University life for our soon to be Year 2 undergrads (2019 intake): social bubbles (bursting?), the new normal and hopefully no second wave

[NewModelArmyMayhem18]

Previous thread

It was the go to a centre thing I wondered about. In areas like Luton they put community tents up because they acknowledged it was harder for less mobile communities to access test centres and they were less inclined , or able to order tests online. I wonder if unis will invest in some mobile test centres. Schools are being sent a few kits each.

It needs a proper awareness campaign for young people. It is being shown in almost every country now that the complacency of young people is a bit of a danger.

DS will certainly be getting a bit of a lecture from me! (in the absence of any actual lectures...)

I still don't understand how there could be any liability though. There haven't been any liability cases yet even against employers (although I am sure there will be) , let alone individuals?

I agree about mobile testing tents or whatever at uni. I’ll be having a talk with DD. Though last year in her circle there was tonsillitis, glandular fever, mumps and meningitis which they all sought help for, so I hope they’d be sensible.

Will any of you 'let' (in inverted commas as they are adults now) your 2nd years return to areas that have locked down from areas that aren't? I don't mean term time but going back early to socialise.

Doesn’t apply to me (yet!) but yes because areas haven’t “locked down” - progressions have just been delayed, and no travel restrictions have been imposed.

Groundhog Day here !!! Just making a list of what DS needs to take to house in Nottingham... lord knows what happened to all last years stuff !!!!

When DD went to uni all the stuff she took came home again. Sent DS off well equipped and most of his kitchen things went missing, presumably stolen, so it will be like starting again with him, not to mention the fact that he threw away a sheet because he had had a nosebleed and could not get it clean. Sigh...

Last year we made a comprehensive list, ticked things off etc. Several things (mostly kitchen) didn’t come back due to hasty exit. But this year I’ve given him that list as reference and said ‘get on with it’ - some kitchen stuff he can buy when he’s down there if needed or we can order for him. He just needs to let us know

They seem to be relying on a 4G mobile Wi-Fi thing for their broadband which I questioned. Four people in a house needing online connectivity more than ever due to remote learning and modern devices. Can’t see it being a workable solution. They’ll probably need to get broadband sorted properly

@MrKlaw ... don't worry .. I'm not backpacking ! He can buy some of the stuff himself ! I'm only listing !

DD has all her stuff from last year but as she was catered we need kitchen stuff. She had 2 mugs, side plates and cutlery, clothes airer. I presume she’ll need her own pots and pans as they might not share with same group in 3rd year? Any tips are welcome. I’m thinking frying pan and 2 saucepans is enough? Tupperware?

Mine found a small wok useful for stir fry’s and can be used for sauces etc too. Tupperware useful if batch cooking and freezing which is common if cooking for one as despite best intentions, timetables/interests/diets prevented whole house meals very often. Small casserole/baking dish for pasta bakes.

@Benjispruce .. I'd say a frying pan and 2 saucepans enough .. chopping boards useful and a baking tray .. fish slice, colander !! Wooden spoons ! ... the list goes on !

@Alicatz66 ha! no worries - just pointing out the relative difference a year can make. Fretting about things last year to 'sod it you figure it out' this year

@MrKlaw .. absolutely!!!

Evening
We have some accommodation news! hooray!! HildBede (Durham College) have sent an email saying they have started organising households for 2nd yrs staying in college and to check emails regularly.. from what I understand, these households will be their bubble, so this may turn out to be really good news for DS2 and he'll get the chance to meet some more people taking maths/physics... big sigh of relief!
Someone asked about going back to socialise... I think DS1 plans to go back early and socialise with his house mates, I'm not sure this is a great idea, but he's 20, so I can't really stop him ...and he's very miserable here in our very rural cottage. Luckily don't need to organise any house stuff as we transferred it direct from halls to house.. if he hasn't got what he needs he'll have to buy it himself. Anybody have dates for return yet ?

That sounds hopeful @Ingles2!

DS at Durham went back a month ago for the weekend to move his stuff from halls to his house. He might be working again in Sept and his gf is here so I doubt he’ll go back early!
DD has been back in Bristol for a couple of months, but has just come back. Not sure how long for - she will be starting an MSc back there in Set/Oct.

They are both adults (ha!) and fairly sensible, so we are happy for them to make their own decisions.

thanks @bigTillyMint I have my fingers tightly crossed this could turn out well for him...
now just to work out when I have to ferry them both around the country ..
Still cant believe neither can drive and they're not willing to learn either! we literally live in the middle of nowhere

Great thanks for pan advice. Good news @Ingles2 hope it’s all good for your DS.
DD home and working until late August. She plans to go back early September.

Just catching up after a few weeks off. I’m feeling really miserable about the future and how it will look for everyone especially the young. I’m not worried about DD going off back to uni but just the restriction to her life. My DD2 does performing arts and that has just come to a grinding halt for her.
Sorry to be a misery. I think I need a break from work!
@Ingles2 I’m so sorry to hear about your DS2. Your description of his descent into depression and effect on exams sounds like my DD. I’m not looking forward to the 18th either! I did find though that the tutors at her college were helpful and did intervene when needed. It sounds very positive that your DS can stay at college. Fingers crossed for them both that next year is more stable.

@mum2eim I know what you mean. DD was really fed up at the start of lockdown. Working has helped give some focus and she is really looking forward to going back now even with whatever restrictions there are. 6 months at home was not in the plan obviously. It’s been a strain at times, keeping everyone’s spirits up (DD2 yr11 has had zilch to do since March and can’t get work despite 30+ applications) as I’m now home with them from school. There was a time that September/October looked like an. oasis of Covid free life on the horizon but it’s clear that’s not going to happen. Some positive news in the new, super duper, quick testing machines.

I'm really sorry that your recognise the situation @mum2eim ...I've found it horribly stressful .. I'm living with 3 men, none of whom are emotional normally, so to have 1 in constant tears, and up all hours of the night was a nasty shock to everyone...how are your dd's now?
As for work, I have both my boys painting the wooden weatherboard on the outside of our cottage.. I'm paying them in lifts to meet friends and a freezer full of icecream..seems like a fair swap
Ds1 booked a trip to Newquay last night, a week learning to surf with his mates at the end of August. Hope the predicted SW lockdown doesn't happen.. I think he's mad, but what can you say? :D

Just catching up after a few weeks off. I’m feeling really miserable about the future and how it will look for everyone especially the young. I’m not worried about DD going off back to uni but just the restriction to her life. My DD2 does performing arts and that has just come to a grinding halt for her.

I very much relate to this. DD is massively involved in the band at her college, and they already announced they won't do the usual pre-season band camp, and they're wondering if there will be any band at all. It's so sad.

I'm really holding out hope for the vaccine to make things more normal at some point during this academic year.

DD has had more info about the return to college process. Because we're in the US, and so many states have abjectly failed at containing Covid, all returning students have to quarantine for 14 days once they arrive. Even though DD is coming from a state with very low Covid rates, they're treating everyone the same, so she will have to quarantine.

But I do hope this means they can be safer on campus once life does restart. She's going to college in Illinois which has been very sensible about Covid generally.

Some research came out yesterday saying students should be tested every other day for anything approaching normal life to resume. I can't even picture how this would happen.

As for work, I have both my boys painting the wooden weatherboard on the outside of our cottage.. I'm paying them in lifts to meet friends and a freezer full of icecream..seems like a fair swap grin

My 15 year old has done loads of repainting, and helped with some rebuilding. Anything to keep him busy!

Have been silently following the thread...DD is back to uni house on 2nd Sept, but doesn't start second year until Oct. DS will go to his new flat one weekend in Sept, ready for final year in Oct.

Their courses are both quite practical, so I'm hoping they get something like normality next year. I feel sorry for the first years missing Freshers' Week.

4 hours of contact time for Bath - not great :/

Lectures being recorded and online I’m worried about. Too easy to form bad habits if you don’t need to get to campus for a 9-10am lecture in person. Can be very easy to slip behind

Fortunately, it's not your problem. It is up to your DC to get where they need to be and do what they need to do.

I can think of plenty of worse habits than not being at uni at 9am every day!