Hi Aacecarter
Firstly nobody on here will be or shouldn’t be judging you. You are right relationships sometimes end this way and for people of all ages. I was just a couple of years older than you when I ended up a similar situation.
It’s really great that you are in college. You should try to continue with your education. I spent hundreds on a learn-from-home bookkeeping course. But because I was still dealing with my ex and looking after a new baby I couldn’t focus.
I would say keep the line of communication open between you and your ex. Remember its his job to try to arrange contact, not the other way round.
I personally do not like Universal Credit as its caused so much problems for people. But I’m sure they have worked on it and you should be able to continue your education while claiming benefits 😀