UEA freshers

[juicy0]

I've never done this before but hopefully I have managed to set up a new thread for UEA specific posts.
Perhaps someone can let me know if it's worked!

any parent of three will agree that if even one is missing, it seems so quiet and civilised in comparison

@CointreauVersial absolutely agree. The difference really is quite marked.

Struck me this morning that all our DC going to UEA head off two weeks today / tomorrow. We are in a fairly rural area so nice long walk with the dog this morning out in the country. A good load of blackberries collected, and whilst DS2 is partial to a blackberry and apple crumble I'm wondering whether Blackberry Gin could be a better option :) (for me, not him)

Anyone with DC doing BA Geog?
DD has just looked at her timetable and each lecture says it's for BSc rather than BA. She is on the right course on her course profile so I'm wondering if both BA and BSc do the same modules this semester?

Just being nosey (no Geography student here, nor UEA fresher, although DS2 is besotted with the place after a visit and one of DD's friends is definitely applying for next year), it looks like the two degree strands have three compulsory modules in common in first year - ENV 4001, 4004 and 4010?

I remember them saying that year 1 is a very broad introduction so I would imagine most, if not all, of the first modules are the same. Even after year 1 you seemed to be free to pick from either the BSc or BA modules so I think its probably right that most of year 1 is the same. Sorry I dont know the module numbers. It's a bit confusing that they are only labelling them BSc though. As the years go on there must be more and more compulsory modules, otherwise why have a BSc and a BA?? Not sure. The broad range of options was attractive to my DS who likes both human and physical geography.

Can anyone tell me if there was a specific email for choosing modules. DS has had nothing and there is no timetable to view. He is doing economics- considering emailing the department tomorrow to see if he’s missed something

@NotSorry I know not all subjects have modules. My ds is biology and says he has no modules to choose. He can't see his timetable. Though that doesn't mean it's not there. A friend also doing biology could see his a week or so ago. But friend is commuting so we wondered whether he has access to timetable sooner, so he can arrange transport etc.

Yes, I wondered that about the BA Geography (my DS doing it too) @juicy0 but came to the same conclusion as @Sluj. DS is actually considering converting to the BSc, so we shall see what transpires.

@NotSorry, tell your DS to log-in to 'e-vision' and check his 'student' page/tab. that will tell him if there are modules to choose - although he will have to go into the 'modules' option to check.

Sure DS's last 'accommodation' email indicated that there would be another one at the tail end of the week that's just gone. No indication that he's received one, so will need to check today.

What are the DS's intending on wearing for the Fresher's Ball?

When he clicks on his profile, it looks like this

@NewModelArmyMayhem18 thanks, yes I told him to look there but he just says they have to do all biology modules first year.

My ds hasn't bought tickets to the ball. He says he doesn't want to go. But if he changes his mind when he actually gets there it would be black jeans and a shirt. His black jeans look like smart trousers rather than jeans. He doesn't have a suit that fits. I bought him one for year 11 ball. But the jacket is now too tight.

Well that sounds about right @icanbewhatiwant, based on the fact that the only module option DS had any choice in (but not really) is the maths one.

DS certainly doesn't have anything approaching a dinner jacket. He has grown out of all his sixth form suits, so it will have to be the black (dress up, dress down) jeans from Zara and a shirt for him.

I am hoping that as it's at the end of Freshers' Week rather than the beginning, he will have started to make some friendships and that those friends will have tickets. It sounds enormous fun.

I don't think all courses have optional modules in the first year; pretty sure Psychology doesn't.

But we don't know for sure, because DD1 still hasn't registered. I found that there is a deadline for registration, which is tomorrow (9th). We are off out shopping shortly, and I've told DD1 that we're not leaving the house until she takes her passport photo, then she can complete registration tonight. Honestly, it shouldn't be this hard!

One good thing - her student bank account is now up and running, and Student Finance has been informed of the change. She didn't have to go into branch to confirm her identity (they were happy with emailed copies of driving licence and bank statement from other bank), thank goodness.

@NewModelArmyMayhem18 yes the ball is at the end of freshers week. My son is doing the first party, a neon party and a safari party. All are before the ball. He did buy a second week armband as they were quite cheap. He said the ball was expensive. So didn't bother. (week one armband ms were sold as I found out on here)

Thank you @sluj @NewModelArmyMayhem18 for your advice regarding BA geography timetable, best thing is for DD to go along with it for now assuming it's correct particularly as they have her on the correct course on evision.
Two field trips in the first week too, they will be busy 👍🏼

Busy and tired @sluj and @juicy0.

I did Environmental Sciences when I was at UEA and I think Geography is in the same department. I remember the 1st week had field trips even then!

DD4 is there and adores it. She says that the balls are really discos, and nobody dresses up. Also, she recommends enjoining BuddySU, it’s apparently lol a about encouraging first years to take opportunities and they have an older volunteer as a point of contact by email.

DD also doesn’t drink and hasn’t never had an issue- apparently the sports office is very strict on initiations!

I have yet to hear anyone say anything in the least bit negative about UEA. When I tell people where DS is going, their eyes tend to light up! Clearly our DC are onto a great thing.

Thanks for info about the balls and the not drinking @MyMagicStars. Awful initiation ceremonies are really the ultimate in bullying, aren't they?

My son forwarded me an email from UEA last night with lots of info in it. It was called accommodation handbook. 72 pages of it. I expect there is a book the same that some of you may have picked up. I haven't finished reading it all yet.
I expect it went out to everyone. Thought I'd let you all know incase your dc's don't tell you. I haven't found anything in there I hadn't already yet. Apart from it says their rooms are covered by UEA insurance. I'm sure I read somewhere else that this didn't cover laptops.

Yes, UEA Endsleigh insurance covers most things but not laptops (which are probably the one item most likely to be stolen in the event of a theft!). On the general 'off to uni' thread, someone suggested checking one's home insurance policy (and potentially getting DC student cover for valuable items added, if it's not included already).

A 72 page accommodation handbook is a bit long!

The keeping their key with them at all times will be a challenge. Are their university ID badges on lanyards when they are given them, does anyone know?

Yes I've asked DH to phone insurance company today. Ds's phone isn't worth that much. But the laptop is.

Yes I thought that about the key. But ds is used to carrying about his car keys anyway.

The UEA Insurance DOES cover laptops and tablets but only if stolen from their rooms - not when they're out and about (have printed off the certificate of insurance). As DD's laptop is the size and weight of a paving slab, I don't imagine it will leave her room.

Actually, about that.....are they supposed to take them to lectures etc?

4th line down.

Anyway, the big news at Chateau Cointreau is that DD1 has FINALLY taken and submitted her passport photo! But only after receiving a sharp nudge email from the university to finish registration. Another tick for the list....

@CointreauVersial so does that mean they are covered up to £2,000? His laptop isn't worth that much.