Oxford and Cambridge current students - discussion thread for anyone with daughters, sons etc there for Michaelmas 2020 (and not just freshers!)

[DadDadDad]

A continuation thread for those attending Oxbridge for the first time this term, but it makes sense to throw it open to anyone with a DC there (or other family member, or maybe you're a student yourself or teach / work there - all welcome!) Share your thoughts and questions on college life, courses, etc. A certain virus has made it a bit different for everyone this year...

I have a DS who is a fresher at a small Oxford college in a small subject. We will be taking him there in just over a week.

Plus shin pads of course. DS1 played a bit of hockey at school and never progressed beyond trainers. DD plays club hockey and astroboots are fairly standard..

Ah yes, DD did buy a new gumshield and cleaned up her shin pads.

Hello Malbecfan :) I thought Cambridge was beautiful when I dropped stuff off to DS3 at the end of last week - definitely see the attraction.

DS2 played hockey at Oxford. He never seemed to bring fancy boots home.

Mind you, I didn't really rootle through his belongings that much so it's possible he bought some up there.

Received a text message from DS at 2am asking if it was okay to drink white wine and vodka on the same night... seems like his household staircase are bonding! Have had heard from him since.

@LadyM0ndegreen

Received a text message from DS at 2am asking if it was okay to drink white wine and vodka on the same night... seems like his household staircase are bonding! Have had heard from him since.

I mean have NOT heard from him since.

Pant, another vote for trainers to start out with, he’ll slip around a lot but that would probably happen anyway! Gum shield essential as there will be plenty of rogue shots. DD signed up too, I think its mixed hockey as her college so small and trying out rowing and rugby( am horrified, she’s tiny). Like the others say, outdoor team sport seems to be the best way to be getting to know other people currently which is no bad thing!

Nice to see everyone settling in okay.
DD has met lots of nice people at O through soc events/meet ups with people met online over the summer. Her household members are ships passing in the night, apparently, with everyone off doing different things - two she hasn't even managed to meet yet. Plenty of time to get to know each other when they're, inevitably, locked down, I suppose

DS is punting today with his household - he seems to quite like them! I've asked for photos but am not holding my breath.

LOL that I'm so out of date re the surfaces they play on...! DS told me firmly that he would wear his trainers (subtext: get a life, mother). Will gently suggest gum shield...

@PantTwizzler. Suggest the gum shield a little more firmly if he doesn’t bite (forgive the pun). DD got hit under the chin with a ball and the doctor at a&e who was glueing up the cut, looked at the gum shield and said it had saved her teeth cracking when her jaw hit together. Eeek!

Hobbema Rugby & tiny go together like South Africa & Faff de Klerk. She's ideal scrum half material.

Literally spraying wine out of my nose @Hoghgyni! What an image...

Please tell me you didn't Google Faff pants!

No need...image burned onto brain from World Cup. Some third year convinced her it was the easiest way to get a blue...

She'd need the pants and the hair, though, @hobbema. And I suspect having hair that flicky perfect won't come cheap...

DD dropped at Oxford after our near false start. All very organised - flatmate got a test yesterday result at 9am this morning - DD got an automated text to say household no longer needed to self isolate.

Dropped off but literally saw DD's room for 10 mins wearing a mask and left - no hanging about.

That must be a relief Ellie.

No need to apologise hobbema. Enjoy the good stuff. After conversations with a glum DS and a tearful DD (both basically Covid-restriction/stress related), I’m happy to read something positive.

DS has been back since yesterday. Already the other household on his floor is isolating, and he sounds anxious on the phone. Planning to go and do a big food shop tomorrow after his exam. I don't think he's left his room other than to buy good and to walk in the college grounds. He hasn't seen any of his friends yet. This is going to be a tough term...

DS found out this week that he has no face to face teaching at all this term. Still happy to be back with his friends but not really sure why he is there (suspect they wanted his rent).

I missed last night's chat live so not sure what you did wrong hob!

But I'd like to thank you and Hog for the discussion of Faf pants. I did Google it (I'm too inquisitive) and it has given me the context that was missing from a photograph of the boys on DS's rugby tour to South Africa, clad in unusual matching attire.

Drunken bragging, no call for it!

OK, you're forgiven. Warning to self: don't go onto MN after a glass or two.