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

[NewModelArmyMayhem18]

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[Edited by MNHQ to fix the link]

DS just told me 3 different friends are hating their unis, and want to change halls/change course/go home, after just a few days. He is now so nervous. It melts my heart

@Piggywaspushed wow! Has his grade gone up too?

@minesawine yes a work colleague said today that her niece had been at university a week and has come home. Didn't like it. I've told my ds he can home if he really didn't like it. But I'd like to think he'd give it a few more weeks.

That should say doesn't like it 😳

@Benjispruce thanks, I'll point him in that direction as he will be paying for that himself. Presuming he has money left - he has been partying big time with his mates and making the most of London before he goes... Although he is looking forward to getting to uni and meeting some more motivated students as all bar one of his mates are having gap years.

So sorry to hear that some aren't enjoying their uni/course, etc. It is a very big step for some youngsters.

Yes tilly, went up to a C. The original examiner had basically given him virtually no credit for anything!

I think Freshers week is tough for many. There isn’t really enough going on to keep them occupied when they very possibly won’t know anyone else. I think if any dc have severe wobbles it would be good if they could be persuaded to wait till they have had a week of lectures before deciding.

Coming home at weekends (if practical) may also help to ease the transition

Really feeling for those who are struggling with the change. I'm predicting a wobble for mine in 3/4 weeks when reality really hits & the nights get darker.

In the meantime, we got a photo of the Asda shopping trip. There was even a pepper & a bag of spinach!!!

Dd2 has been at the gym every day so far. I wont recognise her! Having got very drunk last night with her flat mates she cleared her head by a good wander round the dock area. I think she s looking forward to getting started with her course next week

I've had a very unmumsnetty chat with dd. I've said please don't give up. Stick it out. You are bound to have shite days. It's basically 2.5 years which will fly by. Just try and do your best. But at the same time, if things are really desperate, call me and I'll be there in 2.5 hours.

That's all i can do.

@Piggywaspushed congratulations to your DS on the grade increase.
It’s so unfair that poor marking can deprive students of their rightful grade. I hope he was very pleased.

Freshers is odd - it’s like an entire week to settle in, but almost no structured stuff. There are a few departmental intro sessions but not much. It’d be good if the uni pastoral side of things had some more support pieces in place especially to encourage the more introverted/quiet students - freshers just seems like clubbing/partying etc. I know there are other societies but that’s the headline that comes across

DD starts in October, so she is still enjoying her free time. Yesterday I came home to a cooked meal and errands done .
They start with lectures on how to start, tutorials explaining exam regulations etc. Students are advised to take part in these excercises, before the real work starts on the 14th.

@Trewser that was good advice to your DD.
My DDs BFF wasn't very settled at her uni towards the end of the first term and DD encouraged her to make more effort - join more clubs, put herself out there. She did and it worked

My DS seems fairly relaxed about it all, he is having a last meal out tonight with all his 6th form friends, a fab day out tomorrow in London playing in a prestigious cricket game (no idea how he was selected ) & then packing & an evening out with his girlfriend on Thursday, we leave early Fri morning (obviously not bothered about a nice farewell evening with mum & dad!). He also hasn’t bothered trying to get in touch with any flat mates.

I did offer, in a rare moment of generosity, to buy him a ticket for the Freshers events but he said he wasn’t that interested. I think he will go to one or two of the quieter events & look for the sports societies.

Dds casual summer job gave her lots of hours for June, July and Aug and a few in Sept but seems to have petered out now so she has lots of time on her hands to not help out at home so I have tasked her with a room blitz and a clothes audit in case she needs anything buying.

Like a proper coat with a hood which she still insists she doesn't need and that her leather jacket will do.

@Trewser .. I shall be having that chat in next couple of days !! .... DS is quite stoic and sees me as fussing around .. I'm hoping he loves it .. but if he doesn't I expect him to stick it out until Xmas at least !

Proper coat defo needed in York

Well done Piggy's ds!

I can't get mine to get a "proper" coat either. He's so used to going everywhere in the car, he won't know what's hit him!

Ds kept talking about buying himself a coat which was actually properly waterproof (Manchester = rain!) but didn't get round to it. I guess he will when he gets wet

He's taking a while to feel relaxed there, but fortunately his department have lots of introductory talks and activities on, so he's keeping quite busy, which is helping.

DD supposed to start uni on Saturday but sadly had an appendectomy on Saturday plus readmission with an infection. Got out of hospital today, weak and only just on the road to recovery.

I’m worrying she’ll miss all the friend making fun.

Not sure whether she’ll be recovered in time for the following Saturday.

Off to Nottingham to study music when she finally gets there!

What awful timing Alijane46. I hope she makes a speedy recovery

Ginfordinner thank you, rubbish timing indeed!

Alijane46 oh your poor Dd :( what rotten timing!

I think the late nights/too much alcohol combined with being on ‘best’ behaviour with new people & not a lot to do during the day is a killer in terms if settling in. It’s so much better to keep them busy with course/department stuff.

Dd left at 5:30 this morning for her first proper day! I’m not sure how long she’ll manage the commute (she’s working 7-3 every day) rather than living in (£180 a month including food, laundry & use of hotel facilities off peak ... the room is much nicer than the rooms with saw at Southampton too!) but we’ll see!