University Fees

LannieDuck

I'm certainly going to do my best to contribute to uni fees for my kids. Both OH and I think education is extremely important and hope to impart those values to our children.

We're lucky that FIL feels the same way and has already started putting some money away for each of his grandchildren for uni funds.

In relation to the discussion on term-time jobs, I went to Oxbridge and we weren't allowed to have a term-time job in case it interfered with our studies. There's no way I would have had time for one anyway (compared with one of my friends who went elsewhere (I won't name the uni) and only had one morning's worth of work each week!). I did, however, work during my holidays. It was good experience and good CV points, as well as bringing in some money.

FBaby

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.

You are making wrong assumptions as far as I am concern. I stated 'leisure subjects' rather than actually citing which ones for exactly the reason you mention. If my son showed an interest in say art and furniture, started to buy books and magazine about the subject, started a part-time work in the local auction house, and then announced he wanted to study 'history of arts', then I would more than happy to support this. If however he turned 18, having not shown any interest or talent in such a field, and said that he didn't know what to study, but he kind of like his history lessons in high school so was going to take this because he wanted to go to University with his friends, I would then expect him to finance it himself.

19lottie82

I'd assist my child with living costs but wouldn't see the need to contribute to their fees. There are measures in place so they don't need to repay these until they are earning a decent wage.

VJsmum

My 17 year old DD is about to start applying for Acting degrees (not even drama, but just Acting). Since she was 9 years old she has never wanted to do anything else. She doesn't want to be famous and she knows its hard to be anything. At an open day for LIPA they said "don't worry about the fees, most of you will never earn enough to pay them back. If you want to be rich, don't do acting; if you want to be famous, don't do acting. Only come here if you can't possibly imagine doing anything else"

My DD is an A grade student :eek: but we can't remove her dream from her, she would never forgive us. And besides, I wouldn't want to.

With regards to fees etc, we have been saving since she was born (and for DS), although we have made it clear that we don't EXPECT them to go but want to help if they do. For DD I have advised that she takes the loans offered, we will fund her living expenses - the money we have put away should be kept in case she changes her mind or wishes to do a masters - there aren't fees for those (although loans get extended if you stay at the uni you did your first degree at). IF she doesn't need it for that, then she can use it to start paying back the loan (it won't cover it all).

adindas

Lunar_Eclipse wrote: »

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.

Need to include Dentistry, Engineering.

Generally speaking, I do not think law degree is worthy now. There are already more supply and demand. But of course there are people who are extremely good, lucky and talented who are making the headlines. But is not that true this case also exist irrespectively whether people have degree or not. Also people might be lucky enough because their dad relatives are helping them into the job market.

Here is the list of shortage occupation in the UK according to Home office.
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/documents/workingintheuk/shortageoccupationlistnov11.pdf

People study for a degree in this field are more likely to get job related to their degree when they graduate.

It is true that talent and interest should also be taken into consideration. But where is the point to pay tuition if at the end you are more likely to be working in the area which does not need degree at all and left with huge amount of debt. Taking course or working to gain work experience might be more valuable rather than taking a degree course.

jackieblack

Our DD17 is hoping to go to Uni next year, we have researched what loans and grants she could get and have accepted that we will probably need to supplement her living costs, but some of our bills (water, electricity, food, petrol) will reduce if she is not living here so we're hoping this will balance out.
The course she's hoping to get onto is one which involves blocks of time on work placements, so it may not be easy/practical for her to get a part-time job as she will be unable to commit to regular hours.
We're happy to support her as long as she is studying as the course she is hoping to get onto will also give her a professional qualification, which is required to get a job in her chosen field.

Gloomendoom

Unless there really is no option, I wouldn't recommend a part time job during term time.

neverdespairgirl

adindas wrote: »

Need to include Dentistry, Engineering.

Generally speaking, I do not think law degree is worthy now. There are already more supply and demand. But of course there are people who are extremely good, lucky and talented who are making the headlines. But is not that true this case also exist irrespectively whether people have degree or not. Also people might be lucky enough because their dad relatives are helping them into the job market.

I don't really agree - a good law degree at a good university is still very useful even if you don't actually decide to become a lawyer. It's an intellectually rigorous and useful course, with a number of applications other than just pure law afterwards. It's far from a purely vocational degree.

sukysue

We pay for our dd1 uni accommodation which is £3,500 a year last year £2.800 and probably 3,500 next year too. If she wants to do another year or two masters then we will probably pay accommodation for that too.The way I look at is ,I regret to this day never having the chance to do my degree and once they have this qualification no one can take it away from you and it can only be for the good of any future career surely. Also they don't have to pay it back until earning £21000 a year minimum. I know it's a lot of money but I have explained it to my dds like this ,it is an investment in their lives, they could be spending money on trinkets, cars, drinking and spending all their money on socialising this is an investment in themselves for themselves.Also my leccy and gas bill would cost me more if she was here cos she is very norty at turning the lights off! lol I have just realised I have been waffling on so to answer you op yes put some money away for them you won't regret it .

Person_one

FBaby wrote: »

You are making wrong assumptions as far as I am concern. I stated 'leisure subjects' rather than actually citing which ones for exactly the reason you mention. If my son showed an interest in say art and furniture, started to buy books and magazine about the subject, started a part-time work in the local auction house, and then announced he wanted to study 'history of arts', then I would more than happy to support this. If however he turned 18, having not shown any interest or talent in such a field, and said that he didn't know what to study, but he kind of like his history lessons in high school so was going to take this because he wanted to go to University with his friends, I would then expect him to finance it himself.

So the subject isn't the issue, its actually about motivation?