Leaving for Uni

When I went to University, my school trunk and I were dropped off by an elderly relative (Betty) at the door of the hall of residence, and I got on with settling in. But getting Ario off to Bristol has taken up most of my energies (mental more than physical) for at least the last week.

The living room assembly area

First there was assembling the kit. We relied on an 8 page list from a student website which covered the most essential items. Luckily we had vast resources of stored equipment to draw on - kitchenware, bedding, rugs, lamps, and even a washing basket, were donated by various parts of the family.

We fitted everything into the car - all except an old 18" TV which Ario had picked up in the street 10 days ago.  He also left behind a standing lamp, and a large hand woven rug. Mariam was a bit squashed in the back seat, and I had a box of cooking things in my legs, but apart from that we were fine. 

 A packed car ready for departure

 After a pancake and maple syrup breakfast, we got the bike onto the bike rack, and we were ready to go.

Leaving Marlowe Road

It was a lovely sunny day, and we got to Bristol for tea. The street is at the top of a steep hill and Ario's room has a fantastic view North east over the city and to the hills beyond. 

Harcourt Road, Bristol

Outside Harcourt Road house, Bristol

We spent the afternoon unpacking and chatting with housemate Ronan and his mother who were waiting for the second car to arrive with his dad and sister and the rest of his stuff.

We moved the furniture around, made the bed, realised we'd brought the single (not the double) duvet, and made lists of things that were needed (door hooks, door magnets, book ends). In the kitchen, several cupboards were already full of people's things.  There were 3 bottles of champagne in the fridge, at least 3 cafetieres, two toasters and an enormous assortment of knives and utensils.

 
The next day we left in the afternoon - Ario was itching to go to watch the football and get back to his friends. He was excited and looking forward to all the new experiences of university life. As we left, I gave him lots of good advice. Mariam said it was such a cool place she wanted to go to Bristol too. He wrote 'phone Mum' on his whiteboard so that he wouldn't forget. We got a big hug each and a cheerful wave.