Why Should you be in Higher Education?

Lennox Hall, 24, has recently graduated from the University College of Northampton with a degree in law. He is now working with Aimhigher, and touring the country to spread the word about the benefits of higher education.

“Going to university was the best decision I ever made. I had the three best years of my life, and graduated with a degree in law from the University College of Northampton. But hadn’t even thought of going to university until I got my A-Level results. I’d only thought as far as leaving school, but when my results came in, and were pretty good, I realised I could go further. A lot of my friends said going to university had changed their life and opened up more doors that would benefit their future. I decided to go to my university’s open day to see what it would be like, and seeing for myself the university lifestyle changed my mind.

University is nothing like school. I was amazed at the choice of courses – from fashion to finance, and sound recording to sociology. So you can decide between practical and academic courses.

And it isn’t all about study – although I got a lot out of my course. There’s a huge range of activities available to you. You may not think law and music mix…but I ended up being booked to host student dance parties in and around my Northampton campus. I would not have had this opportunity if I didn’t go to university. It has given me skills in event management, public speaking and helped me build on my self-esteem and confidence – and have a lot of fun at the same time.

And, long term, going to university has increased my options and career prospects in ways I didn’t realise it would. I don’t have to go into law if I don’t want to, because I have a degree that is respected by many professions, such as accountancy, public relations and business management to name a few. And getting a degree means you’re likely to earn more, too!

I’m now working for Aimhigher. I tour the UK with the Aimhigher roadshow, giving other young people the facts about university, and answering questions about the lifestyle, the benefits, and where to get help with finance. A lot of people think that university is not for them, because no-one in their family went. I was in the same position, and when I got to university, I met people from all kinds of backgrounds – so if you really want to do it, you can and who knows where my degree will lead to next!

So I bet you’re wondering how much university costs. Many people think that university will leave them paying off debts for the rest of their life, but the good news is that there’s a lot of help available, in the forms of grants, bursaries and student loans. My parents don’t have a lot of money, but I was surprised by how much help was available. Going to university has changed my life. I’ve now got a job that I love, loads of friends from so many different places, and, more importantly, I have the education and knowledge to build my future and do what I want to with my life. And who knows where my degree will lead to next!”

For more information you can visit the Aimhigher website at www.aimhigher.ac.uk

Applying for university?

What’s keeping you awake at night? The thought of new freedom and independence, or the responsibilities that go with it?

Going to university open days, deciding which courses you fancy, finishing your personal statement - these are all very exciting steps. University life is just around the corner, but while starting a university career is exciting, many prospective students are concerned about how they will prepare for the changes in their lives and how they will manage all the new responsibilities…

Student finance: help with the costs of higher education

Don't wait until you've been offered a place on a course to find out what student finance you could get. If you're planning to study full-time, use the Student Finance Calculator to get an estimate in advance.

You should apply as early as possible - then you can get on with planning your time at university or college.

Apply for finance online

To apply online for full-time finance, or support an online application, you must first register with Student Finance England.

As well as applying for student finance, you can use your online account to:

• contact Student Finance England by email
• keep your bank details and contact details up to date
• keep track of any letters and statements you have been sent
• see payments that have been sent to your bank account

Help for full-time students

If you’re studying full-time, the main sources of help are:

• student loans and grants from the government
• bursaries from your university or college

Student loans from the government

All eligible students can get help with tuition fees and living costs through student loans.

You’ll be able to take out two student loans per academic year:

• a Tuition Fee Loan - to cover your tuition fees in full
• a Maintenance Loan - to help with accommodation and other living costs (how much you get depends on your household income)

Repaying student loans

Student loans have to be paid back - but you don’t have to start making repayments until you’ve left your course and are earning over £15,000.

Once your earnings reach this threshold, you’ll pay back nine per cent of whatever you earn over £15,000. If you’re due to start paying back your student loans from April 2012, you’ll have the option of taking a one or two-year repayment break.
Grants to help with living costs: Maintenance Grant and Special Support Grant

For 2010/11, around 40 per cent of new students are expected to qualify for the full Maintenance Grant, with many more getting a partial grant. Certain groups of students can get the Special Support Grant instead of the Maintenance Grant.
Bursaries

Bursaries are an additional source of help from your university or college. Institutions in England must offer at least a minimum bursary payment if you’re paying maximum tuition fees and getting the full Maintenance Grant or Special Support Grant.

Grants and bursaries don’t have to be repaid.

Extra help

You may qualify for extra help on top of student loans, grants and bursaries if you’re disabled, or you have a mental health condition or specific learning difficulty. And students with a child or an adult dependant may qualify for an additional grant or allowance.

To find all the information you need about applying to uni and student finance click on: www.direct.gov.uk/studentfinance