Would you move away for college? (NOT UNIVERSITY)

[WeGotThePower]

Hello all,

I'm currently 21-years old and I have mental health issues and autism. I'm thinking about moving next year for college (I decided not to move this year because I have a lot to sort out with my mental and physical health). Let me briefly tell you a bit about myself. I've only ever completed one academic year at college. So, basically when I left school, the first 3 years of leaving school you get funding to do whatever course you want to do for free. Well, I only ever did one year of funding that the government pays for. See what I mean? I did go to college after the 3-years of free funding, but it didn't work out again because of my mental and physical health (I'm on benefits, that's how I got the course for free).

Anyways, next year I should have my mental and physical health back on track. This leads me to next year. Where I live there's not many colleges offering A-levels for adults, however there is one in Hampshire that does and I really want to go there. Some people may think I'm silly because it's only college, why can't I study at a local college and not do A-levels? Well, the answer to that is: I have been to my local college before and it was terrible. The teachers had no understanding of mental health issues. They probably all thought OCD was a cleaning issue and not a devastating illness that can ruin lives. Also my weight holds me back because it makes me lack confidence.

So, I thought I'd take a year off if I am to move to Hampshire next year. I want to go to Hampshire because there's a college there that's got a really good reputation and they offer A-levels to adults. Also, one of their courses is A-level Animation, which is something I want to do! But I also want to have other A-levels to fall back on if I didn't succeed in the career I wanted.

However, even when I'm mentally and physically better, I'm so scared about moving somewhere else in the country where my mum and sisters aren't present. I come from Essex and Hampshire is a 2 and a half to 3 hour trip by car! It's quite a way to go. I know one day I'll have to move out of my mum's place, but what if something happens to her when I'm gone?! What if I really miss my mum and wouldn't be able to cope with the homesick feelings?! I know this is all probably my OCD and anxiety playing tricks on me, but I just such a worrier. Deep down I know mum would be alright, but what if I'm also missing spending time with her! I'm scared about this - but at the same time, I really want to get a good education and go to university one day.

Also, if I do move, I've got to find somewhere to live, I'll probably be driving by then, I'll have to transfer to universal credit as well. I'll probably have to live with someone; like a homestay family because I don't think I could live on my own; I'd be too lonely.

This year, whilst getting my treatments for my health, I'm going to look for permitted work under ESA.

So, given the circumstances, would you move away to a different area for college? I know people move away for university, but this is slightly different.

[quest]

Hello all,

I'm currently 21-years old and I have mental health issues and autism. I'm thinking about moving next year for college (I decided not to move this year because I have a lot to sort out with my mental and physical health). Let me briefly tell you a bit about myself. I've only ever completed one academic year at college. So, basically when I left school, the first 3 years of leaving school you get funding to do whatever course you want to do for free. Well, I only ever did one year of funding that the government pays for. See what I mean? I did go to college after the 3-years of free funding, but it didn't work out again because of my mental and physical health (I'm on benefits, that's how I got the course for free).

Anyways, next year I should have my mental and physical health back on track. This leads me to next year. Where I live there's not many colleges offering A-levels for adults, however there is one in Hampshire that does and I really want to go there. Some people may think I'm silly because it's only college, why can't I study at a local college and not do A-levels? Well, the answer to that is: I have been to my local college before and it was terrible. The teachers had no understanding of mental health issues. They probably all thought OCD was a cleaning issue and not a devastating illness that can ruin lives. Also my weight holds me back because it makes me lack confidence.

So, I thought I'd take a year off if I am to move to Hampshire next year. I want to go to Hampshire because there's a college there that's got a really good reputation and they offer A-levels to adults. Also, one of their courses is A-level Animation, which is something I want to do! But I also want to have other A-levels to fall back on if I didn't succeed in the career I wanted.

However, even when I'm mentally and physically better, I'm so scared about moving somewhere else in the country where my mum and sisters aren't present. I come from Essex and Hampshire is a 2 and a half to 3 hour trip by car! It's quite a way to go. I know one day I'll have to move out of my mum's place, but what if something happens to her when I'm gone?! What if I really miss my mum and wouldn't be able to cope with the homesick feelings?! I know this is all probably my OCD and anxiety playing tricks on me, but I just such a worrier. Deep down I know mum would be alright, but what if I'm also missing spending time with her! I'm scared about this - but at the same time, I really want to get a good education and go to university one day.

Also, if I do move, I've got to find somewhere to live, I'll probably be driving by then, I'll have to transfer to universal credit as well. I'll probably have to live with someone; like a homestay family because I don't think I could live on my own; I'd be too lonely.

This year, whilst getting my treatments for my health, I'm going to look for permitted work under ESA.

So, given the circumstances, would you move away to a different area for college? I know people move away for university, but this is slightly different.

Been looking into A levels for my own career progression....they don't offer them in in my part of the country, so I have been researching distance learning/independent study. It's definitely worth looking into. Some online providers offer the courses online, with support and tution and with the exam fee included - can be pricey. Whereas, another option is not to enroll on a course with an institution but only register with an exam centre and sit exams at an independent candidate. This requires a lot more legwork - finding out what you need to submit to the exam centre if there is coursework requirements, finding an exam centre that accepts candidates for specific courses, dates etc.

Big changes while dealing with mental heatlh issues is something you always need to be careful with for obvious reasons. Run the idea through your head for a long time. Make enquiries to make it feel more real - see how your mental health is affected by that. I would say that studying is going to be stressful at times, so having your support system around you might be a good thing. Too much of a leap, you might fall, and that could impact your mental health. Steady as you go.

Ask your family, doctor, psychologist etc for their opinion. Talk it out with those who know you best. Good luck.