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

Just make sure they won’t impale you in the event of an accident @specialted

Sorry, geog missed your post. I hope it’s just inconvenient for them rather than anything else.

@geogteach will be interested to hear what the uni are doing to assist those isolating.

DS has a supply of non-perishables but not sure if he's adding to that or just shopping for fresh stuff. I managed to book a supermarket delivery slot for him in a couple of weeks time, which can either be used for essential supplies if the flat is solating or stocking up if not.

Good luck @specialted @sammyjoanne Lancaster is due to have sunshine when you are there so make the most of it!! DD seems to be settling in reasonably well although her flat hasn't managed to get into the college bar yet as it's tables only and always full 😂. Also they needed to buy food as apparently catered only starts on Monday so if your DC are not self catering then might be a good idea to stock up with enough for a couple of meals.

He is quite resourceful - he went to the International scout Jamboree in Japan 5 years ago and spent time in Tanzania in the summer of 18 and 19 so is well practised in doing his washing in the shower. I have suggested he books a slot now for next week. Just feel sorry for him that he has spent a year working in food production without catching it and less than a week away from home and he is locked down.

Thank you @BCBG !

@geogteach likewise dd is hearing rumours her entire hall is about to be locked down even though the case is in another block to hers. Very slow reaction by uni though as they have still been going to dining, laundry etc for past two days. She is worried about her f2f class if so.

Well, DS must be going to University this weekend because ... everything has been ticked off the list! Quick! Go now before we think of anything else!!!

@specialted, may one (hopefully) assume that you are not the one doing the driving??

(Although on Wednesday, a woman parked near us in a local park with two small dogs on her lap.and her window wide open. Given that the entrance to the park is off a 40mph dual carriageway, I did wonder what she would have done, had one of the dogs decided on the way there that it didn't fancy walkies after all...).

I don’t think that posters are being doom and gloom. But lovely to share reality of first year of university in such strange times. And to share experiences between us of different experiences. My DDs first week has been dominated by a really awful cold- and actually she probably would have felt worse if others were out socialising.
Let’s support each other
And be kind

Peaseblossom- please stay and share

@BCBG Thanks :) and i'm so glad your DD has settled, thats good to hear

@KingscoteStaff lol I love it.
This is our effort, and not including the suitcase lol

... everything has been ticked off the list!

Are sheets provided?

Sorry, someone DD travelled to school with each day and was in the year below her at secondary school was killed last week. When she was in year 11 they lost both a teacher and pupil to suicide a few weeks before their GCSEs. It makes you realise how incredibly lucky our DC are to be leaving home and starting their futures in this strange new world.

Aaaargh @MarchingFrogs don’t DO that!! Have just checked and they’re in with the rest of the bedding. He has just nabbed my very special roll of gaffer tape grumble grumble...

Sorry to hear that @Hoghgyni. I think everybody needs to be watching out for mental health problems more than ever this year. DS1 heard that at his university somebody had tried to commit suicide when put into isolation just after emerging from quarantine. May or may not be true, but the situation is not making it easier for anyone.

Sorry @MillicentMartha, that was not at all positive! But the positive side is to make sure all our DC are on the look out for signs of poor mental health in those around them and ready to support.

Oh Hogh that’s awful. What a terrible thing to happen. Your DD must be in shock.
We have to be positive for our children - they are moving on and will make the best of the strange situation in which they find themselves.

I didn’t mean to imply people shouldn’t share their worries, but I’m not finding the messages on that other thread particularly helpful. Life is certainly tricky ATM but missing out on Freshers’ week and having to isolate for a couple of weeks are minor in the grand scheme of things. Situations like Hoghgyni and Monkey posted about give us all a sense of perspective.

Millicentmartha- I agree. And am absolutely encouraging DD to make the best of it. But Leeds Council are saying restriction likely to apply until March 2021. DD is a strong, independent woman (as she frequently tells me!).....but there are limits

So, DD in Cardiff 2 days.
Already homesick, wants to come home.
I was not expecting this. She has mental health issues, so coping with those, far from home is an added pressure.
She was adamant she didn't want to study at uni an hour away.
What do say to that, you encourage and believe in her wanting to go further away.
It's what you dream of and think wow go you.
I'll speak to her today.

@thesunwillout must be very hard for you., I'm not surprised lots are feeling that way with everything that's going on. How many are in her flat? Hoping you have a better phone call today

Dgds work mostly on line. So effectively she will be sitting in her room most of the time which is in my mind a form of isolation anyway!

Are they still able to go out & about in Cardiff during the day? A wander around the Bay area or a walk through the parks may brighten her mood. Even a trip to Wally's in the arcade for some deli snacks to eat in her room or Waterstones to stock up on books would give a change of scene.

My DD Durham 27th too - maybe see you there; I will be the one wrangling a ton o' boxes (food for the duration...)!
I've been breezy but now the day is almost here have to keep telling myself she's not off forever...can't believe how weepy I feel. Trying to steel myself for the inevitable wobble.

Yes that's still allowed.
It's hard for all of them, I guess the mental health issues will flare up, and providing support for that is going to be a challenge.
Has 4 out of 10 in her flat.
We'll have to do this day by day, hour by hour.
She didn't want to share how she's feeling with anyone else, as didn't want to cry or make anyone feel awkward.
They barely know these people.
Huge huge step for all youngsters in this situation.

I'll try and remind her of all the reasons she wanted to make a go of it etc... Without laying it on.
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