The CDE of University Life (2019/20 cohort) - assignments, flat-hunting, Halloween and the end of their first term fast approaching

[NewModelArmyMayhem18]

Previous thread - Obvs the end of term is looming sooner for some than for others? I guess the Oxbridge posse will finish by the end of November or just into December?

DD's isn't on the list thankfully

DD is probably going to stay on campus next year (it's possible where they are), it's pretty cheap for halls and they're a decent standard. Of course things can change and if she gels with others she may decide to go in with them.

She's off on a tour of a big manufacturer today (nice bit of networking lol), she's managed to arrange a lift share with a bunch of other students (proper adulting stuff). Meanwhile I've graduated into middle age by putting my back out so I feel quite old today

@Itscoldouthere, clearly I didn't' scroll down far enough. Thanks for letting me know.

DS's uni is on the list as is DD's but she is on her year abroad now. It affected DD when they were on strike last year (her 2nd yr) as they basically had to teach themselves some modules on which they were examined regardless of the lack of tutor input. DS only just started and is far less motivated, so I am worried now. Need more info.

My DS hasn't started looking for accommodation yet either @minesawine. It sounds like they are in the same boat.

I wonder whether the level of protest/work to rule/strike action by university staff varies according to whether they're protesting only about pensions or more?

Well DD was very badly hit by the strikes the last time - some subjects (mainly stem? subjects) weren't affected at all. DD had to teach herself for at least a month, maybe 6 weeks. It did beg the question - if they can teach themselves, what is the point of the lecturers?

Yes, @bigTillyMint, I would agree with you. That students weren't offered a partial tuition fee refund would almost suggest that teaching is not regarded as having a value!

IIRC, Bristol offered free swimming or something as compo

Yeah, right! WTF?!

Free swimming?! wow!

Bath on the list but no idea yet what practical impact will be.

I'm also impacted by a damn Lufthansa strike. Abroad on business and just found out my flight back tomorrow night has been cancelled (strike Thurs/Fri). DS coming back for his first weekend home since starting on Friday.

Hoping I can get another flight sorted to not be super late home.

Hi any Durham parents? It’s 6/11 and I’m sure the first accommodation amount was due today but DD says no invoice yet. Anyone else?

How typical @MrKlaw! Hope you can get back.

Ds's uni is on that list. Wonder if they'll go through with it..

@Benjispruce Not yet! Durham do seem very relaxed on this I have to say!

DS says he’s found accommodation for next year. I’ve advised him to check the contract and see if the SU have a checking service. Anything else he should look out for?

DD has her house @blametheparents. They went through a local letting agent. We googled student let and things to check for. There were several lists. Then DH got a legal eagle friend to check the contract.

We were also asked to be guarantors so prepare to sign for that.

Durham parent here!

We got the invoice on the 21st October - I arranged a DIrect Debit for 1st December. Guess you guys have arranged something different.

Elderly father in respite care has taken much of my time up lately so little opportunity to post lately.

@bengalcat So pleased you're had a great time in Durham last weekend.

DS is coming home tomorrow for sleep, food and laundry. Can't wait to hear his news!

Interesting @Jano69. DD definitely hasn’t had the invoice (she’s double checked) but told me weeks ago that the first instalment was due on 6/11. Can’t pay her the top up until I know how much. She has the first loan instalment in her separate account so just need to transfer the shortfall over when I know how much.

@Benjispruce Tell a lie, the invoice was sent to DS on 16th October from

[email protected]

Hope you get it sorted soon.

Dd signed for a house today for 2nd year. Our names are guarantors for a room. She was worried as she wanted time to think but the 5 others were ready to sign. It’s in a good area and it’s studenty but not party central. They saw 3 others to compare. I told her it’ll be fine and she’s like me at dithering (I reminded her that she would not have had a first name for months if it had been left up to me - Dh just told everyone she was called our favourite name before I had chance to hypothesise/study whether it suited her). Fingers crossed .

Mine my DS has been looking for accommodation today & seems keen on a flat with two others, I do think it's a bit soon as friendships may change but he seems adamant .... it's a 50 week contract which is annoying as he will not be there for 50 weeks but he says 'all the contracts are 50 weeks', maybe that's true?
From what he has shown me on line it does look well maintained, it's an individual contract per room so you don't have to accept responsibility for the other residents and all bills included .. but it's only a few £s less than Halls .

Don't see NTU on the strike list?

I think I might need to remind DD that she needs to get her skates on. Is it in Jesmond Zanda?

Gin yes!

DS wants to take our old Nespresso machine back with him. Will it need inspecting by the uni or should it be ok? I think he can probably leave in the kitchen (but keep pods in his room..)

If he uses own brand pods they aren’t so expensive and probably not use them daily (and way cheaper than coffee shop but he’s been sensible about that so far)