Parents of Durham freshers 2025

[MillicentFaucet]

We've chatted on a different threads over the past few months so do any anxious/excited/slightly overwhelmed parents want to congregate here for Durham chat?
My DS will be starting an MEng next month and has been allocated to Cuths 🐯(but no confirmation of what type of accommodation he has yet).
He's slowly working his way through registration etc and fretting about the important things like what to wear for matriculation <sigh>
How's everyone else getting on?

Aidan’s is great! He’ll love it!

Welcome aboard @Her76 , what's your son going to study?
There's been quite a bit of piss-taking in our house tonight as DS tried to explain college families to his big brother.

Anyone else received moving in slots yet? DS's is quite early so hopefully we'll be straight in and out before traffic starts to get too bad

Yes, DD's slot is booked for mid-afternoon. We've got a c. 6-hour drive to Durham. It's also been discussed on the John Snow FB messenger thread that, after dropping, parents can leave their cars at the Park & Ride and bus back in, apparently for free. Not sure where the Park & Ride is, or whether there's more than one, but am assuming that will be clear enough on the day!

The park & ride is just across the road from South & John Snow. Bailey colleges can park at Mountjoy after drop off, bit of a trek back into town so fingers crossed for good weather

We have a long drive too, @Dery. We’re expecting to drop DD off in late afternoon and then probably not see her again - from what I understand she has Fresher activities that evening and lots of peer-based settling in to do that afternoon, so we’re going to get out of the way!

He is taking Archeology and Anthropology course.
Almost 6 hours drive for us too , taking the doggo with is too , so plenty of stops

@RayonSunrise - wishing you a great journey!

@MillicentFaucet - thanks for confirming re the Park & Ride!

Might see my DD as she is doing Anthropology and Psychology.
The Park and Ride is right by John Snow, so very convenient for you.
We have early arrivals programme so will be arriving next Thursday after driving North on Wednesday. And I’m lurking in the general area for a little while and having a mini break.

Has anyone’s YP got their timetables yet, and discovered that they have to be on different sites for adjacent lectures? How does that work? Are the lecturers not really an hour?

My guess is that lectures are 45 min and not an hour .
Luckily for my son both subjects are in the same building :-)

My daughter has about 11 minute walk between adjacent classes - we have been reassured that she will be given time today get between them

Some positive reinforcement to our YPs for all their hard work: Durham has risen to 3rd place in this year’s Times Good University Guide. I know my DD is perfectly aware that all league tables need to be taken with a hefty pinch of salt, but it’s still a nice little pat on the back for all our Durham freshers!

The year my eldest started Bath it was named University of the Year and now Durham has it when DS2 starts.
Is it coincidence or are they lucky talismans 😁

It’s fantastic news about a Durham being rated top and our amazing DCs get to go next week 😀 how is everyone feeling about ?

Late to the party - DD is going to Durham and has been allocated John Snow (her first choice). She nearly missed accepting and paying the deposit because her confirmation came through so early when we were away on holiday, but into her junk mail. It was only when she saw others saying about paying the deposit that she checked!

She's been allocated a car parking pass, does anyone know how these work as she is planning on bringing her car with her on the Sunday she moves in?

DD is really eager to just get there now, especially as most of her friends have already moved to their respective unis and are posting on their socials about freshers events and lectures. Me? Well, I think I might shed a few tears in private this time next week...

What is your dd studying, @bunnyjo?

Primary Education, so she will have placements.

She's very interested in educational psychology and has researched doing a BPS accredited masters degree afterwards. Truth be told, I'd love for her to switch to Education with Psychology or the straight Psychology degree (she hit the grades for both of those) but she's adamant she wants to do Primary Education as she thinks this would be the best route for her.

Good luck to her! My dd will also be at John Snow, dropping her off on Saturday afternoon.

Well we managed to get a lot of the stuff (other than clothes) packed yesterday. We were looking for a specific Tote bag - which was found in a very sensible and obvious place after 2 hours.
Getting close now.

Just watched them get spanked on University Challenge
Swings and roundabouts I suppose 😁

Hi @BigHeroSix and @Bunnyjo - my daughter is also starting at John Snow. Dropping her on Saturday afternoon. Already unclear how we’re going to fit her stuff and 3 of us in our car…

All the best to your Dc! Dd is about to enter second year, had a brilliant first year at Snow.
It was 3 of us in the car taking her down last year. Vacuum bags were essential for all the bed stuff. If everything can’t fit may be worth using MyBaggage to send the non essential stuff down later.

@Maggiethecat - thanks for the tips! Will order some vacuum bags!

An option is for one of you to travel by train! The whole back seat is then available.