University 2019/20 intake: vacations, vaccinations, va-va-voom restored and virtually into their third year

[NewModelArmyMayhem18]

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Great news @Ragwort.

DS seems to have everything colliding in a very short period of time, having had a very leisurely summer. He's just moved into his third-year houseshare, has his 'summer' job starting next week, has to submit an outline of his proposed dissertation piece of work, have his second 'jab', and lots more! Just seems to be a long list of 'to dos'. And he's not even begun to think about what to do after he finishes his first degree.

Good to hear of the younger siblings getting their first jabs too. DD will be 16 soon so will be looking out for an opportunity for her to be vaccinated at the first opportunity.

I'm taking DD back to her third year house this weekend. A couple of the others are moving back up next week, and another later in September.

I don't think she has had any communication from her university regarding her dissertation. She is thinking of doing a masters afterwards, but aiming at a more highly regarded university (gulp).

Until she can get on top of her sleep issues/CFS she won't be able to get a full time job

I don't think she has had any communication from her university regarding her dissertation. She is thinking of doing a masters afterwards, but aiming at a more highly regarded university (gulp). @RampantIvy DS has similar thoughts (although he hasn't identified a suitable course or university as yet) BUT he seems keen on a London one (possibly LSE if they'll have him) and live with some of his former school friends – that will be cheap not. Afraid family finances won't stretch to supporting him doing that so he'll have to sort out a lucrative job for next summer!

DD has no desire to live in London

Ds got his second jab at a local walk-in centre today so that’s another thing done.

None of mine wanted to study in London as we live in the commuter belt anyway- this has meant that it’s not always easy to identify a shortlist of unis to apply to, if they’ve also ruled out Oxbridge, Scotland & those in the far reaches of England such as Durham & Exeter!

@RampantIvy I have a DD with cfs but only really hit her in February. She is now pretty disabled and worried about how she is going to get to her seminars. She must be one of the few students who wants as much as possible to stay online. Has your DD found anything (other than rest) that actually helps, and has it got better over time?

That seems to have come on rather suddenly @simbobs. It's such a worry isn't it.

I think part of the problem is that DD wakes up a lot at night and isn't getting good quaity sleep. We keep telling her to contact her GP sp that she can be referred to a sleep clinic.

Has your DD applied for DSA? Does she have paperwork to support her diganosis?

DD was referred to the CFS clinic when she was in year 12. She isn't disabled with it, but I think she is worse now than two years ago. If she overdoes it one day it wipes her out for the following day.

Your DD is at Newcastle isn't she? Student Support were really helpful with DD and they recommended that she applied for DSA.

You can PM me if you don't want to discuss it in this thread.

Hello! One thing that helps with Dd2’s sleep is to have a really good physio session on her back every so often. It releases lots of tension in the shoulders and she always sleeps much better afterwards. Also we have the calm app so she rests with that on to ‘recharge’. One thing I didn’t realise is that mental effort is as tiring as physical effort so you may need to be aware of that.

DD hates the idea of massage or reflexology. Basically anyone touching her.
She got a spa day voucher for her 21st birthday and is sad that the person who gave it to her has wasted their money. There is nothing available at the spa that she would want to do.

I got one of those for my 50th. Not my cup of tea!

A physio ‘massage’ isn’t the same but I understand! The ‘cracks’ from the tension in her spine are like fireworks! There’s no oils involved or music. She literally grows an inch after an appointment.

DD has flown to France for a holiday with her housemates plus others. They are very lucky to have a girl in their friendship group with a fabulous family holiday home there. DD2 (17) had her first jab yesterday and it was quite painful, a fair bit of blood on her plaster(i didn’t bleed) and a bruise today. No other symptoms luckily. It was a student nurse and I know they have to learn but …

Random emoji in there

Ds1 went back to uni city today to start his placement year. Unfortunately younger brother went to Reading & some of his friends are now positive- ds2 is negative so far but has a sore throat & cough. Really hope ds1 does not get it as he starts his new job... he’s fully vaccinated & had Covid last year so 🤞he will be ok

Oh no @Decorhate that’s a nuisance. Most of DD2’s friends that went to Reading are positive too. Not the start he’s want in his new job. Fingers crossed.

Sorry to hear about your DS2 feeling unwell @Decorhate - hope he remains negative.

Know there was an image somewhere of dumped positive COVID LFTs strewn around the ground in the aftermath of the Reading Festival.

Really in the scheme of things how many young people are going to spend decent money on tickets to something like that and then not go (even if they test positive?).

Your lucky DD @Benjispruce5. Hope she has a fab time!

DS has just started his 'summer job'. I had to give him his term's 'top up' early as he was down to his last £100 (with year two student house let deposit slow to be refunded - minus £120 though!).

Yes she is very lucky. She’s worked all summer (from home) and it’s been quite boring for her as she only sees a couple of home friends now. It’s been on and off with the Covid travel changes and getting the second jab in 7 days before travel but she’s made it. Unfortunately not all have due to getting their jabs late. Good luck to your DS and his ‘summer’ job.

The other thing about LFT’s is that there is deliberate pretend swabbing going on when a negative is required to do anything. It’s too tempting for some.

My friend's DD who went to Reading also tested positive for covid.

Oh dear @RampantIvy and there will be some who may not get tested who'll be returning to university/school spreading it around :-(

That's a worrying thought @NewModelArmyMayhem18new. DD has just informed me that her second jab has been cancelled, so she has had to make another appointment to get to somewhere where she can't get public transport to. She is going to try and get a walk in appointment before then as she has been told she can get an earlier appointment now.

@Benjispruce5 you don’t even need to go anywhere near the swab to “report” a “negative” LFT - just scan the QR code on the test strip and click “negative” on the website when reporting.

That's shocking @VanCleefArpels!

Yes I guess so!

@NewModelArmyMayhem18 I seem to be permanently topping up my DS! He started a job and they still haven't got him properly set up on their payroll, so no pay. Quite surprising for such a reputable company. I am concerned about his possible covid status, though as he also went to a festival last weekend, not a camping one though.