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Higher education

Talk to other parents whose children are preparing for university on our Higher Education forum.

Arty DD - go away to uni or local college for arts degree?

5 replies

Isanyoneoutthere · 22/01/2025 20:34

Arty DD 18 currently on an art foundation at a local college which she is enjoying. Very dyslexic, rough ride through the education system but has secured a place at a good uni on an art degree course in Sep. Huge social disaster in her final year at 6th form resulting in bullying, being excluded from all her friendship groups, ending in anxiety, depression and not great A level results. Dilemma as to whether to go to uni or stay at home and continue at the local college to do HNC, HND and if she wants, a year's top up degree. However, classes much smaller (likely less than 10), small college, so fewer opportunities to make new friends and it would mean living at home and missing out on independent living and the uni experience. However it would also leave her with much less debt. DD not convinced about going to uni due to debt for a degree that's unlikely to lead to a well paid career, new wariness around friendship groups and being judged to come up short academically - again - despite best endeavours in a subject she has always felt good at. I feel she might regret not going when she feels more confident, and uni could be the making of her if all goes well. Or break her if not. DD can't decide what to do. I just want her to be happy. Thoughts welcome.

OP posts:
LoremIpsumCici · 22/01/2025 20:37

I’d avoid the debt especially as she seems to have settled into the college.
I am so sorry she was bullied, my DD was too. It is all too common, sadly.

Cakeandusername · 22/01/2025 21:26

If she’s happy at the college and not keen to go to uni then the decision is pretty much made. Encourage widening social circle via hobbies, pt job, volunteering etc.

Tipperttruck · 22/01/2025 21:28

I would go to the physical university again and get a good feel for it before making any decisions, have a wander round.

PhotoDad · 23/01/2025 09:09

My DD was in a very similar position. She has found that the combination of some anxiety medication plus moving away to uni has been the making of her! Plus the art facilities are phenomenal; lovely studios, ceramics, printmaking. The academic side was a concern but the uni course is mostly portfolio-based with only a few essays. She's now in third year and thinks she made the right call.

SmallestSheepdogforTeenySheep · 25/01/2025 21:28

I think it’s very difficult to know without knowing which course at which university. Some universities have very good pastoral care and academic help.

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