Can I / should I pick up son from University

[Rowan10]

I'm just wondering what to do.
My 20 yr old son is at university in Wales (we are east England) It closed 10 days ago but he had assignments to finish. Then he lost his phone so I could only email him. I repeatedly told him he might get stuck there and to let me pick him up asap. But he's a useless communicator (though otherwise lovely).
He amazingly found his phone today and we were just arranging me collecting him, when the news came on. And then I managed to forget about dinner and set fire 🔥 to my oven, its going well tonight !!
Do you think I would be ok to drive to get him (4 hours each way). I'm just worried it might be classed as non essential travel now. But otherwise he's stuck there in a flat on his own for who knows how long. I know it's kind of his own fault but he does have a few anxiety issues and no contact for 3 years from my ex, his dad. So I know his little sister and I will panic about him not being here. I don't think he will be able to get a train anymore either.
I really don't want to be irresponsible but I'd really like to get him.

I would get him.

I hope you can.

Yes, I would go and get him while you still can.

I'd go.

I would say that's essential

A million Mumsnetters will tell you no, but my dh drove all day Saturday to pick up our uni students and bring them home. It was more me than them that wanted them here, but I feel better having them under the same roof as me. I would go, if I were you, but don't delay! Who knows when the road blocks will appear.

Just go. Now if you can.

Yes, you will be happier and safer together. I’d get in the car straight away and go.

There are quite a lot of students not yet back at the family home because of the timing of this. Some are in accommodation they pretty much have to leave. I'd have hoped that getting back home would be considered essential and parent driving would generally be the only real option at this point.

Thank you so much everyone. I was worried I was being selfish wanting him back here.
I’m just shit at making decisions these days and got in a bit of a panic but you’ve made me feel better. Thank you x

We're doing the same thing tomorrow morning op. My daughter is an anxious sort too

Yes

Yes. Go and get him tomorrow

I'm in the same boat. My son in his second year and in a flat with two others. They have a great bond and want to stay together but I'm desperate to get him. I'm in Cardiff and he's only in Bath, but I've no idea if I'm allowed to pick him up or not. I've told him, as soon as I'm allowed to, I'm coming to get him.

I’m going tomorrow as well. I’d messaged yesterday that I was picking up on Tuesday as I thought we’d be given 24hours. I doubt I’ll be the only parent on the road.

My children are currently with my dad in Staffordshire as I have to work and they are off school. I'm in the north east. I rang 111 who put me through to public health England. They informed me that collecting a child to take home is classed as essential travel.
You'll be fine.

Oh god yes go get him x

I’m getting mine tomorrow

As I see it, I am driving there alone, collecting him and bringing him home. I will not see anyone else. I can’t see that they have legally enforceable powers yet. They will do but I think it’s fair to collect university students.

I'm asking my mp for clarification because I don't want to be fined I've been nagging dd for a week about this I was going to get her today but she said no I've got online classes because they are still running a full timetable but online 🤦‍♀️ now she might have to wait it out but until the uni shuts she can technically stay

I’d be very surprised if the mechanisms are in place yet to fine people. many uni students will need collecting, their accommodation will potentially run out while we are still in lockdown

Yes, I think he will be far better at home with you, than trying to live isolated in student accommodation. Should he become ill, he will need support and he won’t get that if he is alone. I would either drive through the night to get there and then sleep on his floor until morning and drive home. Or get up at the crack of dawn and leave straight away. Make sure he is packing all his stuff up while you are on your way, so he is ready to leave ASAP.

You're good people. My parents would not have thought once to collect me. It has made me very self reliant, it's only now I see that's not normal. Your kids are lucky.

Yes, get him. We've been since Boris' announcement to get ours. Much closer than your son. They sound very similar and it is potentially such a long time to be alone. Much better to be at home.

My dd is isolating in her uni flat as someone she lives with has been in contact with somebody with symptoms. It will be 14 days a week on Wednesday. Hoping I can go and collect her then.

He’s 20 years old, at some point you have to stop enabling his uselessness. I suspect Mummy helicoptering him out at a moment’s notice is a major contribution to his behaviour.

I get we live in different times but infantilising an adult shouldn’t be a consequence.