Money and Freedom

Student Fees seem to be a hot topic at the moment, so I thought I'd throw my two cents into the argument.

I remember during my search for a University I was amazed at the sheer number of Universities that exist in the UK. I wasn't sure if it was a mark of a 'civilised' nation, or that of a nation gone mad; I was inclined to lean towards the former, but I now question my judgement. Upon arriving at University, I was amazed at the geographic spread of the student population; the vast majority of students came from any and every extreme of the country, very few were locals. I remark this as a stark contrast to Universities in Mexico, where there aren't that many in one area, each specialising more in a particular area than the others, and people tend to go to their local one. So what does this have to do with Universities in the UK? With a completely different socio-economic situation?

Well, I think it's great that under the UK's current system, geography isn't a limitation for anyone wanting to go to University. And if Southampton, or Edinburgh or wherever is the best (or one of) for what you want to study, you can go there (grades depending obviously). The fact that all the Universities are the same price also means that you're not limited by geography either. Throw in Student Loans and you're not limited by your family's financial situation.

So to me it begs the question: Why do crap universities exist? Why do crap degrees exist?

Harsh comments perhaps, but let me give you a practical example: If you wanted to study physics, and you didn't get into any of the top 10 in that field, why would you go to one that was number 87 in the league tables. If your grades weren't good enough to get into the top 10 or 20, how are you better off by going to a low ranking university? Surely a potential employer would factor in the standing of your university in that field. So say you don't go into that field, then what's the point in studying that in the first place?!

I also don't understand why people go to University not knowing what they want to do, looking for some sort of inspiration. I disagree with the idea of going to University "for the experience". Yes University is a great experience, and I wouldn't want to deny anyone of that specifically, but it shouldn't be the primary reason of going to University. University is about furthering your knowledge in a particular field in order to help you further your career in that field.

In that vain, I think there are too many Universities, and too many subjects, and too many people going to University. I think the policy of promoting University to everyone unfairly detracts value from respectable and fundamental jobs that society requires. The UK has a large shortage of Plumbers and Electricians for this reason, not to mention the massive shortage of Carpenters. There are some jobs that don't require a degree, but more a good apprenticeship.

That to me covers one of the biggest reasons/issues why Universities can't be free. You can't try and put such a massive population through University without them paying for it. Why does Scotland have free University for Scottish students? Because there are a lot less people in Scotland than in England & Wales. Finland was another example given, but it's a lot easier to get 80% of women through University when your TOTAL population isn't much more than 5 million people.

Regardless of whether population size is or isn't an issue, we have to make the best of what we have. I believe that despite the massive over-reaction, the UK government has come up with a very sensible compromise. They give you a loan at a cheaper rate than you could possibly get from any bank, and you only have to repay it if and when you can.

There is something that bothers me about talking to people recently. This holds true here at the Flight School I'm at, where people are incredibly privileged to simply be here, as well as students in the UK. There is a distinct difference between a right and a privilege. Free University education is a privilege that is afforded to some by the ones who can. Making you pay unreasonable amounts up front would be a violation of your right to education, yes. But giving you a means to pay for University in order to improve your career options, and being willing to write off any debt if it doesn't work out seems nothing but reasonable. The Student Loans simply ask you to give back the money that gave you the advantage you needed to further your career, and if it didn't work out, you don't have to pay.

I don't like that there are so many Universities, and so many degrees, and I would probably drastically reduce the number if it were up to me. But it's not.

And finally, I don't see the point in violent protests against a passive government over a simple issue. Violent protests are never warranted, and students feeble attempts at non-violent protests are laughable. They should research how non-violent protests managed to succeed and realise that this small issue isn't going to succeed. To that end, if you're protesting the government making cuts in whatever area affects you, it CERTAINLY doesn't help to destroy government property, it's simply a waste of money, your money.

For another option, of someone more opinionated and vastly more intelligent than me, look at this post: here.