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 😬

Two of dd's friends off to Southampton @AIstolemylunch - looking forward to it. It's a lovely leafy campus with city, sea, countryside all close at hand.

thanks all! What is the C card scheme?

@AIstolemylunch
https://www.hants.gov.uk/socialcareandhealth/getiton/contraception/freecondoms#:~:text=The%20GIO%20C%2DCard%20is,if%20you%20are%20under%2016.

@AIstolemylunch so pleased to see a fellow Southampton fresher mum!
I think DS2 is pretty excited to go - he chats about it more to his brother than me. I think he has plans for stuff for his room but will wait till he gets there. He does need new bedding though…

I can't be the only mum who is struggling with the idea of kids moving to uni? DD is gonig tomorrow, she is my middle child of 3 but her older brother stayed at home for uni and is just going into 3rd year. I am deep in menopausal symptoms with HRT which appears not to be working as well as it used to, and this time round the hook for the anxiety is DD moving out. Even though she is only 30 miles away and has said that it might only be for the first two years given the pressure on accommodation spaces and the lengthy placements in year 3 and 4. I am excited for her as she is so looking forward to it, but finding it very hard too.

Sorry, I meant to to quote the post about condoms.

Young people can sign up to the scheme and get free condoms. It's broken down by council areas so check where you live/ where the university is.

Me too! What halls is he in? Mine is in Glen Eyre. He's not saying much but I know he's a bit concerned about who his flatmates will be. I don't know why as he's a pretty easy going person that can get along with most people.

You're definitely not the only one @Stroopwaffels . DS is our only and he's moving 3+ hours away, it's a hugely daunting prospect.

DD1 moving to Strathclyde Uni today for Psychology. She's remarkably chill, but only 17 so worried she's going to miss out on Freshers parties, as she won't have ID, I have told her 100x she will be fine and they won't check ID in Student Union!! I can't believe this is happening today!

Sorry to butt in. They will check ID. At Dd's uni, the 17 year old in their flat had a different wrist band. Easier for the staff to know who to serve drinks to. However, they aren't excluded from events, can join in flat pres, and no doubt send an 18 year old to the bar to buy their drinks for them!

I really hope they don't do a different wristband thing. She'd be mortified.

I’m also not going to have a good time with it @Stroopwaffels Dd is my little partner in crime. Now I have to live with just boys. Gross. Who am I going to watch Bridgerton and drink wine with now?

They do I’m afraid, particularly in Scottish universities since there will be a fair few who are under age. I’d prepare her for that now but emphasise that there will be loads in the same position.

On the advise of a good friend, I've just chucked in some of those command hook things - useful for putting things up on the wall - strings of lights, Polaroids etc without damaging the walls.

How much are you expecting your ds/dd to spend each week at uni?! I think we are going to set up a standing order for our son who will be self catering so would be interested to know how much on average a week is realistic?!

We are giving dd £200 a month in addition to paying her accommodation.

This year I will give them enough to bring them up to £600pcm termtime (after rent and utilities, but including any maintenance loan).
with dd (2016-19) £400 was enough, DS1 in 2020 £450 was enough but food and everything else is so expensive that’s where I have come out.

We bought command hooks today too!

DD1 off to Edinburgh tomorrow- a very long drive for us, maybe 6 + hours.

Her loan is going on her accommodation and we will each give her £100 a month. She will have to get a job too.

She has got some savings and some CTF money but not a huge amount.

How can you be 17 at uni? Surely even the youngest have just turned 18 in August.🤔

DD is 19 due to gap year but she worked full time so has her own money. The loan won’t cover accommodation so we’ll be topping that up and will pay for travel home etc. We still pay her phone and she already has a railcard. She’s mainly catered so will need some food money for the non catered times. Otherwise her social spends are being paid by her.

If you're in Scotland you can be 17

@43ontherocksporfavor not unusual at all to be 17 going to uni in Scotland.

In Scotland you have a year's less schooling. You start school six months later and finish six months earlier than in England.

Many students are still 17 when they arrive at university; some are 17 right up until the end of the February of their first year. That is why Scottish undergrad degrees are typically four years rather than the three in England.

The youngest Scottish students coming from 6th year will be 18 by the end of February 2024. Theoretically it is possible for students to go to university after 5th year and be a whole year younger than that. This is less common than it used to be.

Some international students are not yet 18 either.