Anybody else have a Child going to Bath Uni

[Octopus45]

Hi, thought I would start a thread. My Son is studying Economics. It’s exciting but nerve wrecking. He’s very independent luckily, but going to really miss him. We find out about his accommodation on the 27th

Day went well! He wanted me to go but all his flatmates had disappeared from the kitchen. I told him to knock on the doors of the ones unpacking so was a bit worried. By the time I got back to London he had net most of them. Apparently his flatmates like a drink so he’ll be fine. I’ll try and get a report around lunchtime or at least proof of life!
I think I’m in mourning today! His room makes me sad but guess that’s just normal! Aiming to go back in a few weeks to see him.

There’s a Bath uni open day on Sat 11 October, plus Bath are playing at home so might be best to avoid that date. I only know this because we were planning to go down then so we’ve postponed the visit to the following weekend.

Moving in went well. DS went to the nightclub and apparently got back at 2 - he’s messaged me so he’s OK! My thoughts are with that poor lady whose son’s drink was spiked in a city nightclub during his first night at uni.

@Coldilockstypical, that was the daycare we’re thinking. Think will pick him up at 12ish from near uni, take him to lunch in the countryside and then maybe return about 3 when hopefully the open day is finishing?
Any good pub recommendations nearby but not in Bath?

@labradorservant I don’t know Bath very well - I toyed with going to the restaurant where they film First Dates but the menu is a bit bland. A friend knows of a good little Italian restaurant in Bath so I might contact her.

And I know of no pubs outside of Bath other than the ones near Daylesford which is over 90 mins away. Sorry!

Coldilocks, I once took DD to (a concert and) Italian in Frome.
It's a nice little town.

Bradford on Avon is also really nice.

@Coldilocks sorry which person are you refering to who was spiked ? I've read the thread have I missed it ? Do you know where it happened ?

Where is everyone finding the acxmd stuff

Good pubs outside Bath
Methuen Arms, Corsham (bus ride for students from city centre, if driving leave M4 at Chippenham junction)

Lacock - lots of lovely pubs, Lacock Abbey, and amazing Christmas display at Whitehall garden centre on the main road - the cafe there is also incredibly good for food.
student takes train to Chippenham then you meet and drive 10 mins to Lacock.

Bradford on Avon as previously mentioned.
Direct train for student.

For all of these, head back to Bath via Winsley and Brassknocker Hill. Brings you direct to the uni without needing to go near the city centre!

Checking in here, child just started at Bath. Quite a shy and awkward one so I’m a bit concerned about them making friends etc

My Dd was also quite shy and a little nerdy- but found her people in Bath last year and after a few issues with her accommodation is much better at advocating for herself. Dd is studying natural sciences and quite a few equally nerdy people on her course. What is your child studying?

@StatuteofLiberty It was the Rohipnol jab in the shoulder thread.

Those pub suggestions look great so thanks.

DS seems to be having a good time. I suspect his flat might be where the boozy students are 😬

It's the society and sport fair today - encourage your YP to go along and maybe try something entirely different. My YP is there recruiting people for the sailing club, no previous experience necessary and they go on a great summer yachting holiday in the med!

That’s useful intel!

@Nearlyhealthy - I feel your pain. My DD has been there since Friday and is really struggling. She's v shy and socially awkward and is finding it all too much. Many calls a day to try and support and motivate her. She feels like a fish out of water as all her flatmates are privately educated and she's not. She doesn't really drink or want to go to the organised parties etc. I have a younger DC who has been quite unwell and am feeling totally wrung out. It's so hard to know what to say - balancing encouragement with a bit of tough love.

@Mumofanxiousfresheronce she starts the course and the daily routine of uni starts it might be less full on. Find a club that suits her interests. Seems to be lots of daily activities this week that don’t need a drink. Whilst my son is not shy, he’s from
a state school, his friend is from another local state school. They are there, and she got in, got the grades, she deserves to be there too as much as everyone else.

@Nearlyhealthyfollow the SU on insta, lots of timetables on there, might have something she fancies?

@labradorservant (love your username btw) - thank you for that. I have been telling her that she deserves to be there too. She has got through to the second stage of trials for her sport which is hopeful. It's just so hard to hear your DC being so down and upset and I'm having a bit of a wobble today.

i agree, there is so much going on , there " must be something for everyone". Sports, music, crochet club, movie night on campus. Duck society. Poster sale, plant sale ...
Dd signed up for lots of clubs even though she in the end didn't go to them all.

I’m sorry to hear this @Mumofanxiousfresher - it’s a big adjustment and a new way of life for her. Is she far from home? Hopefully your DD will meet some more likeminded people on her course.

I think things usually get better with the routine of lectures but if she is still struggling you may find this link useful as there are other activities they may want to get involved in such as yoga, gardening etc

https://www.bath.ac.uk/guides/getting-support-if-you-or-someone-else-is-feeling-lonely-or-isolated/

Ah thanks @Coldilocks - it's about 3 and a half hours away so could be worse but far enough. She sounded a little more upbeat tonight so there are little glimmers. I always thought it would be a big adjustment but probably hadn't realised quite how much. I think being there a whole week before her course starts hasn't helped and am hoping that once she has that to focus on and has got over the initial shock of leaving home, things will get a bit easier.

Thanks @TheStirrer - I actually persuaded her to go to Student Support on Monday and she said they were helpful. She said she walked past it several times before she plucked up the courage to go in but she did in the end.

@Mumofanxiousfresheron Friday at 12 there is a coffee and cluedo session which sounds interesting? But you say she has her sport too so will hopefully meet people there?

It is early days for anyone who is struggling to settle in and there are many societies to join to find your tribe.

I am so surprised DS has mostly cooked instead of eating out and has even used the laundry. His flatmates are really nice - all 30ish of them. Most are from private schools in London. He went to the local comp!

He has played tennis, badminton, football and gone to the gym every day. I think sports are a great leveler if it's your thing.

Private school kids get a bad reputation and this is why DS avoided Durham and Edinburgh where all the kids in his year whom he found irritating have all gone. Most of them are nice!

DS is saying that the on site co op has a limited supply of fresh vegetables. Has anyone organised a supermarket delivery yet? Do you think the vans can go right to the Halls or would they have to stay in the car park. The bus into Bath and back is £5 so a delivery charge would be cheaper if they book the right slot.