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

[NewModelArmyMayhem18]

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Hi all. Its been a while since I last posted.
Isn't it strange seeing all the posts from nervous, anxious parents of 1st year students. That was us 3 years ago, how time flies.
My DS has settled back home ok and is loving his job at Virgin Atlantic, but is now also talking about starting his own business in the next year or so. I'm having to get used to having a grown up in the house, who has been living on his own for 2 years as he lived in a studio and not a house share. Redefining the rules is the best way to describe our arrangements. But it's still great having him home.
It's funny that he has only got back in touch with a couple of his pre-uni mates as he feels he doesn't have much in common with them anymore. He still meets up with his uni mates regularly.
And I'm still chasing his deposit. So frustrating.
My DD is about to start year 2 and is already talking about moving in with her boyfriend of 10 months for year 3, I'm keeping quiet on that one for now.

Hello @minesawine good to 'see' you again and delighted your DS is enjoying his job. My DS is gearing up to return to NTU for his final (fourth) year next week. He's got a nice flat with two mates from the cricket club so hopefully will have a great final year. He did a week's work experience over the summer with a recruitment company in London, he loves it and 'thinks' they mentioned the possibility of a f/t job .

Yes, I keep looking at the 1st year Uni threads and thinking back to those early days, all so laid back now ... no checking he's got enough pots and pans etc!

DD only came back from her year abroad on 31 August. She's managed to get a few shifts from previous local employers. DD returning for her final year in Edinburgh on Sunday. She hasn't seen her flat in person, but her friend reckons it's nice. They had to go in with another girl who they hadn't met, but apparently she's nice as well.

House looks like a bomb site as she hasn't really had chance to sort her stuff out after returning with work, late birthday celebration and seeing friends.

@minesawine, that sounds very entrepreneurial! What sort of area of business is he considering?

Hope your DC have a good final year @Ragwort and @ifonly4!

I have ds2 starting his first year at university next week. He's going to Sussex. It doesn't seem that long since ds1 was starting. It's different this time...firstly I know a bit more on what to expect, secondly ds2 is very different to ds1. He's quite laid back, he will make friends and get on with whatever life throws at him.

That’s nice @icanbewhatiwant . It’s that I worry about with DD2. It might just be the making of her though. Nice to be in Brighton though eh?

@Ragwort DD2 is an NTU fresher this year. Any tips? She’s worried it’s too party central. She likes going out and more into pubs and parties than clubs.

Benji my DS has loved his time at NTU ... there's plenty going on and my DS isn't into clubbing (or keeps it very quiet if he is ) he's had a great social life and likes pubs ... he's very sporty so made a lot of friend that way. I hope your DD enjoys it - what is she studying? My DS does Economics at the city campus.

Thanks @Ragwort. Sociology at City campus too. We haven’t heard a great deal about moving in day as it’s over a weekend . Can you remember much?

@Benjispruce4 what accommodation has your DD got? My DS was in Glasshouse for his first year (until lockdown....) - moving in was very well organised - he was given a time slot and we parked outside & there was help getting stuff to his flat ... it was all very friendly with a great atmosphere. We left him making friends with his new flat mates and they all seemed to get on very well.

They offered Meridian which was a bus ride away so went for private accommodation close to campus.

We can’t park there as in city centre so have to use a multi-storey.

There are lots of central car parks in the city so it shouldn't be too hard to navigate. My DS also ended up in private Halls as no Uni accommodation left - but the private Halls turned out to be very good. Hope it all goes well for your DD. We love Nottingham and are planning a two day break there next week when we take our DS back - we live rurally so a city trip is very exciting! Also taking my 90 year old DM there for a visit later in the Autumn as she wants to see where he is studying - obviously we won't stay with DS .

Thanks @Ragwort 😀

@Ragwort i wonder if you can help on this: The move in day at NTU is staggered over a week starting this weekend. DD not going until next weekend when Freshers starts. Seems odd that they don’t all move in and be newbies together.

That does sound odd, I would assume the students moved in when Freshers week starts so that they are kept busy ... can you suggest your DD gets in touch with either the Students Union or the Halls direct to ask the question? I honestly can't remember the timings for my DS's moving in dates.

Yes that info was from the private accommodation. They offer early move in. I’m guessing most move in for Freshers which starts 16/9 which is a Friday but we’ll be going on the Saturday as can’t get time off( school) work.

New thread

Hoping your DD settles on her course and in Nottingham @Benjispruce4 .

That sounds promising for your DS @Ragwort .

@icanbewhatiwant good luck to your DS2. Sure he'll have a blast in Brighton.

@minesawine great news that your DS is thinking of setting up a business, although I think he should wait a couple of years until the economic situation has calmed down a bit.

ifonly4 hope your DD settles back into her fourth year.

Thanks for the lovely responses/updates. It is nice to hear from you, especially those with DC's in NTU. Such a special uni.

About to do a food shop for my DD who lands back in UK on Friday after a summer in USA and is back to Portsmouth Uni on Sunday. She has all the fun and I'm just the packer / unpacker / taxi driver.

@minesawine sounds as if your DD has had a great summer. Good luck with her return to uni too.