Going to university (2019/20 academic year) - wave goodbye to family, say hello to fellow students and key uni staff and they're settling in (hopefully)

[NewModelArmyMayhem18]

Previous thread. Possibly a little precipitous but for some of our DC their university start date is only just over a fortnight away. Yikes!

Yes all those boys must’ve felt terribly inadequate.

Know Cardiff well @Jo4Laurie and it is a great place to be a student. The university has a very good reputation too obvs depending on subject.

We've hit our first speed bump, DD's initial DSA paperwork has been 'misplaced' so we have to resubmit it

Luckily I scanned everything before it was sent so we don't have to scramble back to the GP's for medical evidence. Just an annoyance really, as she's already been approved and had the assessment so it's literally at the point of support being arranged.

Hopefully it won't delay stuff for too long.

@singingstones thank you! DD is chatting with new flatmates and seems ok about it - was a bit upset to get Uni halls 45 mins from campus and shared bathroom (but so cheap at 4400/year!) But it seems like a friendly group:) Sometimes things can work out for the best (I hope!)

Frozen hearts Am I missing something?

Its getting very real here, uni 7 Sept.

DD is in regular contact with her room mate, which is working well as they can check things out with eachother, and they have lots of small things in common so lots to find out first few days.

We've hired a motorhome (cheaper than train & accommodation 350 miles). We can have it early Thurs am, so need to think about our own stuff to take. Knowing DD she'll be packing her stuff still when we're about to leave. Just phoned uni and we can take motorhome on campus and put in coach bay. It's got a massive boot, far more than DD will need for her stuff.

bigTilly there was always chuntering (from the boys) about condoms not being big enough. I would counteract that by a demo with a condom and the biggest cucumber Safeway had. Quickest way to shut them up.

Serin

Just sewing possibly the last ever Cash’s name label into Dd2 last ever new school skirt. Ran out of name labels for Dd1 as I thought of sewing one in (as a joke) on the sturdy coat I keep telling her I am going to get her for University.

Next I have to sew name labels into FIL’s stuff as his lovely carehome prefer cash’s name labels too. Cycle of life and all that!

I think the sign Dd is an adult is when she succumbs to a practical coat.

Mustbe for a biology lesson!!

How much cutlery are they taking? We have a 16 piece set, but if everyone in her flat takes that!? I thought 2 of everything about right. And 2 plates, cups etc.

Dd is taking 2 of everything.

@Jo4Laurie I bet in 3 months your DD will be saying thank goodness I ended up in Cardiff!

Mustbe for a biology lesson!!
Ah, nothing to do with condoms then!
When I dissected a heart at school I took it home for the cat afterwards!
Love the support on this thread.

%How much cutlery are they taking? We have a 16 piece set, but if everyone in her flat takes that!? I thought 2 of everything about right. And 2 plates, cups etc.*
That's what mine have always taken - those ones with plastic handles (red this time so he knows they are his) - £6 in Asda.

Two plates etc. Maybe more glasses

Ds had 2 of everything although several glasses swiftly disappeared after a freshers' party, so don't pack anything precious. He kept much in his room as no lockable kitchen cupboard. It is packed up for dd but currently missing utensils, sharp knife and pasta bowls, mislaid along the way of subsequent house-shares and teatowels now only fit for the bin. Don't forget antibac wipes , washing up sponges/brush (or the brush sponges you fill with washing up liquid), j cloth. Remember they will have internet access and many lifeskillls can swiftly be learnt via youtube and recipes from bbc food where student, quick and microwave meals can be searched.

Cutlery - going for the two of everything here as well. Bought a fairly cheap 16 piece from Asda on the basis that doubtlessly there will be breakages, and if not will still do for second / third year. Couple of mugs from home, glasses in packs of 4 and probably easier to transport in original packaging.

2 of everything except the cutlery which came as a set from IKEA for buttons. Given his condition, he has a hard time keeping track of his stuff or even recognising what is his. I've bought some bright duck tape to mark some stuff with in the hope he might manage to keep track of it. Dark towels and bedding given his clothes are mainly black, grey or dark blue. That way everything can go in the wash together. He is taking a black shirt in case he needs to be smart at any point. His personal shopping seems to consist of some new vinyl lps for his record player....

referencing life skills on youtube

although whether any Uni hall rooms would necessarily have the requisite space is a whole other matter

boys3 just sat Dd down to watch that. We are impressed

Practical coat! Knew we’d forgotten something.

DD's BF of nearly 4 years has just dumped her. Obviously she is very upset, but in many ways I am glad. He went to university last year and had changed from a lovely, kind considerate young man into a very arrogant, cocky, selfish individual. I'm pretty sure he has cheated on her as well. One of her friends cancelled this afternoon's plans and came round straight away. Another is on the other side of the country and has just booked a train ticket home.

At least she will have a brand new start at university and be able to have some fun without any ties.

Oh no @TapasForTwo why the big change in the bf? I hope all lads don't change like that at university. DD sounds like she has good friends.

My DS found a George Foreman Grill indispensable! He is now on mark 2 and has moved from the small 2 portion one (means 1 portion) to a 5 portion one (means 2 portion) so he can cook with it for twice. I think more than 2 mugs are handy to have (50p ones from charity shops) and an overdoor hanger. The thin metal Lidl overdoor hangers (when they have them as a special) seem to cope well with university hall doors. A tray is useful if they are the sort of teen who likes to study (or game) while eating.(also means they make less mess in their rooms)

Much sympathy Tapas, we’re still in the midst of the breakup trauma here.

(& yes this is the nicest higher ed thread ever!)

This has worked well for dirty washing and doubling up as an extra seat
www.lidl.co.uk/en/MiddleofLidl.htm?articleId=24903