Study in the time of COVID-19 (2019/20 intake): lockdown restrictions, relaxation of rules and repeat... And will the Grinch government cancel Christmas?

[NewModelArmyMayhem18]

Carrying on from our previous thread.

I believe these threads have probably been running since the summer/autumn of when our DC were about to start/in Year 13 (so 2018)?

Dd home

@MrKlaw Yes last year Ds went back for his revision week but is assuming that and assessments will be online so no need to rush back this year. Of course he may be bored with us by January and change his mind!

My DS has a similar format of starting back on 4th January, a week of teaching and then exams, but that would be what happens in normal times. I asked DS what was happening re exams now and he has no idea!! More than a little worrying. I told him not to come home until he knows. He had a negative covid test today, but isn't planning on coming home until next Monday. He's in Tier 3 so there isn't much they can do socially.

Who’s back? We decided to pick Dd up straight after her test rather than the train and then the train was cancelled anyway so got the money refunded!

Picking mine up on Monday, I think. Waiting for confirmation. He had his test, but wanted another weekend with his mates.

When I saw Dd I felt like a mother hen - you know when they fluff up all their feathers before they rest and the chicks all come running and settle underneath her. All homely and happy all my chicks are at home.
Then I saw the washing. And then came the fridge contents rapidly disappearing. And the lack of hot water....
Ah well - I love her really!

Enjoy, Zanda! Envious, as my DS whom I love to distraction, will certainly be spending as much time as possible with his friends, and DD, most of hers in her room!

DD not home until 16th. No idea if she’s having a test as she wasn’t sure last time we spoke. We are busy trying to decorate after some building work so quite happy for her to stay away a bit longer. Aiming to crack in and try to get the decorations and tree up by the time she arrives-10 days and no time off so it’s hectic. Enjoy @Zandathepanda!

Crack on, obviously.

I collect my DS from Notts on Saturday and I am so excited to see him. Its been the longest time apart. He is quite cool about it all, which is annoying.

He is quite cool about it all, which is annoying

I think as parents we underestimate how much more important friends and an independent lifestyle than home life is to our student DC. In many cases they are closer to their university friends than to the ones they had at home, or their home friends have moved on themselves (as has happened in DD's case) and their isn't as much for them at home as there is at university.

Ds is back 😍 I hope he won’t be bored as most of his school friends don’t seem to be returning till next weekend. He & I went out to get a Christmas tree last night, won’t actually put it up till Dd returns next week.

Mine is driving back today. I asked what time and he said he will be home for dinner. I knew he wouldn't miss a roast! I dread to think how much laundry there will be. Plus his pc in the car. No doubt the car will be full (he's only 45/50 mins drive away)

I agree @Ginfordinner - they have taken a big step into leading their own lives at uni and I don’t expect mine to want to go back to how it was years ago. Still lovely to see them though

@Benjispruce2, I’m wondering if DS knows your DD - he mentioned some girls along the road. I will try to find out when he comes home next weekend!

Ssshhh @bigTillyMint she doesn’t know I discuss everything on here so don’t out me!

Dd is miserable that Newcastle have told her there’s need to come back before 7th February!

That's useful to know, @zandathepanda, as my DD is at Newcastle and last new year couldn't get back fast enough. She's in private rental so no doubt won't want to stay here anyway. It's her final year so she is very focused on working as hard as possible.

I won’t @Benjispruce2 - will just dig a bit if I can😉

DS hasn’t mentioned anything about return dates. Or even house for next year (was mentioned ages ago but nothing recently) so I hope he has a plan!

@Zandathepanda

Dd is miserable that Newcastle have told her there’s need to come back before 7th February!

I asked DD yesterday, but she said she hadn't read all of her emails and wasn't sure what she was going to do in January. It will depend on what her houseshare friends want to do.

As everything will presumably be online it matters little where they are physically located, but it will be interesting to see what happens about testing in January. Those in private accommodation cannot be prevented from returning if that is where they work best.

I'm still waiting for confirmation from DS that he will be ready to come back tomorrow. I want him packed and waiting, not just tumbled out of bed, stuffing bags.

Those in Uni owned accommodation will, rightly, expect a refund/reduction in rent if they're told not to return as planned mid January. They're already told to leave a week early to go home for Xmas.

I think refunds have already been ruled out

Bristol have given them discount for this term and January is free next term. They emailed students before anyone asked. DD will be back 11th Jan so living rent free 😊

Would have been useful to now dc plans, but hey ho, who am I to be told what his plans are

Lucky for your DC @mumsneedwine. Mine had to fight for a discount last year and won a partial victory, but no chance this time.