Should I discourage my kids from going to Uni?

dmg24

pigpen wrote: »

I hate the idea of a waste of time course.. spanish poetry.. !!!!!! is that about?? what good could that possibly be to man or beast? and other such rhubarb... they are a complete waste of money.

My 2 oldest want to do psychology with criminology.. DS1 to go into the police force and I have no idea about DD1.. she is thinking primary teacher so I can see where it would come in useful..

But I feel you should encourage them to go to uni and have ambition to do great things but do make sure they are aware of where they want to end up after they have been.. it is no good doing graphic design like 400 other people but the job prospects are very low.. everyone I know who has done it has been unemployed for years after.. some went back and did teaching certs. just so they could get a job!

She needs to rethink - her first degree will need a good amount of a primary subject in order for her to get a PGCE place.

wintersunshine

shop-to-drop wrote: »

I am not thrilled with the idea that he will be getting into extra debt to enable Uni's to discount courses for others just on the basis of whether they would qualify for free school meals.

I do feel sorry for poor kids but we can barely afford to send our own to Uni and the government expect us to pay for everyone else's too. I could weep

wintersunshine

ovoreo wrote: »

After college I decided to go into full time work instead of going to uni. I had no idea what I wanted to do so it was that rather than the fear of massive debt. I think this will still be largely influential on decisions although I'm sure the threat of £9Kpa fees won't help. I then went to uni part time once I decided on my career path and I am so pleased I did it that way. OK I might have missed out on the social element but I am happy and secure now so I can't feel I missed out.

That is a good idea. Some Unis are going to charge less for part time courses I think.

rachbc

I will activity encourage my kids to go - I think the fees are wrong and totally suck but I will do everything I possibly can to help out. Currently DS wants to do architecture (7 yrs!!!!) so has not alternative but uni.

And if he decided to do spanish poetry then do be it - there is time enough to do the 9-5 so I wouldn't begrude him 3 years not doing it. I have a philosophy degree which bears no relation to the job I do now but i still think taught me valuable skills.

Oldernotwiser

pigpen wrote: »

I hate the idea of a waste of time course.. spanish poetry.. !!!!!! is that about?? what good could that possibly be to man or beast? and other such rhubarb... they are a complete waste of money.

My 2 oldest want to do psychology with criminology.. DS1 to go into the police force and I have no idea about DD1.. she is thinking primary teacher so I can see where it would come in useful..

I can see you're not big on academic education but to suggest that Psychology and Criminology is a useful degree is just laughable.

vroombroom

if they want to do something that will get them a job at the end of it (eg, nursing, teaching etc) then I would encourage them.

But if they want to something rubbish (like Spanish poetry like someone mentioned!) then perhaps ask what they would like to do at the end of it? Or suggest a gap year or something?

I'm starting uni in September to do a foundation degree - its a two year course and I can opt to do the third year to make it a BSHons or take a job in the field I will be studying:D So by the time I am 31 I will be working in my dream job, yes with debts, but I have never been in the situation where I can afford to go to uni x

wintersunshine

rachbc wrote: »

And if he decided to do spanish poetry then do be it - there is time enough to do the 9-5 so I wouldn't begrude him 3 years not doing it. I have a philosophy degree which bears no relation to the job I do now but i still think taught me valuable skills.

I would think OK to spanish poetry if they were really really really enthusiastic. But honestly what does one do with a degree in a subject like that?

Oldernotwiser

shop-to-drop wrote: »

It will be worth looking into some degree courses in other european countrys where fees are £2 - £3K many are taught in English so that's not a problem. I will discourage my boys unless they are offered an excellent course which will lead to a well paid career. I am still expecting my eldest to go as he is very academic and not very practical but I will be weighing up all the options. I am not thrilled with the idea that he will be getting into extra debt to enable Uni's to discount courses for others just on the basis of whether they would qualify for free school meals.

I sincerely hope that your son will be the one weighing up options as it's his career, his future and his money.

vroombroom

wintersunshine wrote: »

I would think OK to spanish poetry if they were really really really enthusiastic. But honestly what does one do with a degree in a subject like that?

they could end up working abroad. I speak 2 languages fluently and was lucky enough to spend 3 years working abroad in both countries when I finished my A levels:D

shop-to-drop

wintersunshine wrote: »

I do feel sorry for poor kids but we can barely afford to send our own to Uni and the government expect us to pay for everyone else's too. I could weep

It's not that I don't agree with giving extra support to some. But the criteria needs to be strict and it needs to be for there living expenses whilst doing the degree not for the tuition fees which they should pay back the same as anyone else when they are earning. Their childhood family income is irrelevent.

It's too easy to qualify for free school meals. If me and DH decided to separate my boys would get them I'd also get an extra income in benefits of over £600 in tax credits and would not lose child benefit next year either another £200. DH could lodge for £100 a week close to work and so would save most of this in petrol costs.

We could easily support the kids through Uni then and they would end up wth 2/3 less debt than if we stay together.

Would never do it but many do and even more will makes me :mad: .