Current Oxbridge students - continued again...!

[Panicmode1]

Think the other thread is full....!

@Dearover @ShawnsLeftEyebrow thank you

We were thinking of living in for the first year then mixing up with commuting.

Re mental health it was an article in the cherwell paper.

@Dearover the limit to live out is 25 miles we are 27 😱

I really think that you would find similar articles in any student newspaper

Is she going to one of the open days next month? DD took PPE and had a grand total of 4 contact hours each week in tutorials. Obviously other courses are different, but I would imagine living at home would be quite isolating.

I would honestly very strongly counsel against living at home, even if the family home is within the 25 mile limit.

If your DC doesn't seem secure enough atm to live in, or with college peers, then it could well be a strong indication that they're not in a good place to enrol in the uni, given the heightened pressure of Oxford.

Maybe take a year out/ defer an offer?

Hahaha @ 'probably sits further towards the 'life' end of the work-life balance'

That's the best end for sure :)

Presumably they wouldn't be planning to live at home if they went to Bath instead? A 19/20 year old is likely to make a very different decision after a year of living independently in beautiful surroundings to a 16/17 year old who is used to being at home. If this is driven by cost, does she realise how relatively cheap Oxford is compared to Bath?

Oh apologies if I've got the wrong end of the stick - I thought you had concerns about mental health UniversityQQuestions.

I work in the sector and have taught in Oxford and outside it. I don’t think that student mental health at Oxford is worse than elsewhere. Oxford is high pressure which may not be a good fit for some people, but because of the high contact hours and close personal attention, students who are struggling emotionally get picked up quickly and the colleges have huge welfare and student support budgets. A high proportion of young people everywhere sadly report problems with anxiety and depression and I have yet to see any evidence that Oxford students are any worse affected.

(I would take anything written in the Cherwell with a pinch of salt and double check the sources and stats.)

DD graduates from C on the 2nd and DH is unsure if he should wear a suit or sports coat. Advice from experienced attendees please!

DH wore a suit to DD’s graduation in Oxford two years ago and will wear it again for our two graduations this year. But there’s definitely a range of formality among the parents so either is probably ok.

@UniversityQQuestions Definitely live in - so much of college life is your friends and being on site for clubs - library - ad hoc social gatherings. Most colleges provide accommodation for all three / four years. Plenty of chance for commuting later in life.

If they need a bit of home TLC they can nip back for a night or two or Sunday lunch.

@pepperaunt my favourite menswear was the gentleman who wore a Wimbledon umpire's uniform. DD's college ranged from suits to linen to smart shirts and shorts.

As AlsoAnon says, either is completely fine. Maybe let the weather dictate! Over the course of my DCs graduations I’ve definitely moved sharply towards comfort (esp on the shoe front) being the main priority for the day.

My dh wore a suit to the first graduation and will wear the same to the graduation this year. I would say that it was a mix of suits and jackets/chinos last time. He only wears a suit as he finds that easier really.

Good luck with all the graduations everyone. What a wonderful thing to have to look forward to.
My DC is still a couple of years away and is convinced (as always) they will fail all their exams and have to rusticate. I am trying to be supportive but the 6am phone calls are a little testing. Over soon though hopefully. And of course I am glad they can talk to me.
@AlsoAnon good luck with the maths application - it is extremely tough and I still don't quite understand how my DC managed it.
My other 2 DC have both declined to apply to oxbridge having seen the process first hand, so hopefully in September will be going to their university choices. We will have a very quiet home come October i suspect!

DH wore a suit to DD1's Covid graduation (we were in the concert hall watching on a big screen) and again to her MA "upgrade" where we were at Senate House. It looks smart on the photos.

Not sure yet about if/when a PhD one will happen but will keep you posted. DD has completed 3 weeks in her teaching post and has marked exam questions and is enjoying things. I think she gets paid tomorrow, so that's a big plus! She popped home at the weekend to drop her car back here so DD2 can drive it next week when she looks after my DF whilst I'm on a school trip. It was lovely to see her, if only for 40 hours.

Thanks @Malbecfan i enjoy seeing your updates about DD! I think DH is leaning towards a sport coat.
It’s will be a crazy week as we’re flying to the US for 3 days for a family wedding then taking a train to Cambridge the day after we return.

Any C parents - specifically NatSci - know when results for 4th years come out? Thinking it might be today but DC being deliberately vague. Graduation starts next Weds, so can't be long... (And can't find it online anywhere...) Thanks!

@DownTheStream I just messaged DD and she said it depended on which subject within NatSci. as to the date. Hers have been out for days. if you let me know which subject, she said she can look it up. PM me if you prefer.

That's kind @Malbecfan ... I'll do that now (if I can work out how...)

Well, we’re done. Ds got his results today and will graduate next week.

I’m not ready for it to be over. Feeling ridiculously sad. I know just how much it’s not about me, but I’m feeling it anyway.

WOW @PermanentTemporary congratulations to your DS. I agree it seems like yesterday that they started. Enjoy graduation :-)

(DS I think, gets his results on Monday so we'll know then whether he's allowed to go on for his fourth year...I would hope that they would have told them by now if it was a no...?! I got a couple of beautiful photos of him and his GF at Wednesday's May Ball)

Many congrats to your DS PermanentTemporary 👏

Congratulations @PermanentTemporary . What are his plans?

Fingers crossed @Panicmode1 .

Congratulations @PermanentTemporary to your DS. I am struggling to think this will be us in a year, time has gone far too fast! I love my little sojourns into Cambridge, watching the plays, going out for a meal, moaning at the tourists...

@DownTheStream all the best for your DS' results

@Panicmode1 I don't feel like I need to wish your DS good luck, something tells me all will be well.

DD attended two balls. The posher ball (by about five times the price of her college ball) had fireworks and champagne on tap, plus a make your own gin station (!). DD came home yesterday. Y2 complete. Gets an ensuite next year for which she is very pleased about, it is about five doors down from her Y1 and Y2 room so not a huge change!!! For her proximity to the library, faculty, buttery are key. Y2 (Part I) results come out early July.