St Andrews

[IthinkIsawahairbrushbackthere]

DD has received a very good offer from St Andrews. She loves the look of the course and is very keen to go there. Aside from the course she loves the idea of a small town, has no interest in nightlife as part of the "student experience" and loves the quirky traditions.

Does anyone have any experience of being there and the extra expenses that could be involved such as the extra cost of travel, formal dinners and the like?

We are a low income family in an economically deprived area. She is part of a very small 6th form - 12 in the Upper 6th. Her school is not in special measures but is holding on by the skin of its teeth! They are very keen for her to go to St Andrews but she is not going to be their responsibility!

We will support her as much as we possibly can but I am worried that it will be a lot more expensive than a less elite university.

Any thoughts?

@ApolloandDaphne definitely. The position is yours!
Love the young people just had message from dd her bubble are having a picnic on the beach on Saturday and a takeaway on Sunday. Think she is going to play golf with her brother at some point as sport allowed oh and hone made cocktails in their bubble for Strictly on Saturday.
Can't fault them really!

That sounds like a lovely weekend littleworn

Fantastic creative response to restrictions from your DC @Alittlewornout

Yeah think I maybe need to calm down!! They are more resilient than I think!! Note to self to curb my inner lioness!! Hope your dc all have a good weekend planned. I think all of these kids will go far in life!!

@ApolloandDaphne you would be extremely welcome. Here's to a not-at-all distanced meet-up on a beautiful beach with a glass of something strong and therapeutic.

Maybe in time for graduation ........!

@AChickenCalledDaal that's a lovely thought. All are welcome in our little gang.

[quote AChickenCalledDaal]@ApolloandDaphne you would be extremely welcome. Here's to a not-at-all distanced meet-up on a beautiful beach with a glass of something strong and therapeutic.

Maybe in time for graduation ........![/quote]
There is a lot of good local gin. I will ensure an ample supply!

DS1 is visiting his girlfriend in St Andrews for a long weekend (she's in private accommodation), he reckons they're in the clear due to the non cohabiting couples exemption but I'm worried about the uni rules, don't want anyone in the flat getting into trouble. We were going to visit DS2 to take him some of his stuff and take him out for a fry up, he's missing the hall weekend breakfasts, not sure what we'll do now, possibly a picnic.
I thought the announcement about banning students from pubs made it clear it was just for this weekend from the beginning, unfortunately the headlines didn't make this obvious.
I have to say something in defence of high school kids, DS3 and his friends have not been hanging out after school at all, I've not heard about any parties. It's just been school and home, he's getting the best grades he's had for years so not all bad!

I'm in for a drink sometime, always up for a trip to St Andrews!

Am also up for a drink.DD in 2nd year and one step removed from a case so awaiting being told what to do. Her flat mate saw the positive person for a good while on Monday, just before rules changed. We live really nearby too. Awful but we are going to shout up to her window.

DS is off back to his Uni on Monday so wants to say goodbye.

Surely at some point in the next 4 years they will get to do all the fun things - and we will have gin on the beach 🏖

@Newgirls keeping my fingers crossed!

Gin on the beach sounds fab
I’d already booked some accommodation up there in October. Taking my mum up to see DD, and also makes a nice little break for me and my mum. The plan is to bring DD back down for reading week, but not sure now what we’re allowed to do.
And whether we’ll be allowed to meet DD when we’re there - will we have to “accidentally “ be on the beach at the same time?
@Alittlewornout your DD’s weekend sounds brilliant!

Just spoken to Dd who is remaining upbeat. Really enjoying her course and keeping on top of the work. She says she has face to face tutorials scheduled for next week and hasn't had an email yet saying they are online. I know theres time yet for it to change but she is remaining hopeful!!

That's good to hear Alittlewornout, particularly (selfishly) as our DDs are in the same School!

@AChickenCalledDaal keep you fingers and toes crossed for them!

That sounds really positive for your DDs.

My DS went to Sheffield to visit his GF on Thursday afternoon (which is permitted by the new govt rules for non co-habiting partners) and when he got to Sheffield received the university e-mail asking them not to go away. He was wondering whether he should go back early, but got an e-mail this afternoon saying that his bubble in Uni Hall has somebody with symptoms being tested, so he now has to self-isolate in Sheffield.

His poor GF is going to have to look after him and let him stay in her room for up to 14 days - he will not need to leave the room as she has an en suite. I am sure he would rather isolate with her than be properly alone, but it is a strange situation!

He is hoping the test is negative so he can go back on Sunday, as planned.

Glad to hear the happy mathmos, hope it stays that way.

.... and maybe I should send some emergency underwear!

@Monkey2001, if it's true love, I'm sure his GF will pop out to M&S for him, or at least Primark.

@Monkey2001 fingers crossed the result is negative.

Aghhh Monkey! I hope it’s negative. Or perhaps he can get an air B and B back in st a? If he can get transport back?

Dd sent me a couple of photos they made cookies at midnight and she has just done a spinning class outside, said it was amazing. I hope any dc struggling are beginning to find some social activities to do. Some things dd is trying are outside her comfort zone but she has enjoyed them all. I have to say I am feeling a much happier mum than I was on Thursday.

@Newgirls he is not allowed to go out whilst self isolating, so can't travel back unless the neighbour's test is negative. I think they will be fine if he has to self isolate in Sheffield, but it would be hard on GF's flatmates. He would not need to leave her room as she has an en suite, so will not impact on communal space, but there are 4 flatmates, so none of the others can legally have a visitor whilst he is there and they may be anxious that he could have brought the virus into the flat, although he says it is very unlikely as he had not spoken to the person with symptoms for several days.

Ah yes of course now he’s there he has to wait it out

Good news little - outdoor spin class sounds fab!