University life for 'freshers' (2019/20) - first year campus life suspended, sitting out/surviving the pandemic and staying on top of studying [Edited by MNHQ at OP's request]

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Just seen that Newcastle are doing a phased return from 5th October, with the first day of teaching on Monday 19th October.

@Baytreemum there is no special category of “student tenant” in the private rental market. They are just tenants like anyone else would be. Any special notice provisions could only apply to university owned (and maybe private student accommodation) properties.

Ginfordinner is that for second and third years or for freshers too?

I cannot see that UEA has given any indication as to what its intending to do re the start of the new academic year etc.

PS Also clocking that we're on 930 posts so I will do a 'leaving the lockdown behind' new thread at some point over the weekend.

@VanCleefArpels - yes, but I have contracts with two private student accommodation providers, so this legislation is exactly what we need here in England. Reading a report from the WHO it seems very likely that there will be a big resurgence of covid this winter, coupled with the fact that I have no idea if my DDs can even reach their uni cities on public transport, with the restricted social distancing capactity, let alone getting to campus using the the restricted tube service in London, makes me doubt whether they will be able to live in this accommodation. That is why I would find the introduction of this legisation to enable students to give notice to quit their accommodation contracts essential.

@Ginfordinner - do you have any more details about this "staggered start" ? Is that already a delayed date for starting at Newcastle Uni? Did they say anything about whether students will be able physically to get there on public transport?

Bookmarking as I had lost you. Will have to wait for DC to emerge from their caves to see what they know about their start dates etc. I have seen some info but it is not course specific so not particularly clear.

DS got his dates wrong and missed an exam even with the 24hr window. So now has to ‘sit’ that in a August. I’d have hoped they’d have given an extension but he either didn’t push back when told he had to resit, or that’s just the policy

Hope he doesn’t forget that one too

@MrKlaw how frustrating.

I have to say that I don't think DS is studying as well at home as he was at university...

www.ncl.ac.uk/wellbeing/coronavirus-updatedinformation/applicants-future-students/uk-undergraduate/

www.ncl.ac.uk/wellbeing/coronavirus-updatedinformation/covid-19update-28may2020-taughtprogramme/

Thank you Gin - that’s very useful. I think DS knows this already but doesn’t always communicate it to us!

Likewise thanks. DD has seen it but I like to see things for myself as DC sometimes panic and cherry pick bits of info in support of their understanding.

@Ginfordinner - that’s a really helpful and supportive email from your academic registrar

@MrKlaw If it’s any consolation my daughter did something similar a few years ago...

We went to Bath today to collect ds’s things. A few families doing the same at the accommodation blocks but the rest of the campus was empty. Though apparently there are still 300 students there who are unable to return home. Staff were lovely & helpful but no info yet on next year. Bath were one of the last to lock down so not expecting to hear soon!

@MrKlaw If it’s any consolation, my daughter did something similar a few years ago!

We went to Bath today to clear our ds’s room. A few families doing the same but the rest oft he campus was deserted. So strange. Though apparently there are still 300 students on site who could not get home.

Sorry for the double posting. Due to the earlier glitch

My college-attending teens have done well with keeping up with work, doing exams on time, etc.

I wish I could say the same for myself. My routine has gone out the window, and the other day when I finally went through my post I found stuff from months ago...

I missed a medical appointment the other day because it was in a non-work, family calendar that I just haven't had to look at in weeks.

DD submitted her last exam this morning. The last two weeks have been full on. So now she is free to contemplate which is more worrying than exams as there’s not much to occupy her time. She planning on applying for work.

@Benjispruce DS submitted just before lunch!
He is planning to go up to Durham for a week with his mate when they move into their houseshare. He’s not planning to visit Barnard Castle.
He also wants to get a job.

Sounds good. One of DD’s essay questions was about epidemiology and her personal experience of a novel virus!

It looks like DD she will spend her summer building Covid-19 test kits for Abbott Labs. A booming industry in Maine right now

@HoldMyLobster, that’s a result!

@Benjispruce, DSs mate confirmed yesterday about PlanA and PlanB. They both seemed v upbeat about returning, so I hope your DD can find some hope. What are her friends saying?

Thanks @bigTillyMint she’s a bit more upbeat mainly because there seems to be a willingness from uni to be flexible as things change. She’s been speaking to friends today and it seems they’re thinking of moving in, in August as done have jobs and commitments at home until then. She’s busy applying for jobs at the moment too.

*Some not done

Side question - does anyone use an air purifier and find it helps with allergies? If they work well we might buy one for DS next year as he gets hayfever quite badly around exam season