Fledglings 2026 - support, discussion and looking after each other

[ComingInByAnsible]

A thread for parents of Year 13 leavers as they go on to universities, apprenticeships and other new adventures.

DS is off to Warwick to study PPE.

Thanks Meadowfinch. That’s what I’ve done. Luckily we have all the basics at home from duvets and pillows to pans and cutlery. Dd wants to do everything by herself. However, it isn’t working out well so far. I am trying my best not to go and mop up behind her as she’s not going to learn that way. And she doesn’t appreciate it either.

Not in my DDs halls in Exeter

No she hasn’t heard yet. We think this week (going on looking at last year’s Reddit). Where does your daughter want to be? Good to hear of another girl going - DD’s course is 66% men!

I just saw on Imperial accommodation instagram that they’re sending emails in batches this week .. she picked rooms in the 4 nearest accommodation options because didn’t want to be as far out as Acton, I don’t think they always pay much attention to preferences though! Where did your DD put?

Maths is also very male dominated!

Can I join? My DS is off to do Maths at Sheffield.
He's had a year out which has helped loads but is now getting very nervous.

We have 3 dogs and 2 cats and DD’s latest emotional moment was about them. I have promised to FaceTime with each of them which is maybe a commitment I’ll come to regret!

I've just ordered a photo cushion with our dogs on it for my DC2 as a suprise. I did one when my DC1 went to uni and they were very pleased with it. I can recommend Happysnap gifts as it was very good quality and soft (40cm square)

My DC2 is currently inter-railing and doesn't get back until the 10th then freshers starts weekend 12/13th but she has deceided not to go until the 13th to give her (and us ) some time to catch up and organise things. It's come around so quickely

DD just heard she got Woodward buildings in North Acton. She’s relieved because it’s cheaper, and thinks the social benefits and better rooms can be an advantage that outweighs the commute. It is what it is and at least now we know! What we didn’t realise (prob should have done) is that the whole 13 weeks rent is due up front. Has your DD heard yet @bettyjane?

DD is upstairs doing today’s summer work, but last I heard from her was no accommodation email yet.

The rooms in North Acton do look much nicer! And I’ve heard the student community there is good 😊

sorry, I misunderstood - we decided to pay in 4 installments rather than 3 - so started earlier!

Update; My DD got Beit. She seems quite happy :)

That’s great! She will be right in the centre of things.

Getting close to the wire here - we move DS into his accommodation on Monday. He’s been somewhat frustrating in his lack of urgency in the last few days to get things sorted, but hey, he can go to shops himself if he realises he needs more things. I will chase him to get contents insurance sorted though and he better not leave his room in a tip!

DD has a dose of Freshers’ Flu! The French version. She’s almost at the end of Induction Week and has very much been burning the candle at both ends.

Is your DS in halls? My DS' rent includes contents insurance.
It's the TV licence that I know will be forgotten.

@HighburyHope lovely to read your posts that your DD has settled in to French uni life so well! Hope the freshers flu is shortlived.

@HighburyHope how are you feeling now that your DD has gone to France? My DC has another 3 weeks to go and it will feel strange seeing everyone else leave before him. Hope she's having a lovely time despite feeling a bit poorly.

DS is going into accommodation associated with his degree apprenticeship, with the others in his cohort, so I guess a very very small halls of residence of sorts! Their contract specifically says contents insurance is not covered. And just found out he wants to take his bike, so definitely need to make sure he’s covered for that.

Hi everyone

my dd goes to edge hill two weeks tomorrow.

feeling very guilty as it just can’t come soon enough for me ! She’s so independent and able which is great, but she’s awful to live with and I’m hoping that time with others will help her to grow up.

anything I try and help with is met with rudeness and disdain. It’s exhausting.

im also fairly sure she hasn’t completed everything she needed to start her course- I have tried to help a few times but obviously we can only do so much- she’s got to learn the hard way .

I don’t honestly think she reads emails properly but I have tried.

all her dirty laundry is all over her room, have asked her 5 times to bring it down to wash ready to go before I go back to work next week- stilll not done . She says she will just take it to the laundret and pay for it .

we have sort of managed to get through the summer as she has been working long shifts- but now she’s handed her notice in for uni they have dropped her down to 16 hours for the next two weeks .

today she’s stayed in her room all day - got up at 5 for a shower and now gone to Costco with her mate to get some supplies for uni . Dispite me trying twice to engage her.

i know I’m being a bit grumpy with her too because it’s just so tense.

we need the break.

honestly hoping that we can have a good break and have a nice Christmas

Late joiner to the thread! Ds2 is off to Bath, two weeks tomorrow. We're still on holiday in USA so will have just over a week after we get back... Luckily we did an Ikea trip before we went (taking XH with us, grumbling about how he could get everything cheaper in a shop he knows) so are pretty much sorted for stuff, we just have to pack.

DS2 is mostly doing ok, but occasionally having moments of nerves. And I'm just trying not to thik too much about it, tbh. Proper empty nest here when he goes and my new job doesn't start until January.

Good morning, just found you all from the old thread. Dd left for 10 weeks as an au pair in Madrid on Monday, she’s deferred uni for a year. I’m missing her more than I thought I would, she feels so far away. We’ve had a couple of calls, she was teary in the first, it’s a big change and I think a bit harder than she’d thought, she was much happier when I spoke to her yesterday, and I’m sure she’ll settle and have an amazing time. Not sure when I’ll get used to her not being here though!

Hello all, so happy I found this thread. You lot are organised! Getting my skates on now, DD off this Friday. Haven’t got any kit together yet, but we looked through a few charity shops yesterday to find crockery but most of it was gold lined and would blow up in a microwave.

I also find this limbo before they go almost unbearable. Have just put my feelings away for a bit, the thought of DD leaving is a bit crushing. What do you all do to distract yourselves or make yourselves feel better?

Although once they’re dropped off life will be back to normal I guess but the anticipation?!

This time next week she'll be gone. I'm really not ready!! Still sorting the logistics of actually getting her there, but nearly organised. Just worrying about what we might have forgotten!!

Mine is now in place. Second and last. Both are very far away. I feel really sad. 20 years of focussing on the needs and hopes of at least one of two children....and whoosh. Now only needed for money and crises! I know that is not true but I am so missing the day to day laughter and the growing curiosity with world and being in touch with the new. DP and me are somewhat flat alone. Bahhhh.

I am also just starting limbo week. Last full week before we drop dd off on the 18th. We are pretty much organised with buying stuff but it’s all hidden round the house. I’ve got lots of washing to do of the bedding etc but that can wait until next week. Plus a big food (and wine!) shop. Dd is prioritising seeing her friends but I feel like we need to do a send off of some sorts but I’m not sure what!

I’m distracting myself by planning stuff for after she goes. A couple of weekend breaks for example. Joining a gym class. As well as thinking about those things we will never have to do again! Like school drop offs and packed lunches! And those incessant school emails. Not going to miss any of that.