College/travel question

[Isteria]

One of my DC is considering a college two towns away. However, to get there at 8.45 (as requested by college), she would have to be out of the house every day at 6.30, to get the bus/train/walk. It would then mean waiting for an hour outside the college building (or sometimes inside, my info is from a current student) as the train gets in v early.

The later train/bus/walk gets her there at 8.55 am (lessons start at 9 am).

It's basically nearly a two hour journey, twice a day, which is just about doable, but getting up every day at 5.30 am and four hours travel is putting her off the course she'd love to do. She's also got additional studies (extra A levels) that she wants to continue doing outside college.

I'm thinking of asking the college if she can get there 10 minutes later than the official time of 8.45. I can't decide if that's reasonable or not! I know they can only say no, but just seeking other views.

I would very much avoid 4 hours of transport.

Busses and trains often run late so wouldn't count on the 8.55 am bus/train. She will be late for class too often.

You're right. I've said as much to her. I'm more or less convinced that it's not going to work, I'm just having a last shot at it really.

I'd drive her, but younger DC and work makes it impossible. It's probably time to look at other options!

I wouldn't drive.
No way you could do 6 hours in the car for years. Daily.

You're right again, realistically it's not an option. I'd just love to be able to make it possible for her.

She's been so positive, but I think it's dawning on her that it's not going to work.

Thanks for your thoughts on it.

Tbh I wouldn't think it's realistic unless you move for it. Or find a school with boarding (and can afford it).

You can ask. The college might not realise the bus / train times are so awkward.

I had a class ask to finish early because the ones that travelled by train had to wait almost an hour. It wasn't official but they agreed to do without a break.

BUT it is still a long day.

My DD is doing this. We live in a town about a 35 min drive from college city, however the bus service means getting a bus from our town at 0635, changing in the city and getting another bus to college that gets there at 0820. DD only has to do this twice weekly as her other day is short and college puts those classes on Teams and she logs in from home.

She trialed a later bus this week at 0730 and changed at a different stop in the city and made it to college on time, so she’ll stick with that one. It’s not easy but she was determined to go there for this specific course.

Once she passes her driving test we will likely get her a car and she will have the option to drive in. However as this is Scotland the buses are free which is a big draw, where as petrol is not.

She would not manage this 5 days a week though what with travel home and assignments.

Does she have to be there at 9.00 five days a week? My DD's sixth form college only had students in when they had lessons, so some days the journey was later and one day was completely free study from home. Once a week setting off at that time might not be too bad, depending on timetable?

The later version will only get her there if nothing is late. Definitely speak to the college, give a few solutions. E.g. ask if there's anywhere she could wait and work, could she arrive on the later bus, do they have affiliated host families etc.

Edit: it does need a commitment and she would get used to the early starts if she's willing to go to sleep at a corresponding time. My goddaughter does this, she leaves the house just as everyone else is waking because it was the only place she could do the course.

Thanks everyone, really appreciate the replies.

Yes, it's 5 days a week and DD wouldn't want to board anywhere, she's a home bird. I'll email the college and ask, they can only say no. I do accept that it all depends on everything running on time, so I'll make that clear as well.

Thanks again.

Would biking part of the way be an option?

My DS does this but only 3 days a week. He gets up at 5.30 leaves the house at 6 to get the 6.20 train. He has a change of train and then a bus journey to get to college for an 8.30 start. He is normally at college by 8.00.

What time does she have to leave if she can get there 10 mins late?

I really don't think it is sensible to do much than an hour's travel each way for sixth form. My kids did about an hour door to door (walk/train/walk) and it was plenty. Surely there must be another decent option closer by?