/08/2018 20:37

Thanks for web page attachment kitten - I found it useful and will share with DD at a good moment. Sadly, she's been feeling nervous about it all today.

voilets · 25/08/2018 20:38

Re: Sainsburys - DD has her eye on a good throw and cushion from there and likes their stuff generally.

Hecticlifeanddrowning8 · 26/08/2018 06:50

Did you all get a meningitis jab booked through the gp?
Also does anyone know if they register with any doctor in the area of the uni or if they have to use specific ones? My dd1 suffers with many chest infections a year.

Original poster
Justanothermile · 26/08/2018 07:23

DS has booked a meningitis ACWY jab via the GP, it seems unclear from reading around whether some will already be covered via previous jabs.

I think that they register with the university GP, or that seems to be the advice coming from DS's university at least.

Another Lancaster Pendle student to be in our house. I've no idea if DS has started any chats etc with potential fellow college members, I think he might have liked their Facebook page, but that is all!

That's a great link kitten, thank you for sharing.

OP posts:
Original poster
Justanothermile · 26/08/2018 07:26

Blimey too struck, I meant to mention that living overseas adds a whole different dimension to the logistics. You are probably fairly used to this, it seems pretty daunting to me.

OP posts:
vivprod · 26/08/2018 07:37

Hi went shopping for uni stuff yesterday for DD it finally has dawned on me that she will be leaving in a couple of weeks. Full of mixed emotions. I know that she feels the same, her moods at the moment are very up and down. I want to wish all young people embarking on this next journey in their life the very best of everything, good luck.

flatmouse · 26/08/2018 08:17

DS checked with dr and has already had all necessary jabs, (meningitis one was in 2016j.
His university say they register with university gp. Saw on another thread about prescription charges. Have been looking at HC1, not done anything with it yet!

bruffin · 26/08/2018 08:25

Dd also needed hep B as she is doing a health course. We had to get it privately as she also needed it for Camp America.

nokidshere · 26/08/2018 13:30

Part of me is being frugal and kitting DS out from my kitchen since we have lots, and part of me is wanting to buy him everything new for his new adventure Grin what's everyone else doing.

I have to buy pans, bedding because we don't have these but I pretty much have enough of everything else.

bruffin · 26/08/2018 13:45

We have so much stuff as both DM and DMIL died a few years back and also stuff DS had for uni, not really going to buy DD much.
Until she is back im not even going to look, but DS said he would sort her kitchen stuff out from the garage and said he would lend her his smoothie maker if he can find it.

ErrolTheDragon · 26/08/2018 13:46

I did a mix. For some items, she got the old one and I have the new. Bear in mind that anything left in a shared kitchen may be misappropriated or broken.

I've still got one or two things my mum gave me of hers nearly 40 years ago!

WhirlyGigWhirlyGig · 26/08/2018 13:54

I'll read this thread properly later after I've finished some diy making my husband use the saw instead of me

Dd off to Southampton in under a month, my first child to go.

Original poster
Justanothermile · 26/08/2018 14:07

A mix for us too of older things and a few new bits. We had a horse box until recently so a lot of the cutlery, pans and bedding are coming from there. Which is useful for me, as they are sat there doing nothing and it was cheap stuff anyway.

I'm going to send a double duvet for a single bed, extra warmth and comfort. Anyone else? Or is that stupid.Smile

OP posts:
TheThirdOfHerName · 26/08/2018 14:13

Justanothermile DS1 is taking a double duvet for a single bed.

ErrolTheDragon · 26/08/2018 14:17

DD wondered about taking a double duvet but then decided two singles would be more adaptable.

SpareBedroom · 26/08/2018 14:23

We've bought a double duvet too. She has a double on her single bed at home and prefers it, plus she might need a double in the second and third years, so it seemed worth the extra initial outlay.

TheMamaG · 26/08/2018 14:34

user1471450935 my dd got her first choice accommodation too, they’ve been very communicative which is good. I really like the city and the uni, great they can just walk everywhere, no travel costs or worries getting home after a night out.

cakesandtea · 26/08/2018 15:17

Any experience of DSA when applying through clearing, last minute?

Any DC living at home, what to plan for in that case?

user1471450935 · 26/08/2018 17:30

themamaG
Yes university been helpful. Great small campus. Just the Steep hill to climb, if you need to.
Hecticlife yes you can get MenACWY jab through gp, but Ds had his in year11, and according to gp that fine.
Yes he will register with univrrsity medical centre. Though Lincoln tell them to keep with their own dentist.

TheThirdOfHerName · 26/08/2018 17:52

@cakesandtea have sent you a PM

Lily125 · 26/08/2018 19:47

DS is getting a bit organised; the pile of useful things to take to uni is nearly complete, and he's checked his vaccinations are all up to date. I'm a bit worried I can't really tell how he's feeling about it all though, have to remind myself he's never one for showing big emotions. Also I'm starting to feel unsettled that Warwick send out accommodation details so late, really hoping it won't be too much longer now as it's just 4 weeks till moving in weekend.

GreenShadow · 26/08/2018 20:22

A lot of universities seem to offer a bed mid-way between a single and a double (well - at least the two my DC have been to) which means a double duvet. More to the point, it means you have to have flat, rather than fitted, bottom sheets and mattress protectors are even harder!

Diggywinks · 27/08/2018 06:27

DS didn’t get his chosen course and was going to take a gap year but got a good offer through clearing. We’re now trying to get everything sorted but the uni website won’t let him register and the deadline for accommodation applications is Friday. Of course everything is shut until after the bank holiday weekend so there is nothing we can do. I feel he is rushing into this course and would prefer it if he took some time to decide as he has good grades. Anyway, trying to be supportive but very stressed! It was much easier last year when DD went to uni as she was ready and it was planned. I think I wasn’t mentally prepared for this one.

vivprod · 27/08/2018 07:11

My DD is very quiet, does not drink and not a party going sort of girl. She has been contacted by a couple of students that she will be sharing with and they are already talking about having parties and about the copious amount of drink they are going to consume. She is now worried that she will not fit in and that they will be partying all the time and be making loads of noise. I am worried for her :(

feltcarrot · 27/08/2018 07:44

vivprod my DS is the same, doesn’t drink and never got into the party scene, didn’t even go to prom. He’s the opposite of his older sister!
I do worry that he’ll spend his time in his room gaming and not make any friends. I just keep telling him that uni is what you make it and to still go out even if he just wants to drink lemonade!