Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Living in student accommodation 6th form

38 replies

Bloomsburygirl · 17/09/2025 08:16

My DS wants to be a fashion designer. He has his sights set on Central St Martins (CSM) and wants to go to Hamstead Fine Arts College (HFAC) for sixth form because they have a strong track record of getting kids into CSM fashion courses. The problem is we don't live in London (we're three hours away) and do not know anyone there. He would have to live in student accommodation. I called HFAC and asked them if many sixth formers lived independently in the student accommodation. They said yes, but only the international students. DS has always been incredibly focused, ambitious, and determined (he secured himself work experience with an up and coming designer at this year's London Fashion Week (he's only 14 and he organised it himself and is designing his first collection). The only other option he is interested in is King's Ely as they have a strong fashion and textiles offering. However, his first choice is HFAC, despite the fact that DH and I would prefer King's Ely as he can board. DS is mature and sensible, but I feel 16 is too young to live in student accommodation, especially in London, even though I left home at a similar age to go to a college (30 odd years ago). AIBU to say HFAC is not an option due to the accommodation issue, or am I risking him resenting me by holding him back? Thank you for reading.

OP posts:
MorningtonAlmondCroissant · 17/09/2025 09:03

Do Hampsted Fine Art have a stronger record on getting DC into BA CSM fashion: Womenswear than any other FE institution in the country? Really? Do HFA say they get kids into CSM and people assume they’re getting them into that specific course? I’m pretty sure cam BA Fashion:knit was in clearing this year-but I was surprised so may be wrong.

The children who go to that school are massively wealthy, look at the fees. If a second home in London is affordable, do that. If not I’d get into CSM website and look at all their help and advice for portfolios-I think they have YouTube channels showing what they’re after.

Longingdreamer · 17/09/2025 08:56

It is very young to be living alone in an unfamiliar city. What about a lodging arrangement with a family where meals are provided? There are agencies that manage these,and they ensure that the families have the appropriate background checks.

AnSolas · 17/09/2025 08:55

How is he with friends?

Does he find it easy to make new ones?
Can he say no and mean it?

If he was isolated would he be more lax about drinking, drugs, sex etc?

Original poster
Bloomsburygirl · 17/09/2025 08:52

@titchy yes, they do allow under 18 years as some of the international sixth formers live there. Thank you for the info regarding CSM - I will look into that as I was unaware.

OP posts:
titchy · 17/09/2025 08:50

Will the accommodation allow under 18s? Most won’t for safeguarding reasons. Also check out CSM before he applies. It’s more like finishing school for rich Chinese students these days. The very few non-Chinese students really struggle, particularly with group work.

Original poster
Bloomsburygirl · 17/09/2025 08:49

@NannyOgg1341 we can support him financially and will make sure he knows how to cook, take care of himself. If there was a break in or fire there are other students there and he is sensible. He would also come home every weekend.

OP posts:
Doublebubblegum · 17/09/2025 08:49

Have you checked that the student accommodation will take him? A lot of the private providers only take students who are 18+.

InterestedDad37 · 17/09/2025 08:47

He sounds really focused, and knows what he wants. I doubt that the other college will be a suitable alternative for him. If I were you, I'd support him fully. Obviously talk through the ins and outs of living independently... you did it when just a year older, and I'm sure he can too. Good luck to him in his studies and future career.

Needmorelego · 17/09/2025 08:44

I know The Brit School has students who lodge with families and I know there's various schemes for foreign students to lodge with families.
I don't have any details about the schemes unfortunately but you might be able to find something similar.

NannyOgg1341 · 17/09/2025 08:44

This is so tough- I'd say only you know him best, and the question really is how will he handle being so very independent. I know you're only three hours away but- would he know what to do if there was a fire, a break in or if he felt unsafe at night? Would he be able to handle an independent budget (and how much could you financially support him), and does he have the living skills to cook and maintain a flat? I know he's only a couple of years away from these things anyway (he'd have to manage at uni), but even at 18 it's the kind of questions I'd ask a 6th former before they moved away from home.

CameForAVacationStayedForTheRevolution · 17/09/2025 08:43

I was at university in the early 00s and there were 2 x 17yos on my course, they'd only just turned 17yo. They lived in non catered student halls and were both fine. I guess it might depend on the DC but I think this sort of thing was more common in the past but people managed OK. There always used to be lots of 17yos on nursing courses back when they were diploma level.

Original poster
Bloomsburygirl · 17/09/2025 08:39

@PeanutGallerist no it's not run by the school. It is student accommodation used by various students, not just those attending HFAC. It has no connection with the school, but it is the closest. The accommodation is lovely and in a good area, but they are not responsible for the students. Hence my concern. But am I being overprotective? I left home at 17 and lived in a flat with friends. Looking back now, it seems unbelievable, but am I being overprotective?

OP posts:
PeanutGallerist · 17/09/2025 08:33

When you say the student accommodation what are you referring to - as I cannot see anything about this on the website? Is it accommodation managed by the school?