Annnddd they're off! Uni Starters 2023 Thread.

[Titsywoo]

Hi all,

I thought I'd start a different thread as the Alevels and beyond one is more geared to remarks and clearing at this point so didn't want to start derailing that with chat off packing and freshers week.

How is everyone getting on with helping their DC prepare and the idea that soon they will be moving away?

My DD is off to Cardiff to read psychology so will be about 3.5 hours drive away. I'm both nervous and excited for her right now! Packing is going well - pretty much all stuff has been bought and the induction pan set should arrive today. There is a large pile on the landing which keeps growing as we think of extra bits.

Due to a very lucky spot by me when scrolling Tiktok DD has found and been added to the Cardiff Psychology year 1 snapchat group. From that she got chatting to some others who aren't massively into drinking or clubbing and they have another chat for people who want to do other things than clubbing. They are organising meeting for some of the SU 'Give it a go' events such as an escape room and Ikea trip! Dd has also persuaded a couple of people to join the Hookers society with her (for crocheting! 😄).

Dd had a terrible time with bullying and social isolation from year 5 till the end of sixth form so I am praying this is the new start where she finally finds her tribe 🤞🙏

Looking forward to hearing how everyone's DC is getting on and how the first few weeks are for them. Not long to go now! DD leaves in 20 days 😬

@Tickledtrout @tribpot
Thanks - good to know someone thinks that it's a good idea! My son is really fussy about his things and he would find it difficult to ask for something back if he wasn't sure if it was his!
@Seeline
We don't have enough money to keep rebuying things and it should prevent arguments over stuff.

Ds (16) opened an account the other day and he doesn’t have a passport or licence. I know it’s not a student account, but the same process. He did the application online then went to a branch with his birth cert and they scanned it and sent it off. He got his card in a couple of days.

DD1 off to Edinburgh on Saturday 9th. Quite far away from us - the drive will take around 6.5 hours I think. She's super organised and has done most things.

I've been advised by colleagues at work to leave early on Saturday morning. Really early. Like 4am. I'm not sure I can do it!!

Thank you @Titsywoo .
After the results trauma DD is looking forward to moving on the 16th to UWE. All accomodation sorted and stuff is accumulating by the front door. I have no energy to move it any further. She is on a student WhatsApp - and has 'met' with some students on her course. A friend has moved down to Bristol so they have sorted Freshers together. ABBA has been blasting in her room - she needs to be ready for Freshers apparently!
She is becoming a little clingy- I constantly look like a need a hug, so I am told, which is great, but last night well after midnight I looked like I needed a hug, after five/ ten minutes of hugs and chat, I politely suggested that I look like I needed sleep ready for work today! I am going to miss her so I shall take the hugs when offered.
Today she is happy as received some details for her first week - meeting with personal tutor and a boat trip.
Account sorted -nationwide, but have to remind her about CTF. Still lots to sort out - going to look at air fryers.
Good to hear all your preparations and advice.

I put a blob of distinctively coloured nail polish on all kitchen equipment to mark it

@Outnumberedbytwo my DS is studying PPE. He's managed to find everyone in his flat now via the WhatsApp groups. He thinks there are only 4 of them in a 5 bed flat which at least means a bit less queuing for the bathroom!

Thanks @Delphigirl - didn't think of using a blob of nail polish and less chance of coming off!
I'm only doing the stuff like the decent knives I've bought (DS likes to cook) and the nice Habitat pan that I got in the sale.

Do they have their own pots of utensils on the worktops usually? There's 10 in the accommodation and only one kitchen so I can imagine it will be pretty tight for space.

I stick a blob on everything. One slotted spoon looks much like another! I’ve never seen anyone with a pot of utensils - they just get a drawer or two each usually and stick them in there.

My DS found out today he is in a flat of 8 with four boys four girls. Aged between 18-21 which is good as he is almost 20 so not with all 18 year olds. Sounds like a good mix…

DD has now fully enrolled online - starting to feel very real!

I'm pretty sure most of my DS's kitchen stuff will be pristine at the end of his first year - having been unused for 12 months. I think he will live on toast and scrambled eggs. That's all he can be bothered to make!

Anyone planning to teach their DC some life skills before they leave? DD can cook well but I don't think she knows how to put on a duvet cover or sew a button back on. Terrible really!

I’ve been teaching ds some ‘emergency cooking’ (ie pasta with olive oil, garlic and chilli) and how to meal plan/shop for the week.

@Delphigirl 8 sounds like a perfect number for a flat - not too big that it gets overcrowded, but big enough that DC are bound to find someone they get on with.

My DS thinks his flat is for 8 at Exeter but not 100%

I haven't marked any kitchen stuff. None of it's new, it's spares from mine and my mum's kitchen. I figure crappy old stuff less likely to go missing.
We've had a few cooking lessons, yes, but I suspect he's mostly going to live off various types of eggs which he can already do.
He's slightly horrified by the idea of having to do his own laundry in a communal washing type room. He may have to reconsider current "wear t-shirt for 20 minutes then change mind, get a fresh one and put the 20 minuter in the wash" attitude.

Fingers crossed you are right @lastdayatschool … and that your DS gets what he wants. Has he not been given details of his accommodation yet?

@Delphigirl Yes, he definitely knows what hall and block he's in, and has also been given a 3 digit number which people are assuming translates to Floor Number, Flat Number, Room number.

If so, he's room number 7 which is why he thinks he's in a flat of 8.

Hi all,
Joining a bit late..DD1 off to Portsmouth on the 15th , earlier as we are very far. None of her friends are going there (all pretty much staying North or London) so she is feeling apprehensive.

Will be self catered so no kitchen equioment to buy. We mainly got bedding stuff so far..we will be buying some stuff when we arrive as we are there all weekend!

Good luck to everyone, it feels a.mix of excitement and what ifs but trying to be ultra positive that it will all work out!!

My daughter is off to Cambridge at the end of Sept. She is an anxious person so I am worrying a lot how she will cope with the pressure. It’s her dream, and she works very hard but I have huge reservations.

Anyway, trying not to pack too much as we will have to vacate the room every term 🙄😂

DD can cook enough to feed herself (although apparently it's an electric hob which I've never used in my life so can't help with that!) I can see laundry coming home every few weeks so she doesn't have to pay the laundry charges! My biggest thing is just reiterating safety, having emergency cash and several taxi numbers/apps in her phone. Anything else will be learned along the way.

Ds got his accommodation allocation today. It feels exciting now! He'll be staying a couple of minutes from Paddington station. The set up looks decent for students.

Yes I have assembled a few old bits and pieces too which is fine if they go walking!
I've been teaching DS to cook for the last two years and the importance of hygiene, especially raw meat! So hopefully he's prepared in that respect and will save a bit of money if he cooks and freezes stuff.

DS is off to Exeter next weekend (dons hard hat from previous thread!) Think we have most of what we need-now just need to pack it all.

So many at Uni of York! DD too. Shes 19 as took a gap year and has been in full time work. She’s suddenly very nervous and says she can’t imagine going and what if she doesn’t meet anyone she can relate to! It’s a bit late for this . Trying to reassure. She doesn’t have her block or room yet so hasn’t joined any SM groups.

@43ontherocksporfavor it's possibly better that she voices her fears. Or at least she's only saying what most kids are thinking!!