Current Oxford/Cambridge students support/chat continued

[Panicmode1]

New thread.....!

How very special @juja - what a wonderful moment for your DC and for her grandfather!

@juja my Dad suffered early onset dementia so didn’t really understand but like to think in the odd lucid moment he was proud and my mother didn’t want me to go and didn’t top up my grant (which covered my rent and not a penny more) so I had to work during uni and the holidays (in the days before loans etc, at least didn’t have to pay fees). I loved my uni, it was a good fit at the time but I have no friends from uni as I didn’t have the time to do anything other than study or work.

I probably over compensate now about being delighted that my daughter loves university, has the time to make friends, join clubs, has proud parents and doesn’t have to worry about the consequences on the digestive system of eating baked beans too many days in a row 😂.

Just popping back to celebrate fact that DS (joint history subject graduated 2023) just heard he's been awarded a named college prize for best finals marks in a history essay (his dissertation). Added to his prize for a first he's amassing a fair amount in Blackwells book tokens! I'm hoping it galvanises him into starting applying for masters courses for next year.

I assume this must mean that the marking for people waiting for results is finally completed - it must be such a relief. What an agonising wait they've had.

@SchrodingersKitty very well done to your DS. That's fantastic news!

Unfortunately, DS1 is STILL waiting to have any of his degree marked....

@mutterphore: that's crazy! I can't remember what subject he's doing. I'm so sorry for him and his cohort. Surely the university can't let this situation go on indefinitely.

(Until recently I was an academic, and I and many of my peers had become increasingly dissatisfied with the union and its priorities. I know that many people are moving to other unions as a result of this action specifically and its targeting of the very students whose degrees were most affected by covid.)

Dd's still waiting too for final confirmation to seal the deal.

@SchrodingersKitty many congratulations to your ds! Hope it's a confidence boost.

Ds's friend has finally today heard that they can definitely stay on after their exam nightmare (too outing to go into more detail). That makes almost 5 months they've been in limbo. First World problems etc etc but I just feel for them so much. At least it's finally over.

Congratulations to your DS @SchrodingersKitty !

I feel so much for those poor students STILL waiting for results. It's awful after everything they have been through, but fingers crossed for imminent news for those still waiting!

@SchrodingersKitty congratulations to him on the prize

Yes it feels really crazy, @SchrodingersKitty . He's not had a single part of his degree exams or dissertation marked and he finished all his exams and everything on 2nd June!

Well done @SchrodingersKitty What an amazing achievement! What will he do while he waits for a Master's course and where is he thinking of going?

Dd just noticed a few (mosquitoes like) bites on her at the weekend, and called home quite distressed worrying that it might be bed bugs…..she s been reading about the Paris bed bugs in the news….Called plodge and they will send someone to check. Meanwhile sent Zambuk and Savlon on their way….And she carried on with her weekend of baking banana bread, punting and rubiks cubing.

@CinnamonJellyBeans: he'll apply to Oxford for a couple of different history programs and also to other courses elsewhere that interest him. He's doing a lot of reading to narrow down which areas he most wants to specialise in. We've just got back from a late holiday and his plan is to apply for temporary jobs now, with some travel planned for next year. He's also doing a lot of writing of fiction. So he's keeping busy - though not quite as busy as I'd like!

No clear career ambition other than writer - I fear that he may follow late DH and me into academia (not really my wish for him as its in a rather parlous state these days).

That's lovely news for your DS @SchrodingersKitty. One reason why DD didn't even consider a masters at Oxford was because she was fed up with feeling as though she was the thickest person in the room. Your DS has firm proof that he's the brightest. What a star!

Planning our first visit to Cambridge on Sunday, can anyone recommend somewhere nice for a pub lunch/Sunday roast? Thanks

I'm planning a first visit to Oxford next week. Does anyone have recommendations for a central location which is dog friendly for lunch? Thank you!

@Ilovefatrascals: the Turf Tavern is very central and large and claims to be dog friendly. Interesting place - a labyrinthine 12th century inn. Can be quite full at weekends and a bit touristy but probably ok this time of year.

@SchrodingersKitty thank you so much- it'll be a midweek visit so sounds perfect

@Ilovefatrascals - you could try the Angel and Greyhound. Less central than the Turf Tavern (short walk over Magdalen Bridge) but less crowded and very dog friendly.

www.angelandgreyhound.co.uk/

@HoneyMobster thank you so much, that looks lovely too, great to have options, I'm sure this will be the first of many visits!

@SchrodingersKitty brilliant news! Congratulations to you and your DS.

Never done a Sunday roast unch in C - it's not really our thing and as DD is now a vegan, there's no point. She does like Efe's on King Street (Turkish) and we had brunch at The Locker along the same road.

Ilovefatrascals we just get a take out from the Covered Market or more recently from Branca Deli plus a coffee from Brew and go and sit in the Uni Parks where the dogs can run around.

@juicy0 we have only done dinner in Cambridge (or the obligatory Chelsea buns and tea at Fitzbillies) so can't help on a lunch option, but I hope you have a lovely visit.

I had a lovely lunch on the river at the Millworks then a walk through the park which it abuts into town, it was only five minutes from DD’s college but may be further for others. This was on a Saturday and I didn’t have a roast but I did like the selection, service and location.

p.s my recommendation was for C, just see you were asking about O, apologies!