University 2019/20 intake: Gearing up to graduation (for some but not all)

[NewModelArmyMayhem18]

Previous thread

DC finished all exams this week but still has some work to do on his dissertation. Still not sure about his graduation. I've booked the day off but may and up spending a lazy day at home😁

It's been a tricky few years, but it seems to have gone so quickly and journeys for many are close to the end. DD is currently on a year abroad with uni, having the time of her life. She's chosen the title of the dissertation and knows what she wants to get across. At the end of next year, she wants to get some money behind her (might try and get her lock down job back, as they took her back in year 2 when she decided to come back home) - then either use the money for a masters or possibly travel.

May I have a small boast?

DD has a job!! In the field she wants to be in! So chuffed for her.

Well done to your DD @VanCleefArpels.

DD has just had a couple of days away from the revision treadmill. She and a friend had booked tickets to see a band in 2020. The gig got postponed twice, and they finally got to see them on Thursday.

They had got to the stadium early and one of the people working there gave them free tickets to the VIP area. DD said she nearly cried with happiness, and said it was the best gig she had ever been to.

The next day they went to Alton Towers before coming home for a night at home then back up to Newcastle and straight into the library for more work.

I want the exams to be behind DD but am sad for her that her time at university is coming to an end. She has made some lovely friends and I hope she can stay in touch with them.

Ah that’s fab @RampantIvy sounds like she had a great time.
Congratulations to your DD, that must be such a relief!

The congratulations were to @VanCleefArpels

@VanCleefArpels brilliant news!!

@VanCleefArpels - That’s great news!

DS has now finished all assessments. He’s just waiting for his housemates and friends to catch up as his exam timetable meant he was one of the first to finish. They’ve got some club nights booked, and a holiday too.

That is fabulous news @VanCleefArpels !

@RampantIvy that sounds like a great 'chill' weekend of fun for your DD and friends.

@blametheparents DD is off to ‘Ibeefa’ this week.🙄

Great news @VanCleefArpels ! Hopefully first of many!

To those going on holiday, I am so jealous. My last holiday was 2019. I would love to visit Ibiza (quiet bit)!

DD didn't dare book anything holidaywise because she had no passport. Hers ran out in 2020 and it wasn't worth renewing.

However, we both decided that she needed a new one and, unbelievably, she received it yesterday only a few weeks after applying for one.

Ds came home yesterday as we had relatives staying the weekend. He is going back tomorrow. He's bored. All his university work is handed in. He does have 2 online exams but apparently can't really revise for them. All his mates round here are working or still at university. So he's well fed up. I think the reality of moving back home has hit. But he has booked 3 weeks away in America with one housemate as the others didn't want to go. So at least he has that to look forward to. He got really annoyed at a family gathering this weekend when everyone asked him what he's doing after uni. His reply was nothing. So they asked what he wants to do work wise...reply, I don't know.

The last 3 years has certainly gone quickly anyway.

DD is spending all of her time in the library revising. She has a lot to revise.

Well done to the DC that got jobs, as well as those who are still working so hard for their finals. I'm still waiting for DS to apply for finance for next year and restart, then actually finish.

Good luck to your DS @simbobs. How is your DD doing?

@RampantIvy no positive change, but she is hoping for a f2f with her consultant at the RVI soon. She has got Newcastle to give her a further deferral, though, so that is something to work towards. Thanks for asking, and glad to see that your DD has been having a good time.

Good news at Durham uni- a settlement has been reached so the threatened marking ban is not going ahead. Phew! Hope other unis will do the same.

So after 3 very eventful years, its all over. My DS did his final exam yesterday, having handed his diss in a couple of weeks ago. I asked him how it felt and he said he wishes he could do it all over again (except for covid) and it was the best time of his life. Granted his is only 21 and there will be many more milestones to celebrate, but it was lovely to hear him so happy and nostalgic. His graduation is all booked and I will have extra tissues in my bag.

He has started dipping his toes into the job market and has a couple of interviews lined up, but I think wants to drag out the uni life for as long as possible, especially as his lease doesn't end until 31 August (which really pisses me off). I think his friends will slowly drift back into their own new jobs and lives and he will soon come home. I can't wait to have him back.

This group have been amazing and we have all been through a lot together. Where else could I ask my many 'stupid' questions?

DC won't move back home, but with no job??? well, he has had a part-time job through out with which he can carry on.
But it hasn't been easy for this cohort, such a difference with younger dc

I echo your final sentiments, @minesawine. This group has been more than helpful in the last few years. Good luck to your DS, I hope he finds what he is looking for.

@Benjispruce4 that's good news! Yay!

DS is getting last minute wobbles. Aiming for a first but not sure if he's done well enough. Angsting about it at the 11th hour. Maybe the reality of the 'end' is catching up with him. He's always been quite chilled about his course until now.

These year-long tenancies that see them still having to pay well beyond their courses ending are a total PITA. You might think there would be some sort of early 'opt out' fee. Not sure what DS will do (he still has three months of his remaining) but if he's earning part-time rather than full-time, think it would make more sense for him to be at home.

DS has started applying for jobs (but only just). He still has one module to complete by this Friday. He probably needs to be applying for short-term 'fill-in' ones and more graduate type ones too. Difficult to know exactly what to advise.

@minesawine it's a strange transition period all our young people have ahead. So not surprised so many want to carry on the student way of life for as long as possible.

I think older generations see everything in terms of the stability of a good career. All DF has been banging on about since DS started at uni. It's an annoying question to be on the receiving end of, and although meant well (I'm sure) I'm not surprised your DS was annoyed @icanbewhatiwant . Glad to hear that he is doing the US holiday trip.

I would encourage DS to spend some time travelling but not sure he'll want to consider it at this point in time, with his g/f in the mix.

Good luck to all the young people with the final push!

These year-long tenancies that see them still having to pay well beyond their courses ending are a total PITA.

I think it depends on circumstances. We live rurally, and most of DD's local friends have moved on. There is far more to do and more people to do things with in DD's university city than at home. I think DD would rather their tenancy was for a little longer. They have to move out the day after her birthday in July. So instead of celebrating they will be packing.

@minesawine lovely post - made me feel very sentimental for this group.

My DS would love his tenancy to be a bit longer, and almost all of his friends are staying in their uni city come what may. Home seems too small for some, others have parents who live overseas.His new tenancy begins a week after his last one ends, so they are looking for a storage facility and a Man & Van, unless they can negociate, and pay for a week's extension.