Relationship, buffering..??

My friend and I have liked and cared for each other for a long time. I'm talking years long. We've never tried to date because I wasn't allowed to and he is two years older and grades above me. This year I've gone through many hardships, between family, school, and my health. He's been there for me more than anyone. And I've been there for him like always. Now that he's 18 and me 16 were trying to be careful. Lately, we've carefully and slowly talked about us starting a relationship. We've been very responsible and patient about it all, and were ready for a relationship. He works and goes to the highschool next door to me and will later transfer back to my highschool. I'm getting nervous about, him going to college right after we begin our relationship. (Its a near by college. )How are things going to change? How do we balance between my home situation, highschool, his job, His college and everything in between? I'm not worried about him finding another girl, I'm worried we'll lose connection . What should I do?