Got caught up in the Student protest in Town..

[Bobbisox]

I sympathize with their cause the way they have been let down by Clegg and Co, but what struck me , they were nearly all smoking a fag?
How do they afford to do this at nearly £6 a packet, and btw, not all of them were roly's either.

[pastafreak]

I've not read all the posts (brain-dead after work)...but I'd like to make a point about what's included in that debt. So far the concentration here has been on tuition fees. For many students-particularly those who come from low-income families,there will alos be loans to cover living expenses,these will vary according to where in the UK the student is attending University,and financial need. The maximum is £6,928. Add that to the CURRENT fees of £3,280-and that is a minimum of over £10,000 per year...for a minimum course length of three years.
My own daughter-having attended University in London for 4 years-now owes a considerable amount,as she was eligible for the highest loan amount. If her fees were £9,000.....well-I am sure you can all do the maths.
It's been estimated that future doctors-who do a longer period of study-will owe in excess of £75,000 minimum with the new fee structure.
I admit to some sympathy with the students-but I am also aware that money has to come from somewhere to pay for the fabric of buildings,technical equipment and support.....and-finally- Professors and lecturers,in what is a very competitive international market.

As for the ciggies......no one criticises pensioners for blowing their money on fags......!

[Bobbisox]

arrh good point Yankee about the cigs...

[pastafreak]

....and her loan debt is one of the reasons Lil pasta is still smoking....it does that to ya..... ;-)

[Bobbisox]

awww Bless her pet, well I am off to the Dales, well Emmerdale
have a good night

[cazzz1975]

I have to sk pasta, why cant students do a course at their local uni? seems a bit bonkers travelling hundreds of miles away to do a course

[cazzz1975]

ask not sk ;)

[pastafreak]

Various reasons cazzzz....usually to get the best course in their chosen field.
In my daughters case-it was London.
We have Plymouth University here.........but the ex is connected to it-and their Chem Dept though well rated,did not offer what she wanted. Universities are not created equal.