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Higher education

Talk to other parents whose children are preparing for university on our Higher Education forum.

Any interest in a non-Oxbridge/ non-RG parents chat?

558 replies

SockFluffInTheBath · 21/10/2024 18:52

There are lots of threads about applying to Oxbridge and other ‘top’ unis, anyone interested in a thread for those of us with DC looking elsewhere? Not trying to be divisive, but there’s no ‘drop in centre’ thread for other unis, and I thought it might be good to have a space to chat sometimes.

[Title edited by MNHQ at OP's request]

OP posts:
SockFluffInTheBath · 01/08/2025 09:44

On the ucas website you can filter to see courses in clearing, and use the listed offered/accepted grades as a guide.

OP posts:
user746016 · 02/08/2025 13:11

Sweetpeasaremadeforbees · 11/04/2025 20:05

I think the townhouses were mostly in the County college? DD received details of how to set up an account a few days after firming Lancaster. She basically filtered the accommodation down to sharing kitchen and bathroom and then it gave her a list of the college options that offered that. She had to choose two colleges, I think she's gone for the £142 ones in Bowland and Furness. The townhouses were more expensive because obviously you're only sharing a bathroom with one other person, but you have to clean all of the house yourself I think.

I've made that sound really complicated but when you look on the portal, it is actually quite straightforward!

There are townhouses in both County and Grizedale colleges. No other college has townhouses. They have 12 per house and bathrooms shared 1 between 2. They have a really nice big kitchen/dining/lounge area. They are very social but could be a bit much for extremely quiet kids who might prefer a smaller flat set up.

SockFluffInTheBath · 13/08/2025 08:20

This time tomorrow we’ll know if they are in on conditional offers! I’m fully expecting to hit clearing here, but she made a list of courses and unis, so we’re ready. She needs to hit her predicted grades to meet her firm offer but she’s never made those grades in mocks. I’ve gently had this conversation with her, but I think she’s got swept up in it all. The clearing list is realistic though, so hopefully by end of play tomorrow she’ll be sorted.

Good luck to everyone waiting results…

OP posts:
HPFA · 13/08/2025 17:13

SockFluffInTheBath · 13/08/2025 08:20

This time tomorrow we’ll know if they are in on conditional offers! I’m fully expecting to hit clearing here, but she made a list of courses and unis, so we’re ready. She needs to hit her predicted grades to meet her firm offer but she’s never made those grades in mocks. I’ve gently had this conversation with her, but I think she’s got swept up in it all. The clearing list is realistic though, so hopefully by end of play tomorrow she’ll be sorted.

Good luck to everyone waiting results…

York has just put up its clearing grades and it's offering Social Policy and Sociology courses at around BBC/BCC.

So I think your DD will have some decent options even if they don't make their Firm. Good luck!

SockFluffInTheBath · 14/08/2025 08:24

Bloody hell, she got into York! Best wishes to all the DC this morning.

OP posts:
HPFA · 14/08/2025 08:55

SockFluffInTheBath · 14/08/2025 08:24

Bloody hell, she got into York! Best wishes to all the DC this morning.

Fantastic!

Got to the right course in the end!

MrsPeterHarris · 14/08/2025 11:23

Fab news @SockFluffInTheBath

My DS smashed his results so is off to his first choice (non-RG) - we’re all delighted! Exciting times. Hope everyone else is ok.

SockFluffInTheBath · 14/08/2025 11:49

@MrsPeterHarris woohoo, well done DS! It’s such an exciting day for them.

OP posts:
SockFluffInTheBath · 14/08/2025 11:57

How are the Aber crew this morning? I hope they all got in? I think there was quite a bunch of us (before DD flounced 🙄).

OP posts:
HebeJeeby · 14/08/2025 12:13

DD has got into York and is over the moon. Big smiles here and i’m pleased the wait is all over. She and her friends are off out tonight to celebrate. Well done to everyone else’s DC.

HPFA · 14/08/2025 16:11

I did see someone on another forum cheering at getting into Aber in Clearing which made me unreasonably happy!

SockFluffInTheBath · 14/08/2025 16:17

It’s a beautiful place and a cracking uni, they really seem to care. Part of me is still a bit miffed DD changed her course and uni 😁

OP posts:
HPFA · 14/08/2025 16:23

SockFluffInTheBath · 14/08/2025 16:17

It’s a beautiful place and a cracking uni, they really seem to care. Part of me is still a bit miffed DD changed her course and uni 😁

DD has made so many friends at Aber it's unreal.

She Whatsapped me a group of them playing cards in the local Spoons so they really live the high life!!

The only minus is the drive is a really, really long way. We now have a running joke every time in the car of "Why didn't you go to Reading?"

SockFluffInTheBath · 14/08/2025 16:43

Not looking forward to the driving. We’re south Midlands and now I have one at UEA and one at York 😅 DD had UEA chosen as clearing back up (decided she didn’t like her insurance) and part of me was quite relieved!

OP posts:
user746016 · 14/08/2025 16:46

DS is off to first choice lancaster and is delighted

llareggub · 15/08/2025 19:04

SockFluffInTheBath · 14/08/2025 11:57

How are the Aber crew this morning? I hope they all got in? I think there was quite a bunch of us (before DD flounced 🙄).

My son had an unconditional offer so he booked himself into Fferm Penglais in Aber months ago. He’s keenly watching his flat fill up as people go through clearing etc. He has a scholarship so he firmed Aber ages ago. We went out for breakfast his best mate yesterday- they are both Aber bound and they both had a phone call from their respective departments congratulating them on results and confirming induction plans.

HPFA · 15/08/2025 19:41

llareggub · 15/08/2025 19:04

My son had an unconditional offer so he booked himself into Fferm Penglais in Aber months ago. He’s keenly watching his flat fill up as people go through clearing etc. He has a scholarship so he firmed Aber ages ago. We went out for breakfast his best mate yesterday- they are both Aber bound and they both had a phone call from their respective departments congratulating them on results and confirming induction plans.

Hope he has a wonderful time there.

Make sure he's not like my DD who half way through our four hour drive to get there realised she'd left her ID at home.

Freshers Week without ID.....

HPFA · 16/08/2025 08:38

Found two students going to Aber from the same school in Northants which is great.

Both with two As in their results so clearly it was a positive choice for them.

The uni is facing the same financial difficulties as everywhere else but apparently their student numbers are increasing which is good news.

llareggub · 16/08/2025 09:42

Five so far from my son’s school but we are in Wales! I think four of them had Aber as their first choice - it helps that we know so many people who have been there who have raved about it. Warwick would have been easier as we have a lot of family there but Aber stole his heart!

Parker231 · 16/08/2025 12:03

SockFluffInTheBath · 14/08/2025 16:43

Not looking forward to the driving. We’re south Midlands and now I have one at UEA and one at York 😅 DD had UEA chosen as clearing back up (decided she didn’t like her insurance) and part of me was quite relieved!

We were the same a few years ago - we were in central London and DT’s went to York and Warwick. Thankfully DD turned down an offer from St Andrews!

SockFluffInTheBath · 16/08/2025 13:57

@llareggub thats lovely news! Maybe it’s best our angry socialist DC are separated, not sure the world was ready 😁

Bit sad on some of the other threads that there’s a complete refusal to consider non-RG in clearing. Those DC are missing a trick based on misguided nonsense.

OP posts:
minisnowballs · 16/08/2025 14:22

Also in Wales but not Aber, DD1 is delighted to be into her first choice of Swansea. I'm already looking at holiday cottages in the Gower for a quick half term break with her little sis - as she might be ready for a bit of home cooking by then.

llareggub · 16/08/2025 23:45

minisnowballs · 16/08/2025 14:22

Also in Wales but not Aber, DD1 is delighted to be into her first choice of Swansea. I'm already looking at holiday cottages in the Gower for a quick half term break with her little sis - as she might be ready for a bit of home cooking by then.

We live in Swansea. Let me know if you have any questions! It’s a great place to live.

ChristmasLightsLover · 12/09/2025 23:14

I’ve been a lurker here. Just wanted to send an unMN hug to any and all dropping off this weekend.

I am hoping for some sleep tonight and to not spend too much of tomorrow crying. He won’t be bothered by it - it’s me that will look back and wish I’d held it together better!

Anyway. Big love to all our squirrels, wherever they are going and whatever they are studying - adventure awaits. xx