University Fees

neverdespairgirl

chirpchirp wrote: »

My ex husband on the other hand was often given handouts by his parents ( which I think has led to him being crap with money) and I feel this has continued through out his life whereas my parents have never been in a position to help me out.

Am I being selfish in not putting aside for my kids to go to uni? What are you doing?

My son is 8, and we're not saving for uni or anything yet. We do have general savings, and are paying off our mortgage when we have some spare cash, and he goes to a private primary school, with extra (and expensive) remedial literacy lessons 3 x a week because he is dyslexic. We don't even know if he will want to go to uni, anyway.

I'm not sure, though, that parental support in young adulthood leads to be rubbish with money - my parents were very generous when I was at uni, and paid my accommodation, and gave me a set allowance every month (no fees when I went, in 1997). They paid the fees for my postgraduate vocational training and master's degree, too. I've never been rubbish with money, though, never wasted cash on stuff, nor built up debts (other than our mortgage).

sulphate

I don't believe that not helping your children means they are **** with money at all. My parents helped me a little with university fees and contributed towards our house deposit, and I am very good with money if I do say so myself.

I'm not sure if I can answer this question because we don't have children yet but if and when we do I hope to help them, but obviously we don't know what will happen in the future. Also by the time our hypothetical children go to uni fees will be absurd...

jackyann

I think it depends on how children see their parents handle & discuss money.
Having seen 4 children to adulthood, I am aware of many different attitudes towards financing studies (and from money generally) from families that we were friendly with.
Some families seem to think that studying is a luxury and should not be financed by parents, others that it is part of the responsibility of being a parent.
I think the main thing is to talk it over with the children, explain your actions, so that they are aware that you are being thoughtful. I also think that if at all possible, parents should have a "rainy day fund" to avoid family members getting into silly debts.

FBaby

I don't think you can compare what it was like when you went to Uni, what it is like now, and what it will be in 10 years. Costs of fees and ability to find part-time work whilst studying will differ over time.

My parents paid for my degree. I however worked any chance I get to afford a car and a decent lifestyle. I wanted to work, the work was available. I paid for my course and supported myself fully when I did my Masters.

What will my position be with my children when they go to Uni. I don't know yet. I think it will very much depend on their attitude to their studies. I wouldn't be happy to pay uni fees for them to study what I consider a leisure subject. I would however want to help if they chose a course more likely to lead to a decent job and they showed dedication to both their studies and attempt to do some part-time work.

My dad has stated putting money aside monthly since they were born for their studies. However, I hope the same will apply from his perspective. It might be that this money would be better kept away until they have a job and be put towards a deposit for a property as early as possible so THEY can pay their mortgage sooner.

CH27

My Son started in September.
His accommodation is expensive & his loan just about covers this. We have to give him an allowance for food etc each month.

He hasn't found a job yet as his timetable keeps changing so he can't commit to set hours at the moment which he finds frustrating as he is used to working part time.

If you can afford to put some money away towards uni costs then I would do so.

Person_one

FBaby wrote: »

I don't think you can compare what it was like when you went to Uni, what it is like now, and what it will be in 10 years. Costs of fees and ability to find part-time work whilst studying will differ over time.

My parents paid for my degree. I however worked any chance I get to afford a car and a decent lifestyle. I wanted to work, the work was available. I paid for my course and supported myself fully when I did my Masters.

What will my position be with my children when they go to Uni. I don't know yet. I think it will very much depend on their attitude to their studies. I wouldn't be happy to pay uni fees for them to study what I consider a leisure subject. I would however want to help if they chose a course more likely to lead to a decent job and they showed dedication to both their studies and attempt to do some part-time work.

My dad has stated putting money aside monthly since they were born for their studies. However, I hope the same will apply from his perspective. It might be that this money would be better kept away until they have a job and be put towards a deposit for a property as early as possible so THEY can pay their mortgage sooner.

What's a 'leisure subject'? That's a very conditional kind of support.

Since when is getting a job the only worthwhile outcome of higher education?

anarchied

I'm saving about £2k for when I go to uni next September (on a gap year ATM).

Mum and dad are helping out - have bought me an oven/microwave/grill thing and dad said he'd pay my TV license in the first year, but realistically I don't think they're committing more than £300. I budgeted £0 from them, so I'm certainly very appreciative.

thatlemming

My parents give me £200/month while at uni. I also have a job that pays about the same. My loan does not even cover my rent.

FBaby

Person_one wrote: »

What's a 'leisure subject'? That's a very conditional kind of support.

Since when is getting a job the only worthwhile outcome of higher education?

That's a strong opinion of my own. Don't have to agree with, but if I'm going to pay, that's one I am entitled to

I personally think that the cost of a Uni course if it is just going to be for the pure means of education or leisure, is way too high with little return to be expected. If my children want to take on such a course, that will be their choice, but not one I will pay for.

It is a conditional offer, but then again, I could offer nothing at all whatever the course!

Lunar_Eclipse

Person_one wrote: »

What's a 'leisure subject'?

Probably one that the poster holds in low regard. Lots of people believe degrees in say Maths, Medicine or Law are highly worthwhile, yet PE, Art, Drama and others, for example, aren't. I find it ridiculous when views like this are held without considering people's talents and interests though.

I have a friend who recently said "what can you possibly do with an English degree?" (from Cambridge) and honestly, words failed me. It made me realise just how blinkered people are though.

In answer to the OP, my parents funded my university education (pre fees) and I worked very hard to get a First. I didn't work during term time because I'm quite sure I couldn't have maintained a 70%+ average across all my subjects if I did, but I did work full time every Summer and Easter. I will do the same for my kids if possible, assuming they have a strong work ethic and it makes sense (they're bright, but university isn't for everyone, bright or otherwise.)