Today (14 November 2011) is Student Finance Day. With student fees and loans high on the agenda for those considering university, Platform caught up with some prospective students via Twitter to find out how fees have influenced their decision making so far...
Name: Mrs Claire Siciliano
Age: 27
Location: Welwyn Garden City
Age: 27
Location: Welwyn Garden City
Have you got A Levels or equivalent?
No I don't have A Levels, I have GCSEs and a NVQ level 2 in hairdressing which includes a few other qualifications in health and safety areas such as COSHH and RIPHH, and key skills.
Are you planning to go to university/signed up for a course?
I am thinking about signing up for a course in Natural Sciences, maybe working towards a masters or some form of degree. I had wanted to go to university when I left school, but was a bit intimidated by the fees involved, I wasn't quite so financially aware.
Has news of the new student fees/loan system (starting in 2012) affected your decision whether to go to university?
The changes in the fees/loans system doesn't stop me wanting to undertake a university course, so no it hasn't affected my choice to go to university or whether to study full/part-time courses. What will affect my ultimate decision will be whether I can realistically fit studying and paying the fees into my life, because like most of us I have responsibilities and bills to pay. If I can afford to pay for it and find enough time to study then I would 'go for it' regardless.
Are you planning to go to university/signed up for a course?
I am thinking about signing up for a course in Natural Sciences, maybe working towards a masters or some form of degree. I had wanted to go to university when I left school, but was a bit intimidated by the fees involved, I wasn't quite so financially aware.
Has news of the new student fees/loan system (starting in 2012) affected your decision whether to go to university?
The changes in the fees/loans system doesn't stop me wanting to undertake a university course, so no it hasn't affected my choice to go to university or whether to study full/part-time courses. What will affect my ultimate decision will be whether I can realistically fit studying and paying the fees into my life, because like most of us I have responsibilities and bills to pay. If I can afford to pay for it and find enough time to study then I would 'go for it' regardless.
Age: 34
Location: Luton
Have you got A Levels or equivalent?
Somewhat equivalent. Had my education abroad.
Are you planning to go to university/signed up for a course?
I have signed up for a BSc (Honours) Natural Science (Physics) degree with the Open University, starting January.
Somewhat equivalent. Had my education abroad.
Are you planning to go to university/signed up for a course?
I have signed up for a BSc (Honours) Natural Science (Physics) degree with the Open University, starting January.
Has news of the new student fees/loan system (starting in 2012) affected your decision whether to go to university?
The financial support offered by The Open University and the flexibility of modular study were the main contributors, enabling me to return to my studies in adult life. I had looked at full-time and part-time courses at other universities, and even though the new 2012 student fee/loan system does appear to make it more accessible, it is still very difficult for adult students with family commitments.
The financial support offered by The Open University and the flexibility of modular study were the main contributors, enabling me to return to my studies in adult life. I had looked at full-time and part-time courses at other universities, and even though the new 2012 student fee/loan system does appear to make it more accessible, it is still very difficult for adult students with family commitments.
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