Another path - now we have a map

[chopc]

Chopc - Durham-History
@jano69 -Durham -History
@OnTheBenchOfDoom -Durham - Natural Sciences
@Majaso12 -Imperial - don't know subject
@bendmeoverbackwards -Bristol- History
@Pumpkintopf -Imperial/Cambridge -Natural Sciences
@ChimneyPot -Brown (US) - ? Subject
@Stillcrikey -Bristol -MML
@Tenpastseven - Bristol -also modern languages?
@Longtimenewsee - Durham - Chemistry?
@MidLifeCrisis007 - Durham -History
@BigWoollyJumpers - Exeter- History
@SeasonFinale -Bristol- History

@BigWoollyJumpers we moved DS into Exeter yesterday as well. He's in Lafrowda. Was much quieter than we were expecting. We had a 10 30 slot. We left campus about 3 after spending much of the time trying to connect to the internet. DH ended up having to phone the helpdesk to get it sorted (the problem was at their end). There was only one other girl in the flat who disappeared but the rest are arriving today and DS has been in contact with them. Think it will be very busy today. With both DS1 and DS2 now at uni, it's just me, DH and the tortoise left. Good luck to everyone moving in over the next few days!

Aww @BigWoollyJumpers. Sending a virtual hug your way x.
However, it must make you feel so much better knowing that she’s got off to a good start there. She sounds fab!😊

Another hug to BWJ too - you and I shared our experiences of disappointment and bereavement last January so my heart goes out to you....

Very exciting to hear the Exeter crew are really there and actually beginning new exciting chapters in their lives.

We are still 2 weeks away from Durham moving in weekend. DD has finally had her accommodation confirmed, very lucky indeed to get an en-suite room at her first choice college while so many have faced disappointment....

So lovely to see you all posting regularly - work has been ridiculously busy so you've seen less of me on this thread. Hope to be chatting here a little bit more over the coming days and weeks... keen to hear how you and your dc are all getting on.

Hugs to all the empty nesters - can't imagine the day although dd is 13 so we have another 5 years with a child at home. It's DS1 who interacted with us the most and we have hardly seen him since they broke up from school :(

Awww @BigWoollyJumpers brought a bit of a lump to my throat. Sounds like your dd is settling in well, fantastic. And for you - it’s a big adjustment so be kind to yourself. I’m sure it will get easier in time.

We’re off to IKEA today, any recommendations or must buys? I’m not exactly sure what dd needs now - she has duvet, pillows, bedding, cushions etc…. My minds gone blank what else she needs! She’s in catered accommodation so won’t need much kitchen stuff.

Aw BWJ, hugs to you. And to all the other empty nesters.
We are currently en-route to Exeter, I have 2 bags of shopping at my feet, a double duvet on my knee, and a bag or random “stuff” squished next to me on the passenger seat.
😂

Good luck @AvocadoPlant hope the journey goes smoothly, you must be very squashed!

@AvocadoPlant

Aw BWJ, hugs to you. And to all the other empty nesters. We are currently en-route to Exeter, I have 2 bags of shopping at my feet, a double duvet on my knee, and a bag or random “stuff” squished next to me on the passenger seat. 😂

Good luck - I think today is a busy day. Lot of people we know heading off down there. Already know of one car bump incident at drop off!

We thought we had everything possible, there was no nook or cranny left, and then when we got there DD realised she had forgotten her rug .

Thanks guys, A303 is busy!
We’ve had to leave some really big cushions behind, and I vetoed a rug, mean mummy! But very frustrating to have got one and the. left it behind. It’s not very easy to post on either!!

A car bump does not sound good, but I imagine parking is very tight and visibility quite poor with all the luggage.

Re being squished, yes!! And we do have a reasonable size car, it’s an SUV, but as per the 8 coats conversation, DD is not a light packer!

Only another hour and we’re there (traffic permitting)

Hugs to all who have already done or doing this weekend drop offs.
We head to Bristol next Friday.
We’re in South Wales at my MIL’s this weekend so DS can say ‘farewell’. Although he will be closer to her in Bristol than we are at home (250 miles away from South Wales!). So a big drive this weekend and another next. Hey ho.
As usual with visits to my MIL, I am questioning when is acceptable to open the wine! I think I’ll finish this coffee and then declare it wine time. It’s going to be a looong day.

@BigWoollyJumpers yes I did mean we left the clothes horse behind!

A tough day as my DD is very tearful as it is all very real now. We took her out for brunch this morning and that definitely helped. Then traipsed off to JL for another clothes horse, fan (the room was boiling and window has minimal opening) and ordered a matress topper as you can feel the springs on the matress.

We are on our way home now and hopefully it will be quicker than the 5 1/2 hours it took to get there. Today was much busier for moving in and I'm hoping that my DD can meet her flatmates and hang out with them as there was only two of them yesterday.

@calculatorqueen My DD is in Lafrowda too.

Anyone have any recommendations for a folding clothes drying rack please?

@bendmeoverbackwards I got DSs from Sainsburys but they have them everywhere, this one is the same style in Argos. They're less bulky when storing and are extendable width ways. We bought 2. Hopefully the link works! www.argos.co.uk/product/6087467?istCompanyId=a74d8886-5df9-4baa-b776-166b3bf9111c&istFeedId=30f62ea9-9626-4cac-97c8-9ff3921f8558&istItemId=ixitixwqm&istBid=t&&cmpid=GS001&_$ja=tsid:59157%7cacid:898-274-0554%7ccid:9563031081%7cagid:97151862206%7ctid:aud-637918675102:pla-1411827937833%7ccrid:423211492995%7cnw:g%7crnd:15289844314553443329%7cdvc:c%7cadp:%7cmt:%7cloc:1007256&utm_source=Google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=9563031081&utm_term=6087467&utm_content=shopping&utm_custom1=97151862206&utm_custom2=898-274-0554&gclid=CjwKCAjwyvaJBhBpEiwA8d38vO2e_BUHpa2wPDamaC5SZ8aYYLhGcolTdNHh5IieJeb6rEnyS9WEJhoCQuIQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Aww @Dobbyismyabsolutefav I think it does suddenly hit them doesn't it. I think that it will be better for them both today when the rest of their flatmates arrive. DS has been for a walk around Exeter, I presume it's with housemates because it's not something he'd choose to do normally but at least it sounds like he's making the effort to socialise.

Good call on the fan. It was boiling in DS's flat too. Think we'll have to order one.

@bendmeoverbackwards Having bought two now either Dunelm £12 or JL do a slimline one which fits neatly in the wardrobe. Dearer at £18 but I couldn't be bothered to drive to Dunelm today before the journey home.

Thanks @calculatorqueen hopefully my DD settles in soon and finds her tribe so to speak. Although The Imperial looked busy last night so she might be heading that way tonight.

[quote Dobbyismyabsolutefav]@BigWoollyJumpers yes I did mean we left the clothes horse behind!

A tough day as my DD is very tearful as it is all very real now. We took her out for brunch this morning and that definitely helped. Then traipsed off to JL for another clothes horse, fan (the room was boiling and window has minimal opening) and ordered a matress topper as you can feel the springs on the matress.

We are on our way home now and hopefully it will be quicker than the 5 1/2 hours it took to get there. Today was much busier for moving in and I'm hoping that my DD can meet her flatmates and hang out with them as there was only two of them yesterday.

@calculatorqueen My DD is in Lafrowda too.[/quote]
DD in St Germans, which is the small block round the corner, but part of the same "village".

DD was "given" a clothes horse today. Just a heads up to anyone else, as I assume all unis now do this. They had a "free cycle" eco stall today, giving out stuff that previous students had left in their rooms. It is very big, but her flat have decided to all use it and keep it in the kitchen/living area. DD1 got a heavily discounted bike in Oxford years ago, so definitely a thing now.

A tough day as my DD is very tearful as it is all very real now.
Bless her, really hard for you too - lots of hugs from me.

Mattress toppers. Yes, yes, yes, again a good shout for anyone who still doesn't have one. I knew from previous experience that Uni beds are rubbish, so we already had one ready to go. Absolute must.

@BigWoollyJumpers thank you I will take that hug.

Great tip about the free cycle as one of my DD's flatmates needs a bike. I will let her know.

I wondered if I was being a fussy Mum but the matress was really poor so a matress topper (when it arrives) will hopefully make my DD's bed nice and cosy. Exeter did leave a clean matress protector in the room which I thought was a nice touch.

Well that was short snd sweet! We were directed to park right o/side her accommodation block, took 40 mins to unload the car, DD chatting away happily to her flat mates, Flat night out already arranged, quick hug to us and farewell!

We’re now in Exmouth, going to walk along the beach and get some sea air, provisional plan is to meet up with DD tomorrow for a quick food shop, then leave her to it.

Bit concerned that none of her bags are unpacked, neither laptop nor printer set up, particularly if there’s IT issues, but we left her happy and no tears

So pleased your DD is taking everything in her stride @AvocadoPlant and great that she has plans already.

My DD hooked up to WiFi but couldn't get one of the apps to work. Apparently once their student cards get issued tomorrow and their e-mails are all linked then they can sort out apps etc. The help centre were very helpful today.

Enjoy Exmouth.

Sounds great @AvocadoPlant, enjoy your night away and hope you have a good trip back tomorrow.

Well dd and I braved IKEA today, it was mobbed. Dd had not had much sleep as she went clubbing with her best friend in Central London last night and got home around 8am after seeing the sun rise! She had a good night but was definitely not in an IKEA mood but needed to be done. We've got most things now, just a few bits to order online, I'm packing up the car as we go!

Thanks @Dobbyismyabsolutefav I've ordered the slimline JL one.

DS lost his phone on a night out with his cricket team (club). He is smaller than the other lads and thought he could keep up drinking with them. They had put him in a cab at 1am as he was so drunk and unfortunately the phone is misplaced 🤔. Usually he is the one who looks after the other more drunk lads so it must have been he was able to let his hair down as he didn't have to "look after " anyone