University 2020 :9: And they're off, making hay while the sun shines.

[MillicentMartha]

New thread, trying to be upbeat!

Old thread www.mumsnet.com/Talk/higher_education/3996883-University-2020-8-Use-the-CAGs-don-t-use-the-CAGs?pg=40

Sorry to worry you all just when your DC are all just moving in but.....
DS moved in early compared to most a couple of weeks ago and has been having a fine old time. So far so good.
Then we heard yesterday that several of his flatmates had some covid symptoms - mainly they'd lost their sense of taste and smell. So they got tested and DS just phoned me that they came back with 3 positives.
So now they all have to self isolate - together - for 2 weeks.
In fact those with the positive test result have to do 10 days, and those without have to do 14 days.
He's inclined not to get tested as he says it's hard to organise and he doesn't feel it will make much difference as he's in quarantine anyway.
I'd rather he did get a test but understand his point of view.
He thinks maybe he's had it anyway without symptoms if it's as easy to catch as people say - and being in close proximity to three people who've got it (at least)
I said he should still be a little cautious and take some precautions because I guess it's possible he doesn't have it yet and could still not catch it in spite of his living situation - worth keeping some distance from those who've tested positive I would think and suggested.
Am concerned for him because although he's most likely to have it mildly in his age group that's not an absolute certainty.
Thought about posting a new thread on this subject, but then thought I'd post our experience here for you all to be aware, and because I know I'm amongst friends here - we've been through a lot together often over many yeas, with each year's new threads.
Seeking some advice and perspective. Thanks x

@JugglingFromHereToThere sorry to hear that, but there are more and more people popping up with DC testing positive now (somebody over on Y12 thread).

I would get the test because, if they know which of them have it, it will help them to keep the ones in the bubble who do not yet have it covid-free. How many flatmates are there?

Thanks monkey - it's a six person flat, 3 people have tested positive.
DS no symptoms or test done yet.

Does he get on well with the 6? If they are all musicians that must be a good start - can they play together or does all the practice drive them mad?!!

@JugglingFromHereToThere - hopefully he’s got it with no symptoms. He should separate from them as much as he can in their shared environment because isn’t it true that viral load plays a part in how ill you are with it?

Yes, he gets on really well - too well?! - with them all.
They were all in one room watching bake off last night - him and three people with positive tests.
I told him he might want to be a bit more careful, but he's a very sociable and friendly lad, and his instincts will be to be supportive
to everyone.
I agree that getting a test would be a very sensible thing to do. Then he knows much more where he stands.
Perhaps I can persuade him with the thought that it would give him a reason to very cautiously go out - to wherever the nearest test centre is - and see the light of day.
Unless they can send him a test to do at the flat.

Thanks garibaldi that's a good point I hadn't thought of.

They're a mix of musicians, musical theatre students, and dancers. He's thinking of getting a trumpet mute so he can carry on practicing in his room without annoying them all too much!

@JugglingFromHereToThere sorry to hear about your DS. Some scientist at sussex uni has said that 20% of uni students will get it by end of first term.

We watched a you tube video called Luke Birch, and he was a student at Lincoln. He advised its best for all students to have a few days worth of long life food in (pasta, soup,etc) in the event of this happening. Then at least you have some food in whilst you order on line and wait for that coming. food, and also plenty of cold and flu and paracetomol for the fever.

Perhaps he can wear a mask in the communal area, just in case he hasn't had it.

Thanks sammyjoanne - good suggestions for everyone there

I'll suggest the mask idea although not sure he'll want to do that - he might though.

I'm finding it all quite stressful this morning with my baby far from home and now in this challenging and potentially dangerous situation.
Sensing that my normally laid back lad is feeling some stress about it all too.

Good luck to everyone this term and year - we're going to need it!
And extra reserves of courage and resilience.

@JugglingFromHereToThere hope your DS is fine - it must be very worrying! All moved in here thank goodness - but every student seemed to have two parents with them and most weren't wearing masks which took me back a bit! Crossing everything that DD settles and doesn't have a meltdown.

@BCBG glad it went ok today

Thanks, and glad move in went well BCBG
Hope your DD settles well and makes some good new friends!

@BCBG So glad the move went ok. Bit disconcerting that they was not wearing masks, but nice to have more than 1 person help with the move :) Let us know how she gets on

Hi all,
This really isn't to worry anyone!! Just a bit of a heads up that I got from a medic at work. (I live in a place with lots of students). They're a little bit worried about students who become unwell, assume they've got C-19, self-isolate and could potentially be risking their or their housemates health or actual lives because they've in fact got glandular fever or MenB (rare but possible) - all three conditions can present similarly.

Please impress upon your child that they should call 111 and the operator will take them through all the symptoms and there are several red flags for more serious conditions. Don't assume it's flu/cold/C-19. I know this gets said every year to freshers but this year of course we have an added problem thrown in!!

In other news, we're off to Durham Saturday for an early Sunday move in. DS been told that after they're in, they can't leave their college at all until Wednesday, for virus reasons. I suppose if they arrive already infected, they will show symptoms by Wednesday? I will be having a couple of days in Yorkshire so at least I'll be close-ish if there's a drama

What time are you Terf? 9am here. See you in the County Hall car park!

Omg she just shown me the freshers week. its just come through now.
S**t shirt night
G is for grizedale (her college)
Retro theme
UV party
Dress as first letter of your name (R)
PJ Party.

We go on Saturday, help! lol

Gosh that’s a bit worrying for you, Juggling. Thanks for sharing.
I think that lots of students will get it. Hopefully mildly. If they are socialising together, it’s probably safer for their elderly relatives, in a way, that they’re unlikely to be visiting. Unis will have to keep their more vulnerable staff safe as they’re probably most at risk.

@sammyjoanne ds has suddenly become v excited about going!! . We knew there may be a s** shirt night which I think is quite common for unis so have bought one already. Not sure what he can go dressed as for A? Glad at least they're Attempting some sort of freshers stuff

@specialted I think this may call for a trip to luvyababe on Friday in Notts. I booked friday off in case we was moving that day, so will use that to take her into the city.
Hmm Army attire for A.?
Daughters found out about it on instagram. Its not on the Grizedale freshers page yet, so maybe tomorrow.
Have got retro and uv sorted, but getting a shirt, giraffe (for Grizedale), and rabbit/red riding hood for daughter :)

Anyone heard rumours that students may be expected to stay at uni over Christmas? Dd yet to hear how Scottish rule change will impact her.

Wow, that sounds like normal freshers activity. Is it online or actually happening in the flesh?

@GaribaldiGirl mixture of both. Its with your own flat so in person with your household, and parties and quizzes are done on line and in their own kitchens via teams and zoom.

KingscoteStaff 10am for us at Stephenson College. I'm hoping it will be beautifully organised

Yes I heard that rumour lizs. Disturbing stuff.

@LIZS inews.co.uk/news/education/ministers-must-tell-students-stay-on-campus-christmas-covid-657352?fbclid=IwAR3CAfl83Rp1HOQowHB7BFGu9L-VMLMUL3X7aseZpYfnEGWfsRpVdeCu1X0

I don't think it will happen, but there may be quarantines.