Uni can feel like a long way off, until it suddenly isn’t. One day we're desperately trying to help Anthony pass his Maths and English GCSE's so he can get onto a Level 3 course at college and the next we're thinking how to help him get the most out of his education while he is still in it.
Usually I take most things as they come and try not to plan too far ahead but at 16 or 17 years old suddenly what you do now could have an impact on what you might be able to do next.
There’s more to Uni than just studying
Uni isn’t just about getting a degree. It’s also about learning how to live independently, manage money, meet new people, and make decisions for the first time. All of that can feel huge even when its what you've been focused on for years already.
When you start thinking about the possibility of university, there’s space to learn how it all works. Things like what grades they might need, how course choices affect future options, and even how the application system works. Uni courses change too and your child might change their mind more than once. Knowing that stuff early makes it a lot less confusing later.
There’s more to Uni than just studying
Uni isn’t just about getting a degree. It’s also about learning how to live independently, manage money, meet new people, and make decisions for the first time. All of that can feel huge even when its what you've been focused on for years already.
When you start thinking about the possibility of university, there’s space to learn how it all works. Things like what grades they might need, how course choices affect future options, and even how the application system works. Uni courses change too and your child might change their mind more than once. Knowing that stuff early makes it a lot less confusing later.
What happens if they have an EHCP?
If like Anthony, and his younger brother David, your young adult has an Education, Health and Care Plan you probably know that they are valid until your young person hits 25 if needed. The exception is if they enter higher education, such as university. If a young person goes to university, their EHCP ends. There is lots of fluffy information out there suggesting that it will all go swimmingly. But, look very carefully when thining about a university and ask questions for example what mentoring / what 1:1 support / what study skills are there. This gives you time to think about questions based on your current EHC Plan needs, even though it is ceasing.
Money Takes Time To Figure Out
Uni costs more than just the fees. There’s rent, travel, food, books, laptops, and day-to-day living. Yes, student loans help, but they don’t always cover everything. There is also the Disabled Students’ Allowance which is non-repayable. Its availability is limited to cases where specific learning difficulties are complex. Your EHC Plan gives you reasons to argue complexity. Apply 6 months in advance for the Disabled Students’ Allowance.
Uni costs more than just the fees. There’s rent, travel, food, books, laptops, and day-to-day living. Yes, student loans help, but they don’t always cover everything. There is also the Disabled Students’ Allowance which is non-repayable. Its availability is limited to cases where specific learning difficulties are complex. Your EHC Plan gives you reasons to argue complexity. Apply 6 months in advance for the Disabled Students’ Allowance.
Where your child studies might depend on cost of living, travel, or how close it is to home. If you know that earlier, you can make better choices. Things like student housing are worth looking into ahead of time too. If you already have a sense of what to expect, it’s easier to plan for it.
I don't know if Anthony will end up going to university. But I do know I'd like him to every opportunity to do so if he wants to. Thinking a bit now, might just help us out in a year or two when that might be something he thinks about.
I don't know if Anthony will end up going to university. But I do know I'd like him to every opportunity to do so if he wants to. Thinking a bit now, might just help us out in a year or two when that might be something he thinks about.
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