Second year Oxbridge (2019)

[OhYouBadBadKitten]

I guess our dc would be known as Sophomores in the States Slightly scary eh?

This is a place to chat about the slightly strange and somewhat intense world our dc now inhabit during term time. It follows on from www.mumsnet.com/Talk/higher_education/3381401-Oxbridge-Freshers-2018

If parents of prospective oxbridge dc have any questions, we are happy to try our best to answer from our limited experience and perspective :)

@Sunndowne, everyone is well here thank you.
DD is disappointed not to be going back for Trinity. She was meant to take exams that account for 30% of final degree after Easter but these are now deferred to Michelmas. Her mini research project has been cancelled as has the overseas field trip in September for one of her modules. The department are discussing the possibility of extending the course by a further year to allow time to catch up on missed labs/teaching/research projects and summer field work.
Meanwhile, DS very unhappy not to have A Level exams.
Hope your family is keeping well and your DD is coping with all the uncertainty?

Aww. Ofteninaspin, real disappointments. Would be very nice if they extended a degree. My students also nervous about no A' levels.

I suppose I now feel so shocked how this virus is affecting people that I try to put it all in perspective : horrible health news and very sad news about people losing their jobs.

Still disappointing for uni students. DD has a bit more clarity now, is a bit sad but is adjusting. Taking one day at a time re: year abroad- a big unknown after working so hard to get good placements

Take care spin and family. Hopefully, it will all work out.

Best wishes to others

So sorry to hear about disappointments and uncertainty.

DD2 is also a devastated year 13. Not helped by the fact she's on day 16 of " a virus" and still feeling completely rubbish. I had the same thing and was pretty much recovered within a week.

We had some good news today for DD1 though which has cheered us all up.
She received her results from the Mods exams she sat at the end of term - she got a first!!
She's over the moon, and I'm just so relieved that she's happy.
She really did work hard so I'm glad it's paid off for her

Congratulations to DD1 Lobster. That is wonderful news.

And I do hope DD2 picks up soon. So horrid to not be well right now!

Very well done to DD1 Lobster!

Great news lobster’s DD. Lovely to have some positive news.

I feel so sorry for those A level students, DD is year 12 and would have been devastated I’m sure.

DS had an email regarding Trinity term and assessments this morning, it must be a nightmare for universities to try and plan ahead without any idea of how things will look. He is quite philosophical about it all, saying that he’s really glad he’s not either first or third year. He’s more sorry that the first years will miss out on post exam trashing, he says it was one of the best days of his life!

Best wishes everyone!

My DD also said firm friends were made around exam time. Sad for 1st and 3rd years I agree.

Yes, very sad for finalists and freshers. DD is sad that her college kids won’t get to experience trashing this year.
DD is definitely feeling better now that some clear plans are emerging. Hope all your DC are getting some clarity too.

Think they are coming to terms with the change in plans. DS has a group video chat planned with his friends so it’s good that they are finding ways to keep in touch through this.

Well done Lobster's dd.

I guess we will all go and collect their stuff at the end of lockdown.

DD’s college has asked that, once lockdown is lifted, students make an appointment to collect their belongings. Tbey were each provided with boxes so that their stuff could be put in storage whilst college was deep cleaned.
I hope all your families are safe and well.

DS has to confirm last week that he wanted to cancel his tenancy agreement for next term, to avoid paying rent. I presume this is a formality so that the college can make an insurance claim to cover lost rent maybe? He was in a flat so had left some belongings which we have to collect when lockdown is lifted, he then has to return his key.

They have had to give the college information regarding their working setup at home(internet connection, computer availability etc). He has also been told that his collections are cancelled and he is wondering if the exams, currently shifted to Michaelmas term, will actually take place. He’s speculating that these won’t happen because of the workload next term.

I’m much more concerned about the impact on DD who is in year 12, I don’t know what the impact will be upon her A level studies , especially knowing the content they need to cover.

That's interesting ofteninaspin. DD no news except she won't be charged for room. Her year abroad feels in the balance a d a bit unnerving, don't want her I'll abroad if she goes.

I understand about Yr 12 courses bakeandyarn but ofqual will have a plan in place.

My DD is still working very hard. Has exams and coursework to hand in. Silver lining: keeps her focused and busy. Missing friends and summer study in the beautiful grounds.

Stay well all.

@Bakeandyarn, I understand your concern re current year 12. It is a difficult situation for them and the current year 10 and 12. I hope you get some clarity soon.

DD's exams (30% of her degree) were due after Easter and they have definitely moved to Michelmas. Her field trip to Borneo wasn't until September but the initial costs have been refunded already. DD will not be charged rent for Trinity and is not looking forward to working online next term.

@Sunndowne, I do hope your DD's year abroad can go ahead as planned - there is so much uncertainty with all their plans.

At least they (and we) are in the same boat and it's good to have the thread.

DD seems to be working v hard. Glad we are all 4 home together; 5 including the cat :)

Sounds cosy ohtheroses. So nice to be a unit again. My daughter made me a family album for my bday today!! My DS has been 4 weeks completely alone except a busy virtual life. He even exercises at home.

Actually, he's considering moving home until all over as is working on laptop. But did have a re-emergence of symptoms and asked his GP's advice today.

So sad many of our DC's plans going AWOL. We have to trust they'll get through it. And would be nice if uni can compensate a bit. Extra time would be lovely ofteninaspin. Strikes were not helpful in this situation.

@Sunndowne Happy Birthday

Thank you. I won't mention my age!!!
How are you @OhYouBadBadKitten ?
And other mums on this thread?
It's so disappointing for our DC isn't it. Doesn't seem quite natural for the young to be stuck at home.

Sorry ohtheroses, I'm sure I read someone (and I thought it was you)
was enjoying all being together, hence my comments about being cosy! Can't find it now.

I think you're right Sunndowne. All four of us together with the cat. So glad both DC are home.

We’re four plus one (a student whose parents are overseas) and a cat 🐈.
It is surprisingly noisy when we’re all on Zoom/conference calls! We are fortunate to have many walks/cycle trails on our doorstep and a weekly grocery delivery. So all is well.

We are 4 plus and extra one who's parents are abroad too. Plus the dog!
Poor dog is exhausted as he's being walked at least 3 times a day while everyone takes turns!
DD is reading and reading in preparation for the new term.
I'm worried about her eyes - she had some problems with them earlier in the year and her hospital referral should have been last week but was of course cancelled.
And with no library access most of the reading is online, which is the worst thing for her vision.
Just have to keep reminding her to take regular eye breaks!

She's sad not to be going back - she was so looking forward to this term enjoying the sunshine with no exams looming.

So sorry to hear about all the spoiled plans, it's such a shame for them to be missing out on some of the most exciting times of their lives

DD's summer placement in Italy and Greece is cancelled, and not sure it's something she'll ever get a second chance at.

I am grateful for the family time we have now that we wouldn't have otherwise though.

@HesMyLobster sorry to hear about the cancelled summer placement your DD had organised ☹️.
We were due to take DD back tomorrow for exams and the reality of Trinity term online is really sinking in.
You make a good point about the eye strain. DD is getting headaches and I think it might be due to reading online.
Being together is definitely a plus. I am thankful this happened before the summer hols when it might have become difficult to get them all home.

My DD had a remote mtg today to be told all the scenarios going forward for Year 3. YA students cannot study in Cambridge if they can't travel and have to learn remotely!

Oh @Sunndowne, that’s a very disappointing scenario. Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that.
DD’s dept have effectively swapped second year Trinity term with Third year Michelmas. At some point in the summer vac DD will have to resume revising for second year exams (20% of final degree). Still waiting on decision re an extra year to make up for missed field courses, labs and projects.
Hope everyone else is muddling through ok? 💐