University life for freshers (2019/20) - Christmas backpacking (or not) and festive homecomings with all the tinseltastic trimmings!

[NewModelArmyMayhem18]

Previous thread.

I wonder if it is the flats they are in Zanda. DD has had loads of colds this term. The rooms are stuffy even with the heating off and the window open. I'm seriously thinking of her getting a flu jab while she is home.

She was feeling really unwell when she did her two and a half hour lab practical last week, but she passed, so all is good.

Gin Dd thinks it’s her room! I told her she’ll be creating so many antibodies for the future. The more ‘local’ flatmates seem to be doing better so my mad theory is they are bugs of a more northern origin that Dd’s immune system hasn’t come across before! She was complaining she couldn’t go out clubbing and the others weren’t as ill as her but then said her flatmate came back early coughing up blood. I think the nasty bug (she gave me) left her so vulnerable to picking anything else up. I ended up having antibiotics and a chest X-ray so she coped with that nasty one better than me.

Oh the sounds nasty Zanda. DD has declined a few nights out due to not feeling well.

I think DSs sand-eating and paintbrush-licking as a toddler (not to mention hundreds of footy matches in rain/wind/freezing temps) must have stood him in good stead for fighting bugs

DD home yesterday also with a hacking cough, seems almost obligatory for our returnees! Suspect there’s an element of burning candle at both ends! It’s been such a long term. Lovely to have her home and it feels like Christmas can start now.

@sergeantmajormum DS has come home with a hacking cough too. Not Liverpool by chance.

He has slept since he got here but did get up this morning to give his brother a lift to school.

Yes Liverpool! Must have different bugs up north!

DD has the hacking cough - caught from school - but DS seems on good form and currently in good health. Mind you, it doesn't sound as if he has been burning the candle at both ends TBQH.

I'm a firm believer that exposure to a new 'herd' makes for a period of illness and adjustment getting used to a new set of bugs!

Hoping everyone's DC feel better very soon. At least they won't be ill for Christmas. But will they pass on their germs to the rest of the family???

I very strongly recommend the flu jab.

In my first year at university one of my perfectly healthy friends went home for Christmas, caught flu, and died.

My step sister also died of flu a few years ago.

We all automatically get the flu jab every year as that's what's on offer here in the US.

DD did catch flu last year anyway - her boarding school actually ended up closing for a week because so many kids were sick. She'd already had the flu jab, and she also took Tamiflu, and she was better within a few days.

@HoldMyLobster, that's awful
I have never heard of healthy younger people dying of flu in the UK - is there a more virulent strain in the US?

Oh dear, that's so sad @HoldMyLobster.

Dd went away, was the only one not to come down with a bad throat and a stomach bug.
Has been home weeks now due to strikes and has finally come down with tonsilitis. She has had her flu jab tho. She's either caught the throat from her sister or me, bringing germs hone from our schools. I'm off sick for the first time in 5 years with a chest jnfection, this year has been bad for coughs and colds.

DD has a cough and cold. Before uni I think her lady cold was a couple of years ago. I think it’s mixing with new people and most definitely the very late nights leave you vulnerable . She’s been to work today and is now in bed shattered but has signed up for extra shifts £££££ this week so can’t be that bad .

• last not lady lol

I’m wary of the flu jab, both my DM and a colleague got shingles the week after the flu jab and GP said most likely the jab triggered it as it causes an immune response which leaves you vulnerable for a short while after.

I have never heard of healthy younger people dying of flu in the UK - is there a more virulent strain in the US?

These were both in the UK :-(

My step-sister's death triggered a coroner's inquest that did result in procedures at the hospital being changed, but the coroner said only that 'she was not given the best chance of survival'. She died within 24 hours of arriving at hospital. She was 50 and perfectly healthy beforehand.

Sorry if this has been asked before but can anyone advise me on the process of private rentals for second year?
The agent has asked for a holding deposit, is it normal to pay this without seeing a contract?
Am I right in thinking that the deposit is lost if they change their mind and returned if the landlord changes theirs for any reason?

Found this sweet song today and had to share. DS 1 and 2 are now busy working and parents, three at uni. and due home this weekend, I thought it was so true.

I paid a deposit without seeing a contract juicyO. It is to secure the property.

The holding deposit is to secure the rental. And to start the referencing.
If the renters then drop out the deposit is usually lost though there is some discretion here and agents are encouraged to consider carefully if they can justify not returning the deposit, though a simple change of mind would result in the deposit being held!

Not this year but a student of mine lost his uncle to rapid onset pneumonia overnight after contracting the flu as a uni student himself.

Thank you @errorofjudgement @Ginfordinner

Got my No1 baby back! Talking non-stop. Looking great. Presents under the tree.

I have remembered why I used to hide snacks in the car....

@Piggywaspushed, DS has demolished all the snacks already - I had forgotten how much I need to get in!