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Higher education

Talk to other parents whose children are preparing for university on our Higher Education forum.

Original poster

Durham University

999 replies

KingscoteStaff · 18/09/2021 06:46

The continuation thread for those with DC at Durham, or applying to Durham, or alumni, or staff!

September 2021 finds us packing, unpacking, meeting old friends and new, and all with our fingers firmly crossed for a positive year!

OP posts:
Thread gallery
11
chopc · 25/09/2021 07:20

DD13 wanted to come with but there was no room at the inn literally for her to stay overnight . DS15 says he won't even go in Oct as it's too far 🙄

SpamhappyTootsie · 25/09/2021 07:23

All the best to those travelling to Durham today Flowers
I have FOMO sat here waiting for tomorrow but it will pass quickly in a haze of packing, I’m sure!

Thank you to everyone who has posted on these threads, I have found it very supportive.

LeiatheSchnauzer · 25/09/2021 07:42

Yes, good luck to all those travelling today!
We would have brought dd2 but like @chopc no room at the inn, no room in the car and as we drove up on Friday we would have had to take her out of school.
Did see at least 1 family last night who had a younger sibling in tow.

Meery · 25/09/2021 07:45

Dd16 chosen to stay home, would have been a squash in the car anyway. Feeling a bit tearful now departure day finally come.

MidLifeCrisis007 · 25/09/2021 07:53

DS is listening to a "consent matters" video. It's great that the uni are insisting students watch this before they join.....I assume it's not just the boys who have to watch it.

MidLifeCrisis007 · 25/09/2021 07:59

We had supper in the city centre last night. It was so busy with freshers and their parents...the market square has changed lots since I left in 1988 now it's all pedestrianised.

Fellow alumni will notice one noticeable change for the worse though..... Quicks has gone!! Where on earth do students go at 2.00am to get a greasy kebab?!

Longtimenewsee · 25/09/2021 08:02

We are nearly there! It’s been very clear roads so far.
No not just boys @MidLifeCrisis007. Dd watched and printed up certificate yesterday
Safe journey to all my fellow travellers todayx

jano69 · 25/09/2021 08:08

Wow! Can't believe so many of you are there already. Enjoy the experience and bank those memories! We are leaving silly o clock tomorrow.

par05 · 25/09/2021 08:16

So managed to get all her stuff plus 3 siblings in car a little bit cramped but hey ho! Having a quick coffee stop before carrying on, safe journey to everyone travelling today, luckily filled up on petrol yesterday.

OakleyStreetisnotinChelsea · 25/09/2021 09:40

Enjoy everybody.

Special Freshers market tomorrow and the market hall will be open for all your random buying needs.

MargaretThursday · 25/09/2021 09:48

Good luck to all going up today.

myrtleWilson · 25/09/2021 11:51

Good luck everyone! Have just dropped DD in work in the centre - lots of parents and freshers around and lots of freps outside halls with honk signs!

Peaseblossum22 · 25/09/2021 11:52

Anyone heading up the a1 we are in a queue just North of Grantham, so far several police cars , tow fire engines and a first responder car. I think it only happened around the time we stopped but I would try to avoid this stretch if possible . Really hope no one is badly injured Sad

LeiatheSchnauzer · 25/09/2021 12:15

Just dropped off at Trevs, such a great friendly welcome!!!

Original poster
KingscoteStaff · 25/09/2021 12:27

Just had video clip of St Johns freps ringing cowbells/tin mugs to welcome each fresher in!!!!

OP posts:
Longtimenewsee · 25/09/2021 12:34

Just dropped off at Castle.. such a lovely welcoming and friendly vibe. Thank goodness for the freps.. it would have taken forever to unload without them.

SpringSparrow · 25/09/2021 12:42

@Longtimenewsee that’s so lovely to hear. Such a change from last year when they weren’t allowed to help at all. 😢Has your dd met her roommate? What’s her room like?

CeliaCanth · 25/09/2021 13:08

We dropped off at Hatfield this morning. All very well organised and welcoming. DS has a lovely room in college and my sense is that he is going to have a great time.

Peaseblossum22 · 25/09/2021 13:15

@LeiatheSchnauzer were they being really strict about times do you think . We are moving again after being stuck for an hour in the aA1 , I think we will be about 30 late for his slot but not sure whether to contact or who to contact or just to explain when we get there

chopc · 25/09/2021 13:23

@Peaseblossum22 I think you will be fine. Don't worry - drive safely and get there when you get there (don't think they would have a list of names etc and booking slots?)

Meery · 25/09/2021 13:49

Lunch done, chances are we'll be early for our Trevs slot so may steal yours! Safe trip.

Bluebellwoods1 · 25/09/2021 13:56

Hope travels have been good @peaseblossum22 sorry to hear you got stuck , for those that have dropped off your description of the welcome is lovely 😊

LeiatheSchnauzer · 25/09/2021 14:36

No strictness at all! We just drove up and all the Freps started unloading for us. I went in with dd as she was shown her room and dh stayed with the car at the front door whilst the freps carried everything to her room then he moved it to the carpark. I think the times mean they can spread it out more but they aren't sticking to it. Everyone was so friendly with cheerleaders on the gate and music playing. I found it all quite emotional tbh!

chopc · 25/09/2021 14:53

@LeiatheSchnauzer awww sounds lovely

Meery · 25/09/2021 15:23

And we're in! What a lovely welcome from the Trevs students, they made dd feel right at home from the start. Room is an interesting shape and has a lovely view over the grounds.