If you are leaving sept 2002 then there is no reason why you can't get them done in the UK before you go.. Get down to your local airfield and commit to the Law exam for a start.. Once you take one then book the next etc and set a timescale.. I messed about for about 5 months before taking Law. and whilst I still got PPL within 9 moonths had to cram exams in. If you've got the confuser then study the subject before the confuser. You'll have no problems.
As far as negative responses from people, forget them, remember taht each perosn on this forum has been there and asked 1001 questions... Good Luck