Entering University

What To Consider When Entering University?
By Sharon White

In 2001 National Learners Survey reported some of the reasons why some people are taking active part in education and some don’t. Among those who took part in the questionnaire it was possible to determine some of the reasons why adults were involved in studying process. Those reasons were:

- to increase level of job satisfaction

- add skills for the current job

- further their further career

It was also determined that finance was considered the most popular field and students were interested in it the most both for the future career possibilities and knowledge useful during life.

Finance is one of the most important issues to consider when going into Higher Education. First and foremost the question that needs to be asked is “Is it financially feasible?”. The majority of expenses will lie with the course fees which amount to approximately 1, 150 per year, unless the chosen course is one such as social work or nursing, in which case there are no course tuition fees. Equipment that is needed by the learner for the course can also cost a lot of money depending on the course undertaken; the essentials regardless of the course will include a computer and printer, books from the reading lists, writing materials, files and folders. Accommodation will, in some cases, also need to be taken into account. The learner, if remaining where they live for the duration of the course, will still need to pay the rent/mortgage and household bills. This can have a major effect on finances and make employment continuation necessary. If the learner has dependants, the cost of childcare will also need to be considered. Depending on the location of the learner in comparison to the location of the institution, travel can become costly; train and bus fares can add up, as well as petrol refills.