Oxford 2011 Freshers Chat Thread

Hi,

I am indeed a current student! If you have any questions or whatever feel free to quote-reply/PM me, I'll be happy to answer as best I can

I have not a small chicken of an idea about what I am going to bring. Mum wants to buy the entirety of John Lewis, but then had a screamy cry-y fit when I told her I must take my computer. She then refused to take me or pick me up at either end of term, so currently it isn't a problem, as I am simply not going.

Does anybody else have borderline insane parents?

Oh, that's brilliant! Well, I don't know if you can answer this seeing as you're not at Exeter (I assumed this?), but how strict are they about putting stuff on walls? My tenancy agreement says specifically no sticky tape, sellotape or blue tack...

Oh, that's brilliant! Well, I don't know if you can answer this seeing as you're not at Exeter (I assumed this?), but how strict are they about putting stuff on walls? My tenancy agreement says specifically no sticky tape, sellotape or blue tack...

Also, is it better to buy or hire stuff for Matriculation?



Oh no, poor you! How far away do you live? Because it is possible to go by train, you just have to be... er, sparing and patient with your bags. A friend of mine went to York from Reading by train and managed alright. She also got her Mum to send her clothes in the mail since they're lighter than books.

Why would she not want you to take your computer? O.o

I have three different 'what to bring lists' - one condensed version of the TSR one, one recommended list from my college, and one personally constructed one. If you'd like a copy, PM your e-mail address.

Oxford to Forest of Dean. On the wrong side of the rail network for it to be very easy. Oxford seems to be on one of the radiating spokes from London, so in utter stupidity I have to go to Birmingham 1hr to come back an 1h and 20 to Oxford. Did it in the snow around interviews time. Was...interesting.

Poor Dad, seems he will have to fly out to help me move my stuff. Oh what a pain my mother is!

A bit random, but is anyone buying/thinking of buying a college scarf?

I have not a small chicken of an idea about what I am going to bring. Mum wants to buy the entirety of John Lewis, but then had a screamy cry-y fit when I told her I must take my computer. She then refused to take me or pick me up at either end of term, so currently it isn't a problem, as I am simply not going.

Does anybody else have borderline insane parents?

Couldn't read and run here as I know how it is - one of my best friends had a terrible time with her parents for uni.
See if you can get a quote from a man in a van/long-distance taxi company - they are sometimes surprisingly reasonable; or you could try a postal service, there was one recommended on here which I think was www.unibaggage.com.

Couldn't read and run here as I know how it is - one of my best friends had a terrible time with her parents for uni.
See if you can get a quote from a man in a van/long-distance taxi company - they are sometimes surprisingly reasonable; or you could try a postal service, there was one recommended on here which I think was www.unibaggage.com.

I, on the other hand, usually can't think of a single thing to say.

(not even something to conclude this post in a friendly manner, it seems)

Well then we'd make a great pair I could babble and you could stay silent and we'd end up with a reasonable amount of talking between us!

Haha, I've got a friendship just like this - we're both a bit 'socially awkward', but she talks and talks when talking to someone she doesn't know well whereas I struggle to think of anything to say. We made friends really quickly as a result!




EDIT: Also, does anyone know about swimming facilities? That is, is there a university swimming pool we can use, and how much does it cost?

My arms are feeling a bit sore, as if I'd been to the gym or something recently, and I couldn't think why it could be. Then I remembered this window I closed yesterday which was really stiff and difficult to shut (honestly, it took ages). Yeah... I need to exercise more. I don't want to do a team sport or commit to anything that would require going along to anything regular (weekly training or whatever), but I enjoy swimming and I reckon it's something I can do when I want (within the limits of pool opening times), alone or with friends.

I don't know about swimming but I got membership to the St Hugh's gym (for a very reaosnable £59 a year I think) for the same reason! I like exercise but I don't like being tied down (or mocked for my lack of coordination . . .) so I can see where you're comming from. Just found this if it helps: http://www.sport.ox.ac.uk/oxford-university-sports-facilities/sports-facilities/swimming-pool

Yeah I really want to buy the Catz college scarf (I kind of want it more than a hoody even! - I'm a scarf person ) Just debating about whether to get it now or in Oxford...

No quite a few places do. I had one, and all my friends at Hilda's had one...

That's bull. There are only about 50 rooms in Hilda's which have a fridge and they go to finalist scholars, tutor's requests and a few very lucky finalist.

There are communal fridges in every kitchen (I think).

Many people bring their own fridges though so maybe that's why it seemed like they all did. Hilda's is quite lax on electrical equipment.

Havent read the full argument, but just to let you know that all rooms at Wadham come with a small fridge.

Fang I have a crazy mum too who wants to shop for me loads but hates it if I simply ask for the money. But my crazy mum usually settles down after a bit. She is going to really miss me. I'm hoping they will both bring a car each when I get there.