Current Oxford/Cambridge students support/chat continued (2)

[Panicmode1]

The other thread is nearly full so I took the liberty of starting a new one...

I'd be furious

Very sorry to hear that Bapple - what a mess.

DD's prelims were affected by the protest - she was in the morning and they were in South Schools - protest in East schools - she said it was very noisy but they kept going. I feel really sorry for finalists - or where the results count.

DS's friend was one of the protesters - a very passionate Jewish man - lived in Israel until 7 years old and is so furious with Netanyahu's actions in Gaza that he is now very active in the protests.

Personally while very much in favour of the right to protest I think the protesters picked the wrong target in this instance.

Personally while very much in favour of the right to protest I think the protesters picked the wrong target in this instance

Same.

So much seems messed up. DD had her final Y1 exam (doesn’t count so not important) on Thursday and whilst her faculty year group didn’t use a new computer system and her exams were written there was a major meltdown the same day for Y2 (does count) exams who had to type their exams rather than write, it was in varsity about the pandemonium.

DD has always thrived on writing with pen and paper and whilst she can write an essay on a computer - under pressure works best the old fashioned way but told that her next exams must be on a computer. She has never sat an exam writing on a computer and all of a sudden is being told she will have to after a first session when it didn’t work, already a bit of stressing over a time that is a year away. Feel so sorry for those who were impacted this year.

There are two more great pictures from the Bumps posted on TwiX by “A Cambridge Diary” in the last couple of hours. One of the Lucy Cavendish W1 boat, another with rowers under very dark skies.

@PettsWoodParadise DD had to do her finals online last year. She was sitting her exams in College, as each 3 hour paper was over 4 hours for her. The wifi didn't connect for a couple, but her invigilator worked through the back up plan step by step. It did mean that she was in the exam room for almost 5 hours, but all her work was secure each time.

I'm sure any niggles will be sorted by next year. Many professional qualifications are entirely online these days, so the software has been doing the rounds for years.

I'm feeling almost sure from your post @Panicmode1 that we were about 20 yards apart on Saturday- we had a great afternoon and surprisingly dry. Ds got bumped but was OK about it. We had a very boatie conversation as he was umpiring afterwards, it was lovely to see him.

I'm clearly becoming very old because I think that's a daft protest hurting the wrong people.

@PermanentTemporary we should have had a prearranged secret sign, like a 'Mumsnet blue' umbrella or something so we could have said hello! DS had two rowovers, one from the top of a division and then as the sandwich boat in the second one so it was great we got to see him twice. We've not seen him row before...

The encampment at Kings was mainly performative....the tents were all empty. My grandmother was Palestinian so I am utterly horrified by the violence - but Hamas/proxy countries have attacked Israel in the most horrific fashion and have then allowed their population to be slaughtered - if they gave the hostages back, this could probably all stop tomorrow. Divesting from Israel or whatever they are demanding won't make the blindest bit of difference.

Glorious weather in Cambridge today and perfect weather for some May Week outside theatre. Photo is a view from the mathematical bridge down onto the river. Going back again at end of the week to fetch DD home.

Looks glorious @PettsWoodParadise. DS is at a May Ball tonight so I'm pleased the weather is more cheerful than it was on Saturday!

DH is collecting him on Friday, so it will be lovely to have him home.

Don't know if it's been mentioned already, but the current exhibition at Cambridge University Library on crime novels is really good for any fans (especially of Golden Age crime writers) - free but needs booking. I went a couple of weeks ago (had to deliver DD's ball gown following alterations - no way was I trusting it to a courier after the work that went into it!) and loved it.

DD this week has been to a formal dinner, 2 balls and a garden party. She had a nightmare with an exam when the tech failed and she was made to handwrite answers instead, but otherwise has had a good term.

Enjoying reading about everyone's DC enjoying themselves. My DD climbed Mount Fuji this morning. She stayed part-way in a hut overnight then got up at 1.30 this morning to watch the sunrise there. I think she's back tomorrow.

Her sister in the meantime managed to nip home for 4 days to help me with my dad. Dad has been really unwell and last night I really thought it was the end as he was delirious and couldn't stand. Today he has come to the station to drop DD2 back and then to Tesco with me. I'm worn out!

So sorry to hear about your father @Malbecfan - sounds very emotionally stressful.

What a wonderful experience...Mt Fuji always looks somewhat other worldly and magical to me!

@Malbecfan your DD is having an amazing trip.
I'm sorry to hear that your dad has been so unwell.

DS has finished his May Week D&D campaign and now is just enjoying the nice weather and not having any studying to do.

We're staying in Cambridge the night before and after his graduation. £17 per person per night, but for that we do get electric hook-up included. 😂

Thanks @Ironoaks and @Panicmode1 . It really has been stressful but DD2 is a wonderful support. I just wish a company would see just how fab she is and offer her a decent graduate role. Her graduation is a month today but no idea what she will be awarded yet. She is on an integrated Masters course and was on a 1st until this year. She was turned down for another PhD today, but there was only one place and they said others had more experience.

@Ironoaks we stayed at the Premier Inn at J32 of the A14 and it was really cheap for DD1's first graduation. DH reasoned that what we saved on accommodation, we could spend on taxis. We stayed there again for the upgrade to MA one in April and it was the bargain of the decade at £135 for 3 nights. For DD2 we're going to have to go there and back in the day. Her ceremony is at 2pm but unlike Cambridge, there isn't anything for parents/hangers-on which is a shame.

Sorry to derail but this place is so supportive, it really helps.

I will keep fingers and toes crossed for your daughter @Malbecfan - it's so horribly competitive for them - I hope there is a breakthrough soon.

@MalbecfanI hope your DD finds something soon. It is very competitive out there and even the strongest candidates can sometimes be overlooked.

DS hasn't received any exam results yet, let alone his degree classification.

Presumably they don't release anything over the weekend, so he won't hear anything until Monday at the earliest. The graduation ceremonies start on Wednesday morning.

Marking boycotts aside, is the timing normally this tight? We don't have far to travel, but some families will be flying long haul.

Thank you @Panicmode1 and @Ironoaks . I'm sure DD2 will find something. Her CV has lots of different things on it, but not that much science beyond her uni work. Rural Devon isn't great for science internships, especially when you throw Covid into the mix. However, I do know someone locally who has offered to help, so here's hoping.

Just spoken to DD1 who is back from her travels. Hoping she will pop home for a few days, but not holding my breath. Better go & help my dad to bed...

Ds is home and has achieved a double - a nice solid 2i in his second year, and has repassed his theory test so that we can have another go at getting him through his driving test. We've been failing to do this for 3 years...

I don't know if he's disappointed not to get a first - I had a moment of it. But he's also had a really good year in lots of other ways, and a 2i is something to be proud of.

Well done to your DS@PermanentTemporary. Plenty to be proud of and I hope he has a great summer break.

This was my DS (Cambridge) in second year too re degree class and driving theory test.
DH and I were very proud of his achievements but his sister graduated from Oxford with a First in the same summer. Spurred on by a bit of sibling rivalry,. DS decided to go all out in his third year and actually managed to come second overall in Tripos II - and secured a First. He still hasn’t actually taken a driving test though despite passing the theory test twice! He sister passed at 17 so the rivalry continues.

DS received his results this morning: he has got a 1st. Very happy for him.

@Ironoaks many congratulations to your son! That's fantastic news!

@craggyrat , I'm just catching up on this thread and saw your very kind offer to PM you about paralegal jobs. Thanks very much. DS1 and DS2 are totally set on London life and jobs right now, so would only be looking for paralegal jobs (if they need to) in London. It's really useful to know however that paralegal to TC route is a good idea.

Meanwhile, DS2 has just finished his second Vac Scheme of the summer with most days lasting for 14+ hours, including his commute but he had a very good time. Odds remain against him and anyone getting a TC offer however. He's got his third Vac Scheme coming up later in July.

Many congratulations to others's DCs who've been getting their exam results. The various interruptions to exams this year sounds horrible and unfair and there are better ways to express views and to protest than spoiling others' chances of success after hard work.