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

[NewModelArmyMayhem18]

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They probably won’t cough though, they’ll more than likely be asymptomatic.

The 19 year old we know, who tested positive, had a migraine-like headache for an afternoon. That was it. Although that may have been down to being a bit stressed about getting positive result!

The conversation about the cough came up benji because he had a bad cough for moths last winter, so I was asking him what would happen if he got 'a cough like you had before'. Because he just put up with the previous one he seems minded to do the same again! Tut.

Not moths! months obviously. Although probably moths in his wallet, so little has he had to open it since April...

Ha well hopefully when he sees his housemates backing off he’ll twig!

The metro isn't far from her house @Zandathepanda, so it might be easier now than before. She is near West Jesmond metro stop and has already used it to get into town. I wish she would walk, but it tires her out so much, and she needs to pace what she does so that she can enjoy being with her friends and not spoil it for everyone else.

The 19 year old we know who tested positive had no symptoms at all. As I said above, had his work not told him to have a covid test before returning to work he'd be none the wiser.

DS just casually drops 'oh I'm heading into London on Tuesday...' '....to see a comedy show'

Immediate sideways glances between me and DW - I'm sure he'll be fine, I'm sure we'll be fine. We've just been so relatively isolated locally other than walks etc that doing something 'normal' feels strange

@MrKlaw sure he'll be okay - he could wear a mask presumably? We went to the cinema and out for a meal a fortnight ago and are fine. It felt like a big thing but important to put it in perspective. It did feel a bit like a walk on the wild side though.

Does anyone still look at the WIWIKAU Facebook page? I found it a useful source of information last year.

I realise that things are going to be a lot different this year. It is natural to worry when your DC leave home to be independent but some of the parents on there seem almost hysterical at the idea of their DC going away to university. I guess the covid situation doesn't help.

My main concern last year was that DD wouldn't make any friends. I knew she was capable of looking after herself in terms of cooking, washing etc. Obviously, the first worry we have no control over, but it isn't difficult to teach your child how to cook a few basic meals and how to use a washing machine. Is it?

@Ginfordinner yes it still pops up a lot just lately.

I never joined that facebook page. Probably just as well as I had enough to worry about without having more things suggested. It somehow feels as though the DC were going away for the first time all over again.

DS has had something of a triumph today; he has had his rent for last year's 3rd term reduced by half, so now it is within his means to pay it and probably pay next year's deposit. I have expressly told him not to broadcast it as it may cause issues if other students demand a refund. I hope he takes note.

With apologies if anyone is on there, there is a splinter group from WIWIKAU called ALGI and I have had to leave it because it so so venomous.

I wonder whether a lot of the parents on WIWIKAU have only children? Or are super-backpackers???? Or maybe it's a PFB thing? I guess we do all worry about the same things but I think our job as parents is to help give our children the skills to set sail into the world. And yes, ensuring they're happy and make friends are the biggest concerns.

What’s ALGI stand for?? I am intrigued.

@Zandathepanda

What’s ALGI stand for?? I am intrigued.

So am I.

DD is an only, but it is so important to me that she can live an independent life. We had her late in life, and we have no local family, so she needs to stand on her own two feet and be less reliant on us.

I have no idea what WIWIKAU stands for either 🤔

I left WIWIKAU last year as it just got so ridiculously hysterical and PFB and full of controlling mothers micro managing their kids’ lives. As a second time around-er I tried to inject a bit of experienced realism but to no avail 🤣. There were a few of us that ended up PMing our joint eye rolls at what was being said by others . Intrigued what the splinter group means though!

I think I have found it:
A Level Grading Issues Support Group

I think I will give that one a miss.
@icanbewhatiwant - What I Wish I Knew About University

To be fair the group is a mine of inforamtion, but there are one or two over emotional posters who seem really unwilling to let their DC go.

@simbobs that's a result for your DS!

Apologies @Ginfordinner I didn't mean any offence about only children .

Never come across ALGI but you've well and truly piqued my interest @Piggywaspushed. Tell all!

ALGI = 2020 A Level grading issues support group (ALGI) apparently.

Sorry, @Ginfordinner see you beat me to it.

Not at all @NewModelArmyMayhem18. None taken. You might be right.

Mumsnet gets a mention on the page as well.

@VanCleefArpels you have hit the nail on the head about micro managing.

I wonder whether a lot of the parents on WIWIKAU have only children? Or are super-backpackers????

😂

I think I'll give that group a miss