University life for freshers (2019/20) - we're hopping towards Easter with a pandemic to avoid **Title edited by MNHQ**

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I think it’s so bad, considering how much we have to pay for these degrees. Oh well, it’s lovely to have him home anyway! Neither of my two seem to have been affected by the strike this time round, so far at least.

My DDs experience has been STEM not as badly affected. DS said his mate who died a science has had a few cancelled.

I remember myself when I was a schoolgirl. I really liked all the humanities, especially Literature. And hated Chemistry, I couldn't just wrap my head around all these formulas. Today students are luckier, my niece, if she's too tired or needs an explanation of a difficult task, asks for help on services like studenterra.com/. At least she either has her 7 hours of sleep or finally figures out the topic.

Just spoke to DS2 and he says he hasn't been affected by the strikes even though the university is on the list. It's a science subject and he seemed rather disappointed that he was still going to lectures

DS just confirmed he has not booked a holiday abroad with girlfriend yet, OH been looking at insurance policies which are now a minefield about travel abroad apparently.

I see Italy is closing all schools and unis. that must be so hard for those studying for exams this year.

Thanks for the advice. I have seen a draft contract and it has been written such that DD only signs for her room. I would be joint & several with her. I also spoke to the agent who said just to redact anything personal when I sent the stuff off.

The contract does say not to dry clothes on radiators or to dry them in such a way that can be seen from outside the house. Yet there is a washing line in the courtyard. I'm going to get DD to check whether or not they can use it - seems a bit strange to me but we live in a hamlet with a big garden and only ever dry stuff outside and nobody can see that.

3rd year student DD1 has had a couple of her tutorials moved due to strikes but neither DD has had too much disruption luckily. One of DD1's school friends was at a uni in Italy for her 3rd year. She was able to get out and is now with a friend in France wondering how she's going to get enough experience of Italian. I just hope nothing spreads further here til both DDs are safely home...

@Malbecfan .. that is weird !! I'm sure student landlords should have more to worry about than where they dry the washing !!!

Indoors I understand, damp and mould which is not good for everyone. Outdoors perhaps neighbours complained, it is odd.

Gosh, if the worst that students are doing is drying their clothes outside I'd say their landlords are doing pretty well...

We've lost about a quarter of one module content from the strikes which I'm currently trying to piece together notes for so I have some reference and knowledge as it's kind of a key area for us (I normally organise the lectures from this topic onto a more revision friendly structure and pass them on as the lecturer is the king of being sidetracked and losing his train of thought).

I'm staying off for a couple of days as I'm sick of being blocked from entering buildings by picket lines and the endless noise from the kids party bag whistles (thank God they don't have proper PE teacher ones) and cos DD has the weekly behaviour/effort award so I'm not missing that awards assembly as she's been desperate to get it!

In terms of contact hours - I have pretty much 9-5 with the odd trapped hour off and a lunch break three days a week, full day placement one day, and one day off (half the cohort are out on placement one day and the other half the next so they can double up and need half the placement providers). It's a lot combined with 2 hours to commute!

@Kuponut, well done to your DD!

I saw the picket line when passing UAL yesterday - students seemed to be passing in and out OK. And I didn’t hear any whistles

Poor DD has yet another ear infection and has missed several lectures this week. I shall go up and visit her this weekend. She is fed up of being ill all the time.

Ours are being a bit over enthusiastic as they didn't strike last time so it seems to still be a big fun party to them at present. It's not a pleasant situation and no one is pleased with how either side are handling it with us just caught in the middle at present.

@Ginfordinner, so sorry for your poor DD

I have to say that the type of illness DS had before Christmas was rather similar to the corona virus doing the rounds now. Heaven knows how we would have reacted if he'd had it now. And he gave it to me. So far I am unaware of uni outbreaks, but DD 3rd year is about to go to a part of France where it is present for part of her year abroad. Not going isn't really an option.

Just wondering what others think, I’m in Canada at the moment listening to radio 4 and they are saying about possible closing of universities (not now but a possible future scenario).
If that happens do you think they will make all students leave their halls/accommodation?

I'm in UAE and they have just closed all our schools and unis for 2 weeks and then the children have another 2 weeks off where we have to teach by e learning. I am now worrying about having my 2DS here for easter

@Whatagoodidea that must be worrying, are your DS in school in the UK? So planning to go to UAE for the Easter break?
I’m returning to the UK next week, but we are in the process of selling our family home, so we will be homeless after Easter, if my DC can’t stay in their uni hall accommodation in the UK we will have a problem!
Hopefully it won’t come to that and I’m overthinking!

Both at university and very keen to come here for Easter as they see it as home. . If they can't I will be scurrying around looking for people they can stay with in UK. The shut down here means our holiday dates do not coincide at all UAE govt has recommended not travelling at all.

@whatagoodidea it’s so tricky isn’t it, we just don’t know what will happen in the next month or two.
Do you think your boys could stay where they are at Uni if they can’t come to you? I’m sure they will be sad if they want to come home, such a shame for them and you to not be able to see each other
My 2 DS are both in first year at uni, so in halls, one at a campus university and the other in a town, I’m hoping if anything happens they will be able to stay in halls, but the timing is tricky as I’m in the process of moving to Canada, as my DH has been moved here with his work.

Ds2 in halls. DS1 is doing year in industry so living in a house. I am mentally planning where DS2 can go for the break as he does not want to stay in halls alone. DS1 says he will come anyway, less easy for DS2. Family in UK already stepping up offering to host DS2. So good to have them to rely on

Can I ask those with 2nd and 3rd year DC, what have you done about shared house rent in July and August before the loan comes in?

Pressed too soon. What I mean is, have you paid it for your DC or have they got a job to pay it? We are looking at £500pm x2 before loan comes in, in September.

@Benjispruce, we are in the fortunate position of being able to pay it for them, but DD does work (and has found a cheap house for next year...) and DS will also hopefully work in the Easter and definitely Summer holidays.

I think college-system halls may try to shut down, though given the high percentage of foreign students, I’m not sure what would happen to them. I can’t see how they could force private renters to go home though.