Differences between high school and college (UK)

If you're from the UK, comment telling me what you did (or are planning to do!) after high school. If you're from another country which uses a totally different schooling system—I'm talking to you, America, feel free to comment your confusion!

Please note, this post is about the most common, academic route of education in the UK (High school>College>University). The step-up from high school to college, is said to be harder than the step-up from college to university. If you're not an academic person, you'll likely really struggle, as I have. I decided to write this post as I finish my first year in 19 days.

First of all, it's extremely difficult. I had done three of my subjects previously, so thought I would have an advantage. I probably did, but this advantage wasn't enough, and I still struggled a lot—especially with one, English Literature. In high school I would fill in about one or two A5 books in each subject, in college I filled in a whole A4 notebook. Also, I have to remember most of the things I learnt in college, whereas in high school I could get away with just remembering half of the stuff!

Secondly, it's a lot more informal. You don't have to call teachers by their second name, which is good from a student's viewpoint (being treated like an adult instead of a child) and also from a feminist viewpoint; Jennifer Coates says, "Miss is ridiculous: it doesn't match Sir at all. It's just one of the names you can call an unmarried woman.". Also, when you're ill, rather than having to get your parents to call in, you can just text or email in (or just not go, you know...whatever). There's no uniform (unless you go to a sixth form) and most teachers don't pick on you in class, just the rude ones.

You are given more independence. If you want to fail, they will let you fail. If you don't want to  come in, they won't make you. Some people see this as a bad thing, but personally I like it. One thing I hated about high school was pressure from both my teachers, as well as my parents.

Something I hate is that you have to actually revise! In high school you can get away without revising, or revising for just a week before your exam. However, in college you need at least a month revising, and some spend up to 3 or 4 months.

One of my favourite things about college was the diversity there! There are people from all races, of all ages (which is great if you get on with older people, like me!). It's really easy to talk to people, especially in the first and second month—everyone talks to everyone. This is different to high school where everyone is in groups, and it's quite hard to make friends. My biggest fear (brought on by social anxiety!) was not making any friends, but I was settled in after a month with a friend group!