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foundation and gap year concerns

So basically i’ve been pretty ill for my two years of sixth form. I’ve had seizures and also raging unmedicated adhd so it’s been very exhausting. Because of this, i don’t think i’m going to do very well, so i think i’ll have to do a foundation year for my fashion comms course. But also, i need a gap year to sort out medical issues before uni as i just don’t want to be burdened with this during my uni course or i fear that i will fail that too.

Is it weird if i start my foundation course at 19 after my gap year, making me 20 in my first year? Will i be the oldest there? I know for other courses there are lots of mature students but i feel like fashion comms will only have young students. Not that 20 isn’t young but you know 😭. Will i still be able to make friends? Will i still have good fashion job opportunities if i graduate at like 23? Thank you

Reply 1

Yipiyap_EthanP

Original post by cherrykisses

So basically i’ve been pretty ill for my two years of sixth form. I’ve had seizures and also raging unmedicated adhd so it’s been very exhausting. Because of this, i don’t think i’m going to do very well, so i think i’ll have to do a foundation year for my fashion comms course. But also, i need a gap year to sort out medical issues before uni as i just don’t want to be burdened with this during my uni course or i fear that i will fail that too.
Is it weird if i start my foundation course at 19 after my gap year, making me 20 in my first year? Will i be the oldest there? I know for other courses there are lots of mature students but i feel like fashion comms will only have young students. Not that 20 isn’t young but you know 😭. Will i still be able to make friends? Will i still have good fashion job opportunities if i graduate at like 23? Thank you

Hi there,

I sympathise with your circumstances here. If you have been very ill with your studies these are known as extenuating circumstances, which colleges and universities take into account when allowing people onto courses. If you mention these I don't think you'll be at a disadvantage in any way as the situation you were in was out of your control.

I've known people that decided to do an apprenticeship at 16, then changed to do A-Levels at college when they were 17 only for them to again switch college and start their first year being 18. With education post GCSE the ages tend to have a bit more flexibility. I would speak with you college about whether your age affects you joining a particular course just to make sure.

Taking a gap year after your foundation year to focus on your health is a very mature thing to do. There's lots of opportunities then to make the most of your gap year when you do resurge back to full health through doing work/volunteering, as this helps with any personal statement stuff down the line.

I also don't think you should worry about your age with making friends. College is a relatively short time in your life and even if you don't make friends due to the age gap you will definitely make friends in whatever role you decide to do in the future. Some of the first years might even lean on your for guidance and advice!

I hope my answer gives you a bit of advice.

Ethan

Reply 2

username5431580

Original post by cherrykisses

So basically i’ve been pretty ill for my two years of sixth form. I’ve had seizures and also raging unmedicated adhd so it’s been very exhausting. Because of this, i don’t think i’m going to do very well, so i think i’ll have to do a foundation year for my fashion comms course. But also, i need a gap year to sort out medical issues before uni as i just don’t want to be burdened with this during my uni course or i fear that i will fail that too.
Is it weird if i start my foundation course at 19 after my gap year, making me 20 in my first year? Will i be the oldest there? I know for other courses there are lots of mature students but i feel like fashion comms will only have young students. Not that 20 isn’t young but you know 😭. Will i still be able to make friends? Will i still have good fashion job opportunities if i graduate at like 23? Thank you

i know how you feel, i did an extra year at college because my mental health absolutely wrecked my first year. i've just left at 19 and am taking a year break so will be 20 next year if i 100% decide i truly want to go to uni and i've definitely had the same thoughts about feeling almost out of place because of my age and the fact i haven't had a linear experience like my friends and other classmates

Reply 3

shimmyjimmyfor2

Original post by cherrykisses

So basically i’ve been pretty ill for my two years of sixth form. I’ve had seizures and also raging unmedicated adhd so it’s been very exhausting. Because of this, i don’t think i’m going to do very well, so i think i’ll have to do a foundation year for my fashion comms course. But also, i need a gap year to sort out medical issues before uni as i just don’t want to be burdened with this during my uni course or i fear that i will fail that too.
Is it weird if i start my foundation course at 19 after my gap year, making me 20 in my first year? Will i be the oldest there? I know for other courses there are lots of mature students but i feel like fashion comms will only have young students. Not that 20 isn’t young but you know 😭. Will i still be able to make friends? Will i still have good fashion job opportunities if i graduate at like 23? Thank you