So we're back home with DS after the most horrendous journey. We got there this morning very easily and then I did most of the packing and sorting having sent DH and DS off for a walk as the room wasn't big enough for all of us. He had been allowed to leave three boxes in the college store, and I used big zipped Ikea bags and just about squashed in all his bedding, towels, pillows, duvets, mattress protector, etc, with the aid of a lot of parcel tape. Crockery, kettle, etc went in a box. It still left a massive amount of stuff for us to lug back. I'm kicking myself for not going out and buying some larger storage tubs - most of the other students leaving stuff had huge tubs for their three items. By the time I'd realised this it was too late to head off to look for some and re-pack as the storage room was open for very limited hours.
The journey back was exhausting - we had everything divided into large backpacks, and more ikea zipped bags to spread the load, but it was really heavy and we had to lug it on and off three trains. Finally made it home at 8.30 this evening. I already have very clear plans about how we will do it differently next time - about half the clothes, one large rolling suitcase and a backpack. And some very large tubs sourced in Oxford at some point in the term if it looks like we'll still not be driving at Easter.
That aside, it is wonderful to have DS back. He was pretty tired and grumpy for most of the journey, but suddenly perked up near home and started waxing lyrical about his course. He ate a couple of bowls of pasta and has retired to bed and plans to spend the next few days sleeping and playing new computer games!