Is it possible to study full-time and work full-time?

Oldernotwiser

Sorry to be less optimistic but 1 year Access courses are very intensive as you have to get up to A level standard in a year.

Given that you failed your major GCSEs only a couple of years ago and also have (mental?) health problems, I would think that you would be seriously unwise to attempt to do anything of the sort.

BrettMorganxD

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

Sorry to be less optimistic but 1 year Access courses are very intensive as you have to get up to A level standard in a year.

Given that you failed your major GCSEs only a couple of years ago and also have (mental?) health problems, I would think that you would be seriously unwise to attempt to do anything of the sort.

My depression is controlled by medication. The only reason I failed my GCSE's is because my mum was ill and I missed some of the exams. If I am determined to do something I will do it I am that sort of person.

BrettMorganxD

Mojisola wrote: »

I think heretolearn was comparing a single person's situation to a parent returning to education. Working and studying and organising a family home and caring for children is a very different experience.

Oh right yeh that would be a lot more difficult. But running a flat/house when single in pretty easy to be honest

BrettMorganxD

The way I see it. Would I not be thousands better off financially in the year if I did it this way?

£840 from my job for basic 38.5 hours. No council tax to pay and £450 rent, £225 if I get a roommate. No council tax to pay

So that leaves £390 for bills and bills come to around £200 so I have £190 to myself. If I didn't work I would be struggling to live

Red_dog_Sam

"It isn't uni, it is an access course in college. But I will still be a student so guess i will still be exempt from council tax I guess.

What is the reason for this exemption? is it to help students cope more financially or is it a reward for going to education "

Full time student status applies in Further or Higher Education so colleges and universities both issue student certificates for council tax purposes. When Council Tax came in back in 1993 the regulations provided for student exemptions - probably because the experience under the Community Charge (poll tax 1990-1993), when students and people on income support still faced a 20% charge, proved so unpopular, unworkable and uncollectable. It is not entirely about financial help as even a millionaire student could be exempt despite their ability to pay. I do know of affluent people who have actually declined student discount \ exemption on moral grounds!

BrettMorganxD

Red_dog_Sam wrote: »

"It isn't uni, it is an access course in college. But I will still be a student so guess i will still be exempt from council tax I guess.

What is the reason for this exemption? is it to help students cope more financially or is it a reward for going to education "

Full time student status applies in Further or Higher Education so colleges and universities both issue student certificates for council tax purposes. When Council Tax came in back in 1993 the regulations provided for student exemptions - probably because the experience under the Community Charge (poll tax 1990-1993), when students and people on income support still faced a 20% charge, proved so unpopular, unworkable and uncollectable. It is not entirely about financial help as even a millionaire student could be exempt despite their ability to pay. I do know of affluent people who have actually declined student discount \ exemption on moral grounds!

There still are some moral people out there then.

Atleast I will be better off financially because of the exemption and working

MacMickster

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

Sorry to be less optimistic but 1 year Access courses are very intensive as you have to get up to A level standard in a year.

I think that you should give it a go, but have a Plan B to reduce your work hours if you find that you can't devote enough attention to your studies or find it too much overall trying to balance everything.

My son, who already had a part-time job on Saturdays and Sundays, has to do a work placement one day a week as part of his course this year. At interview for the placement he impressed the employer who offered him 16 paid hours per week in addition to the placement, to fit around his uni timetable.

He spent the summer thinking that he was going to be rolling in money with the income from both jobs, but as soon as he has seen the amount of work that he will be expected to do for uni this year outside of his timetabled lectures he has written his resignation letter for his weekend job.

Oldernotwiser

BrettMorganxD wrote: »

My depression is controlled by medication. The only reason I failed my GCSE's is because my mum was ill and I missed some of the exams. If I am determined to do something I will do it I am that sort of person.

And my advice was intended to help you succeed.

Doing a full time Access course whilst working full time hours is a really bad idea. I've spent years working with Access students and as one of them said to me "Your feet don't even touch the ground!".

Working out a budget and living on part time earnings will increase your chances of success.

Oldernotwiser

MacMickster wrote: »

I think that you should give it a go, but have a Plan B to reduce your work hours if you find that you can't devote enough attention to your studies or find it too much overall trying to balance everything.

.

The trouble with this is if the OP can't cope he'll get behind and there really isn't the time on a one year Access course to catch up.

I would suggest doing the exact opposite - start by working part time and add extra shifts if he's coping well with the course.

BrettMorganxD

MacMickster wrote: »

I think that you should give it a go, but have a Plan B to reduce your work hours if you find that you can't devote enough attention to your studies or find it too much overall trying to balance everything.

My son, who already had a part-time job on Saturdays and Sundays, has to do a work placement one day a week as part of his course this year. At interview for the placement he impressed the employer who offered him 16 paid hours per week in addition to the placement, to fit around his uni timetable.

He spent the summer thinking that he was going to be rolling in money with the income from both jobs, but as soon as he has seen the amount of work that he will be expected to do for uni this year outside of his timetabled lectures he has written his resignation letter for his weekend job.

Yeh, I have thought of the plan B and can probably cope on a part-time wage if I needed to reduce my hours, which my employer would more than understand.

I wouldn't let myself get behind because it causes too much stress, for the sake of one year it would be fine.