Our DC are nearly all officially students now (going to university 2019/20) - seizing the moment, spending, socialising, societies and studying!

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[Edited by MNHQ to fix the link]

The packing is mostly done here. Two medium size bags of clothes & then several boxes of kitchen equipment. It looks like ds is in a flat of 15 so not sure how easy it will be to get near the cooker

@Benjispruce DS also felt the same after his Oxford interview stay.He too is going to Durham but is beginning to worry a bit about being looked down on (state comp). We didn't get that impression on the open day though on the offer holders visit there was one lad in particular making a big deal out of unpleasantly mimicking another's scouse accent so I'm hoping it's just nerves leading him to focus on that.

I've just seen that DD has packed a suitcase entirely full of shoes, trainers and boots! I may ask her to do a practise run of packing the car so that she can reassess her priorities!

DS has his walking boots and one pair of trainers...There have been words about too much to carry....

More or less packed here too. We are leaving early tomorrow. Hoping to go to GBK tonight for a burger - if DH ever finishes his work call!
It has just dawned on DS that it is likely they will have 6 cheese graters, 6 colanders, 6 chopping boards etc. For some reason, this has amused him! Two of his flatemates arrive today - along with their two cheese graters no doubt!
Having asked him all week if he has anything that needs washing he has just come down with some jeans and asked if it it too late to get them washed! I suspect that we will be packing them still damp.

@Piggywaspushed - Hope your DS finds things a bit easier over this weekend and the start of next week.

I'm so pleased that DC1 is totally not bothered about clothes! Entire wardrobe is jeans, band or nerdy teeshirts, checked shirts, and Doc Martin's.

They've had a good week. Joined some Socs, been to gigs, went to climate march today. Work actually starts next week.

DS has been on the phone twice today. His railcard posted monday has gone walkabout, would I sort it. Well no it was through his Santander account so they will not speak to me. He phoned to ask how to make scotch pancakes even though he has made them at home. He says he has an awful cold feeling really ill. His bro. says he is going to a nightclub tonight. There was me feeling guilty mum like nurturer. He has just phoned again what is his pin number for his new card. Standing in a queue in Morrisons.

He is really grumpy and abrupt must be the cold I suppose.

All packed here. Those vacuum bags are magical aren't they? Unfortunately DD's health is a cause of concern so I have told her she needs to register with a GP straight away and make an appointment.

So great to hear lots of happy, settled students. Ds is staying at home so none of this packing and moving away stuff. He's just desperate for lectures to start now.

Sorry your ds is not having the best start, Piggy. I hope someone's lovely dd or ds takes him under their wing.

Piggy I think it's not uncommon for dteens to feel totally lost when they start at univ - although not all will talk about it - and things pick up when they start lectures. Before that it can all seem a bit purposeless I think. Your ds is lucky to have you at the end of the line! Sometimes phone calls for help about practical things may be more about a wish to talk to a familiar/loved one.

I hope your DS starts to feel better soon Piggy hopefully once lectures start, the routine will help him settle in.

Tinsel I don’t think DD will deal with snobs very well. State comp here too and all power to them. Makes me even prouder of her achievements!

Benji dd's another state comp going to Durham.

I have said to her that there may be a greater proportion of public school, but actually those I knew at uni from those were usually fairly normal once you got to know them.
She generally takes people as they come so I'm not to worried about that.

Oh don’t get me wrong. DD has no problem with anyone who has been to public school. By snobs I mean those who think they are superior because of their privileged upbringing.

@Benjispruce, bengalcat, Witchend and Tinseltrauma, DS is another one going to Durham from a state comp. Also pushed to apply for Oxbridge, but thankfully didn't get to interview stage. He was looking at his FB group and finding others who went to state schools this evening before he went to the pub

I haven't posted for a while but starting to feel I can't because of anti private school comments
My DC are/were at private schools. My choice, not their choice.
And because of the local schools available and our odds on the distance from school etc, DH and I chose to send the DC to private schools.
We struggled to pay the fees.
Old cars
Basic holidays.
And not at "top" boarding schools
They are not "snobs"
They are normal, grounded children.
Looking to make friends and work hard.
Not to be prejudged on parental choice.
Or on others prejudices.
Why should they be judged on my choices - and my sacrifices?

Well that was a marathon journey, shouldn't of been but cars have obviously been crashing a lot today! 8 hours in a car plus 2 hours making her room straight. Now to clean my house tomorrow

My DD was privately educated too . She’s a normal kid as are her friends .

Aww, Piggy, your post about your DS floundering with cooking pasta and washing clothes really tugged my heartstrings. All these things that they've never had to think about before. DD1 does at least know her way around a kitchen, but I'm really hoping there's some fresher solidarity which will help her navigate the inevitable obstacles.

We're up at at 6am and off to UEA tomorrow - the car is mostly packed, but it hasn't really hit home how much I'll miss her. As will DD2.

Just had the "birth control" chat. Yes, she's 18 already, but a complete innocent, and never had a boyfriend. I'm sure she'll be sensible, but I won't be there....

I think you may be on the wrong thread @2919HereWeGo I have not seen anyone discussing private re state education. I would not be on here if that was the case. This is a long running thread about our DCs heading off to university and all the trials and tribulations that come with it.

Mine went off to the FPC for the pill - a couple of her friends joined her - the ‘ three wise virgins ‘ lol - at least they’re prepared ( got given condoms too )

We are all packed and ready to leave in the morning. He's packed the whole house so he can't have forgotten anything 😂

@justasking111
I hope you are right but I have been following this thread since the beginning and recent comments recently on "snobs" and "state schools" made me wonder.......
I don't care which schools anyone went to.

I do care if they are judged on parental choice.
And "snobs" come from both state and private sector and are equally ghastly imo.

I should also say that I have very much appreciated the guidance support on this thread generally.
I just didn't expect the comments about looking for other state school children etc.