The Student Room Group

HNC or University

I live in Dundee with my family but desperate to study in Edi or Glasgow. Any university really, just want to live somewhere else. However, mum is ADAMANT on me going Dundee Uni whilst living at home with her (the whole time) so I can save money, but I want a change of scenery and independence. She always shuts down my plans to study elsewhere.

I just started driving lessons and want to get far ahead with them so I don't feel the money spent this year gets wasted by leaving for uni and then having to quit so I can pay for living expenses in another city. SO I thought about pursuing HNC at college whilst living in Dundee for one more year, working and saving money (like I have for this past year whilst studying NC at college), that way I can still study where I want without wasting money. I'd even be able to enter at year 2, meaning I'd not miss out on much education wise. This makes more sense compared to going this year, especially since I have strong intentions of not staying in Dundee.

Problem is mum is veryyyyyy strict and insistent on me attending uni, especially this year and in Dundee, so I know she's going to flip when I suggest this (she doesn't even want me moving away, let alone waiting another year to go to uni!). She is close minded when it comes to education and doesn't believe in different routes to get to the same place, even if they are better.


In short these are my options:

Option 1 - Study HNC for 1 year whilst working, saving and getting a driving license so I not only have more money to move but also avoid wasting months worth of driving lesson money by quitting the lessons for uni.

Option 2 - Go to uni this year in another city but end up not affording driving lessons and test then quitting, wasting months worth of money spent on lessons. At least I'll move and start uni sooner, putting my oarents mind at ease but I don't really see any financial advantage over option 1.

Option 3 - Just succumb and spend next 4 years in Dundee Uni. I'll get to drive but have to commit to living here for the next 4 years as opposed to just 1 year like in opt1. I honestly would hate if it had to come to this, no matter how financially responsible. Love my mum but she is just too coddling and I'm at a stage in life where I don't want to have a 10PM curfew or have to keep my bedroom door open.


Very long post, sorry.
Reply 1
Original post by HappyToes
I live in Dundee with my family but desperate to study in Edi or Glasgow. Any university really, just want to live somewhere else. However, mum is ADAMANT on me going Dundee Uni whilst living at home with her (the whole time) so I can save money, but I want a change of scenery and independence. She always shuts down my plans to study elsewhere.
I just started driving lessons and want to get far ahead with them so I don't feel the money spent this year gets wasted by leaving for uni and then having to quit so I can pay for living expenses in another city. SO I thought about pursuing HNC at college whilst living in Dundee for one more year, working and saving money (like I have for this past year whilst studying NC at college), that way I can still study where I want without wasting money. I'd even be able to enter at year 2, meaning I'd not miss out on much education wise. This makes more sense compared to going this year, especially since I have strong intentions of not staying in Dundee.
Problem is mum is veryyyyyy strict and insistent on me attending uni, especially this year and in Dundee, so I know she's going to flip when I suggest this (she doesn't even want me moving away, let alone waiting another year to go to uni!). She is close minded when it comes to education and doesn't believe in different routes to get to the same place, even if they are better.
In short these are my options:
Option 1 - Study HNC for 1 year whilst working, saving and getting a driving license so I not only have more money to move but also avoid wasting months worth of driving lesson money by quitting the lessons for uni.
Option 2 - Go to uni this year in another city but end up not affording driving lessons and test then quitting, wasting months worth of money spent on lessons. At least I'll move and start uni sooner, putting my oarents mind at ease but I don't really see any financial advantage over option 1.
Option 3 - Just succumb and spend next 4 years in Dundee Uni. I'll get to drive but have to commit to living here for the next 4 years as opposed to just 1 year like in opt1. I honestly would hate if it had to come to this, no matter how financially responsible. Love my mum but she is just too coddling and I'm at a stage in life where I don't want to have a 10PM curfew or have to keep my bedroom door open.
Very long post, sorry.


hey, honestly i’d pick option 2, but try complete your driving this year as you have till september anyway. do you know what student loan (and possibly bursary) your eligible for?
Reply 2
Original post by maths30
hey, honestly i’d pick option 2, but try complete your driving this year as you have till september anyway. do you know what student loan (and possibly bursary) your eligible for?

Thanks for the response.
I’m based in Scotland and have Scottish residency, so probably SAAS and maintenance loan?? Would need to check.
Reply 3
Original post by HappyToes
Thanks for the response.
I’m based in Scotland and have Scottish residency, so probably SAAS and maintenance loan?? Would need to check.


yeah same here, saas loans are pretty good so you’ll probably be able to support urself, or atleast afford your accommodation & get a part time job

Quick Reply