Categories: uncategorized
Date: 15 February 2008 07:11:52
The Guardian yesterday had this interesting article on the impact of tutition fees and student debt on where students were looking to study. It stated, what from the experience I have with my students I believe to be true, many working class students are more likely to stay close to home when they go to uni.
This is something I, as a tutor, am particularly concerned about. I see young people going off to uni not only as a chance for them to gain a qualification which may lead to more job opportunities but also as a chance for self development and a gateway into independant living. As more young people are choosing universities near their homes where they can keep the jobs working 16+ hours a week whilst studying, (which they were doing whilst trying to get their A Levels) and cut down accomodation costs by staying with their parents something is being lost.
The government talks alot about participation rates, but the truth is participation in uni life involves far more than just studying and it is this version of wider participation people are losing.