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]

Re: noise at night, ear plugs or in my case I have ear buds bluetooth so no wires and I listen to netflix, one ear bud in whilst other charged up am away in no time. @DishingOutDone ,

@justasking

Is his home contract a zero hours contract? If so he can accept employment anywhere else so would not need a P45 from his local job. Just beware if his local job contract says anything about not being available for work for extended periods (ie while he is away) just to avoid any scenario where they are not obliged to offer him hours in the holidays

Thank you @mum2eim isn't that telling they both used the same phrasing. @justasking111 - I hadn't recommended ear plugs to her as they make me feel odd (as if we are the same person ) but I will do as its not just this party that's an issue.

Also @justasking111, the new (additional) employer can complete a new starters form without the P45 - hope this link helps:

www.gov.uk/government/publications/paye-starter-checklist

@DishingOutDone these are the ear plugs my DD has as they cut out extra noise. They are not completely noise cancelling but work for her.

www.amazon.co.uk/gp/f.html?R=3FWHC0OAV4EMA&C=1VAYFMVJ4YLY6&T=C&U=https%3A%2F%2Fsmile.amazon.co.uk%2Fdp%2FB079H9BR2T%2Fref%3Dpe_3187911_185740111_TE_item&H=PV6JAHSTHVOCKMQDSNAIN5XOZTMA&ref_=pe_3187911_185740111_TE_item&K=36TIDI5OLW5EE&tag=mumsnetforu03-21&M=urn:rtn:msg:201907171919128d3779db9d504abf84f859f49a40p0eu

If you have small ears (me) these are amazing amazon.co.uk/Macks-Dream-Girl-Plugs-Pair/dp/B0051U7R0A/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=macks+slim+fit+ear+plugs+pink&qid=1569422376&sr=8-2 earplugs]]

@mum2eim there is currently a post on the WIWIKAU Facebook page about initiation ceremonies. A couple of parents on here have DC at Newcastle, so it is a subject a little too close to home story here
We were in the north east until today and the news item was repeated on the local news as it is freshers week.

DD still reports that the people she is sharing a flat with are nice. She says that are two that she especially gets on with, and a couple of girls from the flat opposite. She has also gelled with a few people on her course as well, and went out with them last night.

However, she is miffed with the girl she got friendly with at the offer holders day because she got "pied off" the other day.

In the grand scheme of things this is minor and I'm not losing any sleep over it.

DS got in touch! So nice to hear from him after a few days of silence. I hope he’s ok - maybe feeling a bit lonely? Wonder how he’s getting on with his flat mates?

“My fork broke”

Oh.

That sounds about right @MrKlaw. DS got in touch today (email!) but only to say that he's been locked out of his online bank account and could I help!

Love the idea of buying plants!

Best earplugs by a country mile are Quies wax earplugs!

I tried the wax ones but they stuck to my hair

DS replied to a text saying he is happy, has lots of new friends and may be too busy to talk to me today. That's fine by me as it sounds as though he is settling in OK. I'd love to hear what he's been up to though, rather than just responding to my messages. His loan came through, btw (on the date they promised it). He said he was out checking out the town so I hope it isn't burning a whole in his pocket!

Ah MrKlaw they have no idea do they?

DD tried on my dresses, declared them 19th century(they're really not though one did have a frilly cuff) and has instead resurrected a floral tea dress that looks nice with tights and the brogues and the coat. I resisted the urge to say it would be better if 2 inches longer. Go me!!!

@MrKlaw Bath SU's Instagram has posted loads about the sports society day today. Looked a bit grey and windy but definitely went ahead. (Not that I'm stalking in any kind of backpacker way, no not me).

Thanks @Benjispruce Have been scrutinising photos and yes, it looks like he will get away with a shirt and tie under the gown. We will pop to primark on the way home from the airport Also looks like he will need a dinner jacket at some point during the term as well!

@Atreus good to know, thanks. Odd they removed them from their what’s on calendar

@zandathepanda Leeds also don’t wear mortarboards for graduation (apart from official photo). There is also some ancient history as to why this is which I can’t remember

@MrKlaw Not sure if you're on Instagram but it's giving me a great idea of what is going on at Fresher's week without hassling DD by asking lots of questions.

DD has bought two more dresses. One is a beautiful Monsson velvet, the other is a long purple dress. Both are smart enough to get away with almost anything formal without making a statement, so if everyone else is in leggings and top she'll look as though she's made a little bit more effort.
Both £10 from a charity shop.
She looks lovely in both.

Feeling the same @olliepolly ... DS is quite quiet and not enjoying freshers week .. says he will be glad to start properly .... I'm feeling very anxious about it all but have a feeling he's being fake stoic for my benefit .. he's only an hour away and he's asked DD to go and see him at weekend
He's joined the gym and the powerlifting team so I'm hoping he will make friends there .... I suppose it will just take time as with everything xxx

My son arrived Saturday and other than briefly meeting 2 of his 5 housemates that day he has not seen them at all since then. He is feeling really down and lonely and to top it off his girlfriend messaged me last night to say she is worried about him as he was crying about having made no friends. My heart is breaking

@18:26897654321abcvrufhfgg He will make friends. I said to my dd not to pin all hopes on flatmates so once hes joined some societies and got to know people on his course he will find some kindred spirits.

@RedHelenB @897654321abcvrufhfgg ... I'm thinking they will be better when courses have started properly... this feeling will pass for them .. ( and us!!) ... I've hated jobs and new houses etc for ages before settling .. they are having to do it all at once and hey are young !!

Hi all - dd now in 3rd year but I sympathise with the anxiety around freshers week.

There was quite a lot of turnover in the self catering flat dd was in in first year. Only 2 of the original 5 were in the flat at the end of the year and dd found her friends in the girls and 1 boy in the flat upstairs , the "rugby boys " in the flat downstairs, on her course and through activities. In second year she shared with 3 of the "girls from upstairs" and is planning next year to share with the other girl who was left in her flat. This year she is in private halls as the only girl in a flat with 3 boys.

Interestingly dd found last year it was one of the girls who was messiest while random boy allocated to their flat was almost compulsively tidy.

it does take a while to settle down and for them to find their feet - I think all you can do is be at the end of the phone and assure them that everyone else is struggling to find their way also - some are just much better at putting on a brave face .

It is worrying for parents and so hard to see your young person struggle so hugs to all who feel in need of one.

@Atreus god I’m so old. I am on Instagram but could only see one photo from today. Seems there is a separate feed or whatever with more stuff on it.

Instagram and Snapchat are my watershed moments of ‘don’t get it’ - and I grew up with, and work in, tech.