His first day in not going well and I can't help him!!!!!!

I'm so upset. My husband got to Belfast today and just called for the first time and is having such a bad day. Queens University had told him that his student loan check was waiting for him, but when he got there they told him it would be 3 weeks before he can have access to the money.
He can't get an apartment without it and we already have our tickets and will be there in 2 weeks!
 Queens doesn't have a room for him so he's trying to find a hostel. He didn't have long to talk, he was at the bank trying to set up an account but needed someone from the UK to list as a reference but he doesn't know anyone! He sounded so tired and frustrated. I hope he can get it all figured out.

I'm sooo worried about him.

And I'm just sitting here crying because I can't help him.

Please tell me it will get better.

~Mary

There's a good hostel very near the Uni (though, like any hostel, it's geared more to student travelers). Don't you have kids, though?

I'm blanking on the name of it though I can find it if you want me to. Might be worth a phone call.

I think he needs to push Queens to release those funds faster. Your kids care is at stake here.

Here it is:

http://www.arniesbackpackers.co.uk/

Also, just happened across this - might be way too student-y though but it does have private rooms:

http://www.paddyspalace.com/belfasthostel.php

There's a good hostel very near the Uni (though, like any hostel, it's geared more to student travelers). Don't you have kids, though?

I'm blanking on the name of it though I can find it if you want me to. Might be worth a phone call.

I think he needs to push Queens to release those funds faster. Your kids care is at stake here.

He begged at Queens, even talked to the supervisor and they said there was nothing they could do. That *maybe* it would get done in 2 weeks but not before.

Here it is:

http://www.arniesbackpackers.co.uk/

Also, just happened across this - might be way too student-y though but it does have private rooms:

http://www.paddyspalace.com/belfasthostel.php

I think those were 2 he was going to check out, I won't be able to talk to him again until he finds a room with internet. I hope they have vacancies. I just want to give him a big hug! 

FWIW, I've stayed at Arnies several times. While it's been quite a few years, the staff are super friendly so I assume they still are! They used to have a lovely little dog there, too. And a proper fire on chilly nights.

Brings back some good memories!

As for the reference, has your DH spoken to his dept or supervisor? Often they have to step in as a bank reference for new students. IIRC, that happened a lot at my Uni.

I'm so sorry to hear it.   I know there are a couple of hostels near the uni, and like balmerhon, I can't think of the names. But someone should be able to help. People in Belfast are friendly. The tourist board can help with finding accomodation; their phone number is 028 9023 1221. If he's desperate for a room for tonight, he could try the Pearl Court guesthouse across from the Botanic Gardens, on Malone Road. I can personally recommend it, and even if they don't have a room available they may be able to find him one.  

Can't Queen's give him a letter to help with a bank account? They offered to do that for me, although I already had mine sorted out.

(just saw balmerhon's updates)
When she was in Belfast, madeira stayed at Paddy's Palace and survived, and she's not a student.

I'm sooo worried about him.

And I'm just sitting here crying because I can't help him.

Please tell me it will get better.

~Mary

Mary, Mary... please try to calm down!  You being in a state is not going to help him!
Try to be strong... these things normally sort themselves out.   

Ok, I took a shower and feel better.

I got in contact with the wife of another student there and she is going to help him find a room for the night.

I feel better just knowing that someone is helping him.

Thank you everyone, I know he will be fine. It's just so hard being so far away and not being right there to help him through it.

~Mary

Glad you're feeling a bit calmer.
You need to remember that he's a big boy and probably/hopefully (!) perfectly capable of taking care of himself.

Once he gets this all sorted out, he'll probably have a great feeling of accomplishment!

Glad to hear that things are a bit better.

I would also try the International Students Office for support / advice during this time.

If he needs help to navigate various things, this is an excellent resource:
http://www.direct.gov.uk  

Glad you're feeling a bit calmer.
You need to remember that he's a big boy and probably/hopefully (!) perfectly capable of taking care of himself.

Once he gets this all sorted out, he'll probably have a great feeling of accomplishment!

Of course.

It's just that we've done everything TOGETHER for 12 years. It's hard to see him struggle and not be able to help.

He found a room at a B&B with free wireless so we are on AIM and Skype!!

Thank you everyone for helping us get through this first day - I know tomorrow will be 100 times better now that we are over this hump.

 

He found a room at a B&B with free wireless so we are on AIM and Skype!!

Thank you everyone for helping us get through this first day - I know tomorrow will be 100 times better now that we are over this hump.

 

Yay! I'm sure tomorrow will be much better!

Free wireless? Things are looking up already!  Glad you can talk on skype!  These are the things you'll laugh about in the future. Roll with the punches, that's part of the adventure!