Oxford and Cambridge current students discussion thread

[sandybayley]

Starting a new one as we filled it up!

Can't believe DS1 will be home in 2 weeks. Must remember to adjust the Ocado shop for when he's back. I suspect we may end up with a few days of his favourite meals 😊

Loving the deer!

Things OK here. DD working hard and has been told definitely not back to Oxford this term - which we guessed but still a disappointment. DH and I also busy with work so mostly a house with all 3 of us simultaneously on Teams. Good thing we have a decent Internet package.

Thanks to whoever it was up thread who suggested a graphics tablet. Got one for DD to help with physics tutorials and she thinks will really help.

DS4 WhatsApped me an exquisite photo of Christ Church Meadow this morning but I don't have the know how to transfer it to MN. DD4 sent one of the RadCam too a bit later. A few years ago one of the others sent the same image where someone had drawn very prettily into the snow: 'Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?'

A very fine figure of a DDog sandybayley!

I can oblige with a snowy Oxford photo. I've used snowflakes to hide DS (although not particularly apt in his case). Still, he is now indistinguishable from every other Oxford student. Note several snowmen in the scene.

Your DDog looks full of character @sandybayley. I love characterful dogs, even though, in our dogs' case, they can sometimes be VVBDogs

Ah thanks @goodbyestranger and @SnapSnapDragon - anyone who admires DDog has good taste in my book. He had elements of WBDog though when he barked loudly at the deer as only a terrier type dog of unknown parentage can.

DS4 took that same scene from the other side of the railings before anyone was about, so the snow was completely virgin and there was still a mist over the colleges. But I assume that he was wearing only a thin t-shirt and jeans - he'd think it far too warm for a coat.

Unknown parentage? I considered asking what make he was then thought better of it, not wanting to show my country ignorance of the most fashionable London DDogs!

Ha, I rather fear that DS was up far too late to be able to admire virgin snow and dawn mists. As for the coat, it's a good point. DS comes from further north than the vast majority of O students so there's really no excuse for the coat.

goodbye I assumed he was of certain parentage too - he has a "smart" look. Dogs up this way are black and white or tourists'.

Funny. I can assure you he is what would would previously have been known a 'mongrel' and came to us via a rescue. Part GS, Jack Russell and Corgi with a dash of fox.

Here you go...

A German Jaxi?

Oh my goodness what a beautiful face!

Greetings to all. Had dropped off the thread but back again now. We are all at home. DD was told that exams were no reason to go back so she’s soldiering on at home. Mods have been altered: all are open book and some papers are cancelled, so she feels better about her prospects.

DS is fairly glum. He finds online learning very unconducive. He did his college exam (what are Cambridge collections called?) and said he probably got 10%. He feels he is “too thick” for the course. It does appear very very maths based. He got a great mark for his practical project (building a weight bearing structure of some sort) and is very definitely not thick. But also very dyslexic and unwilling to seek out the appropriate support (hard enough at the best of times, let alone now). He asked me to proofread something and I picked up that he’s misspelt “college” on every piece of work so far 😢

Sorry to come on to the thread and moan... I have no dog pics to contribute I’m afraid.

Very glad to have you back PantTwizzler and very sorry indeed to hear that your DS is where he is.

I'm surprised that your DD was told not to come back - astonished even.

Ah, thanks goodbye. I just asked DD and in fact she didn’t ask to go back once lockdown was announced. She says she would probably have been allowed back but felt she shouldn’t in the circs. I’ve clearly lost track of all the tiers and lockdowns etc.

@PantTwizzler, so sorry to hear your DS is feeling glum. I'm sure he won't be the only one worrying that they are a bit lost due to online learning. I imagine it's hardest for the STEM subjects because the courses are designed to include so many contact hours. There is one particular part of DS's course that would normally be taught in person and is quite tricky. As a postgrad I helped to teach this to undergrads and I remember there were constantly hands in the air from students needing help. Videos, even though well done, are no substitution fir this kind of teaching and sure enough DS was grateful that I managed to dredge up ancient memories and set him right on a couple of things.

This is a tough time in so many ways. I hope your DS gets the reassurance he needs.

My son has just got an offer for Camb for next year so please can I ask a couple of questions here? 1. Are any Camb colleges allowing students back at the moment? 2. Excluding accommodation, how much is a reasonable amount to live on per week? 3. Apart from a gown, are any special clothes needed-DJ? Thank you!

Hi @ClarasZoo - congratulations to him on his offer.

1. Are any Camb colleges allowing students back at the moment?
Each college has their own threshold. DS's college is being quite strict about the guidelines and only a few students have been allowed back this term.

2. Excluding accommodation, how much is a reasonable amount to live on per week?
This depends on how many meals they eat in hall / self-cater in the gyp. And on other lifestyle factors. DS spent about £50 per week last term.

3. Apart from a gown, are any special clothes needed-DJ?
Again this depends on the college. DS's college has a dress code for matriculation and he did attend one formal hall last term, so he needed a dark suit, white shirt and plain tie.

Pants it must be really difficult with on line learning. You have to avoid being backward in coming forward on video calls, so if you get into your head that other are more capable than you it is so easy to stay mute for any tutorials / group work. Then you get no positive feedback and then you stay more quiet. I know I do that and I have been doing video conferences for years.

Claras congratulations to your DS. I was more nervous watching people get offers on this years thread than I was for DD's year. I have nothing useful to add about C. iron what is the gyp?

gyp = mini kitchen. DS shares a gyp with two other students. There's a kettle, a microwave and a plug in electric plate with two rings.

Thank you ! £50/week seems quite frugal. That’s “only “£1,500 for 30 weeks. Plus accommodation of say £5,000. Is £6,500 realistic or on the low side. Because the Cambridge website seems to say £9,000 is the basic minimum you will need...