I've gone on about it for so long, and it's finally happened, Flicky has started her new life at the University of St Andrews, Scotland. We've left her in what I can only describe as the edge of nowhere, no it's more than that, it's beyond the edge of nowhere, but it's terrific, and we're so comfortable and happy with the new life she's beginning.
Here are some pictures from the last week and a half.
And she's off - leaving our apartment.
Take a good look at all that luggage - the three cases we put in the plane hold didn't make it to Edinburgh with us via Heathrow causing some distress because, as Flicky said, "my life's in two of those cases". Fortunately, we were reunited the same day.
How's that for a bank branch? - The Royal Bank of Scotland in St Andrew's Square, Edinburgh.
Welcome to your new home - Wardlaw, University Hall
University Hall has three buildings: Wardlaw (ladies only); Old Wing; and Lumsden Wing
University Hall has three buildings: Wardlaw (ladies only); Old Wing; and Lumsden Wing
Oak panelled common room
the Dining Hall
Wardlaw Common Room
Flicky under her bedroom window
An empty room on arrival
A room transformed - just a shame she's not allowed to change the curtains, have cushions or hang pictures - hopefully, she'll get away with having her quilt, we'll have to wait and see if it's confiscated :( .
Wardlaw
Buying the traditional red gown - it might be new, but boy is it in need of a good steaming!!!
East Sands, St Andrews
St Andrews Cathedral and Castle from The Pier
Somehow, I don't think that'll be the last you'll hear of Flicky and, just in case you're wondering if I'm missing her, well she hasn't given me a chance yet. We only got back late last night, and she skyped me at 3.00 am this morning with an - "Are you ahead? Ohh no you are behind. Hahaha omg" - and then we chatted for a couple of wonderful hours!
Only 14 weeks till she comes home, but I'd hate anyone to think I'm counting!!!
Only 14 weeks till she comes home, but I'd hate anyone to think I'm counting!!!
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Great Post! I know how your feeling, No1 still hasn't come home and you warned me about boys not being great at keeping in touch! I feel a little lost without him:-( but this is the beginning for him and I am so proud of him and I am sure you are of Flicky too.
ReplyDeleteHard to believe that after 26 years of looking after 3 kids they've all now gone, kind of left wondering what it was all about!
DeleteThe thing I learnt pretty quickly once the boys left home is that they'll always be in touch when they need something and if you don't hear from them then take comfort and don't worry - they're enjoying themselves and happy. It'll be interesting for me to see if that's a lad thing and if it's different when a daughter leaves.
Looking forward to starting me new life too - great chance to spread my wings and there's so much to do out there :D
What an absolutely lovely place to learn. I sent my son to france during his study abroad and thank goodness for skype! (when he remembered to call me!) Perhaps you can plan a visit in a few months. Hope this time flies by for you and she returns safe and smarter! :)
ReplyDeleteSt Andrews is amazing Susan and, having already put 2 sons through Uni, I'm so impressed with the set up they've got going on there.
DeleteWhen I still lived in England my eldest worked for a year in Paris as part of his degree and my other spent the same year studying in San Diego for his degree, we all got used to being apart. As they both returned to England I moved to the States and now my eldest is in Seville - none of us have lived on the same continent for 3 years now and I don't expect we will again!
You're so right, thank goodness for Skype!
There you go...she is branching out! Beautiful place, really inviting. You'll do fine. She sounds like a strong girl.
ReplyDeleteGood luck to Flicky, I'm sure she'll have a great time. St Andrews is amazing (and so's her bedroom - that's huge!)
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, can you believe that she's in a shared room and I only photographed her half of it?!!!
DeleteWow, what a gorgeous place.
ReplyDeleteI have many friends who studied at St Andrews and they all had a ball. I think being on the edge of nowhere makes them a really close-knit group of friends. At least you don't need to worry about her falling out of a nightclub at 3am! It looks such a beautiful place, I must go one day ...
ReplyDeleteIt's wonderful there Gertie and we feel so comfortable that she'll be safe and, compared to the unis that my sons went to, St Andrews has a fab system in place to look after all the students, Flicky's already in love with her house warden and cleaner and I know there's people looking out for her everyday.
DeleteIf you do ever find yourself on the road to nowhere be sure to visit, it's worth taking a look!
That dorm room has got to be the biggest ever. Here in NZ you get room for a bed, cupboard and desk. That room could fit four people!!!
ReplyDeleteMy two sons' uni rooms were the same - couldn't swing a cat but Flicky's shared room is incredible and I only photographed her half of it!!!
DeleteI agree with the Schulz Family - it looks like she has lots of space in her room. I'm sure she'll find ways to dress it up - they always do! It's a lovely residence and a lovely location. Does she wear the red robe to classes?
ReplyDeleteIsn't that room just amazing and she's sharing it so I only took photos of her half!!! She can wear the red robe whenever she likes and some students do wear it to class and to go shopping in the town, etc. Flicky wasn't sure that she wanted to wear it at all but she sent me a photo of herself in it yesterday - she said she was attending a champagne reception and then High Table (dinner with the Masters and invited guests). Thankfully, she'd ironed it!!!
DeleteI am sure a lot of good memories will be made in a stunning place like that! With SKYPE Flicky will never be far away!
ReplyDeleteI'm sure Flicky is going to have a wonderful experience. St. Andrews looks like a very lovely place to be. And with the advantage of technology the distance will feel a little shorter.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure she'll have the time of her life. Why isn't she allowed cushions?? That's just weird.
ReplyDeleteI'd just taken Flicky's word for it Wendy but I've just had a look at the T&Cs of Occupancy and under Health & Safety it states all furnishings must comply with the relevant safety legislation. It specifically mentions furniture, curtains and lights so I'm going to ask Flicky who told her no cushions and quilts, I'm guessing she'll have read it on a forum by previous students because she was talking about items being confiscated.
DeleteWow that is just a gorgeous place. Spend the time getting tons of sewing time.
ReplyDeleteIt's such a homey place and I hope She'll have a great time there! The building itself is gorgeous and so warm inside with all the woodwork. Her room looks fantastic, you guys did a great job! Looking forward to hearing about it from you! :)
ReplyDeleteShe's having a blast Kati. The building though is no longer warm - she sent us a photo the other day showing girls hugging radiators as they passed them in the corridors and the message "Mum and Dad, you've left me in the Arctic", quite made me giggle! :D
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