Oxford and Cambridge current students

[sandybayley]

Nearly filled up the old one...

DD had her haircut this week and donated 35cm to The Little Princess Trust. It had grown far too long and now is a much more manageable shoulder length.

D1 was told to do 2 tests before returning to Oxford, we are all testing twice a week anyway, as D2 is in school. So we all did a test today, and will do another one on Tuesday night. Then when she arrives at college, they will give her another 2 test kits and after that she'll need to get tests at one of the test centres.

@JulesJules that was nice and quick for your DD to hear back. Presumably not the same college as my DS otherwise I'll start to think that his request has gone missing! I don't think that he is very active on the college chats to know if other people have heard back yet.

DD back in Cambridge after a negative LFT at home, think she needs to do 2 tests this week. Steady stream of students arriving back as we unloaded the car . It was gloriously pretty and warm yesterday, Kings Parade was busy. Was struck by a really different feel walking around, people not leaping away from others, almost “normal”. I didnt really need to go but havent left home-work bubble 10 mile radius since October and it was too exciting to resist the siren call of Heffers.

Good news for DS today, he's got permission to go back to college!

That's a relief @Pepermintea
Thinking of those who are still waiting to hear.

I am delighted that common sense is prevailing and hope that there aren't any students out there who have been denied permission. Surely that wouldn't be the case.

DS tells me that labs will be happening in person, although the Michaelmas covid rules still apply, i.e. face masks worn at all times, people split between different rooms etc. I also get the sense that households will be quite strictly enforced in college. Oh well, as much as I'd like life to completely go back to normal for them, at least it's a lot better than last term.

Pepermintea, I'm very pleased to hear that your DD now has permission to return.

I hope everyone else who wants to go back can now do so as it would be very unfair if some colleges still prevented this.

Good news @Pepermintea .
D1's friends at C (Caius and Clare) are also back or heading back this week.

I think the mass return is going to be strange for those who had been rattling around in half empty colleges. DD suddenly has to remember to book in or out of Hall, instead of being PAYG. She has effectively been self catering, but the kitchen in another staircase will be out of bounds again. They are also going to re-jig the households again, although they are allowed to pick who they want to be with.

Nice to hear of good news re returns.

DD1 successfully dropped off yesterday. Her college was very quiet, but looking lovely in the sunshine.

DS1 had a Zoom meeting with a study skills person yesterday who had some interesting suggestions for him (eg start work in the afternoon; do something you enjoy in the morning) so we’ll see if that makes a difference. He passed his driving theory test yesterday so that was a nice boost.

@PantTwizzler I'm glad to hear your DS has had some positive things happen.

DS has his PCR test this morning (pooled sample but his is the only sample in the pool) then hopefully will be allowed out of his room from tomorrow. It seems that colleges are making their own rules about whether to impose quarantine for incoming students. Perhaps his college thinks that everything outside the college walls is a different country?

That sounds quite positive Pant I think.

Pants that is really good news. It is important to have timetabled time to have guilt free fun.

DD was posted to Oxford a couple of hours ago. We will definitely need the roof box for her return. I am sad she has gone for selfish reason, but glad she has.

Does anyone have any views/experience of Queen’s College Oxford? DS is thinking of applying there. Grateful for any opinions here or via DM.

@PantTwizzler - interesting advice to your DS about work patterns. My DS is a 'late starter, late finisher'. He swears he is most productive at about 10pm. I find it baffling as I am 'an early start or rubbish day' person. But it's all about what works for them.

Deafening silence from Oxford so I guess DS has settled back in OK!

PantTwizzler, good to hear that your DS has had some support and well done to him on passing his driving theory test.

DS1 (C) and DS2 (O) are both now happily back at their colleges and really pleased to be there. I'm also very happy to have space and time to focus on work and my own interests, although of course missing them both.

I hope everyone who wants to go back is now there at their respective colleges.

That's great news, @mutterphore !

It feels as if the universities / colleges have (mostly?) transitioned from "must strictly follow government guidance to avoid any appearance of Oxbridge breaking the rules" to more-or-less colluding with students to find a way to get them back (presumably out of frustration with the government kicking it to the middle of May).

DD4 reports that almost everyone at her college is back.

Yes DS1 reports almost everyone is back at his O college and things are quite 'normal'. He had cricket nets yesterday and was very impressed by the standard of cricket in his college - and a great opportunity for meeting students in other years.

Dd reports queues at Hall and even (gasp) in person meetings.

I'm glad so many DC are back where they belong, in the nicest possible way. DD had a glass of wine with the Master last week and he asked after us (must have made an impression - oops!)

She is now looking into house shares for next year. As long as she does ok in her exams, she will be staying on for a PhD. Her college accepted her straight away. I did suggest a change of scene, but it makes sense geographically. Plus she knows and likes them, and they know her, so it's a no-brainer. They offer college accommodation to all postgrads but she hankers after a proper kitchen and more independent living so has buddied up with 4 others and they are viewing houses. She asked me to be a guarantor, except I barely earn the amount the Letting Agents need. I have refused to guarantee any joint & several contracts as I simply can't afford a year of £2.5k+ per month. However, all "professional" houses are near Addenbrookes and the station, completely the wrong side of Cambridge for her. I have pointed this out so we'll see what transpires.

I suppose once she graduates, does that mean I have to move on from this thread?

Please stay Malbec. You can roll your eyes gently in the background as we continue to make rookie errors. We're all still interested in your regular fish & chip outings, terrible wifi and tales from school.

Lovely to hear positive news from so many. Amazing re your DD's PhD, @Malbecfan! What is her subject (if you don't mind saying)?

DD appears to have settled back in happily, thank goodness. DS is still at home but planning to go back at the weekend.