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Hannah Scott
Student Copy Writer |
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Hidden Costs of University Study
Reading University Students’ Union has conducted a recent survey to ascertain the various hidden costs associated with University study.
The survey, carried out last term, gained an almost 500 strong response and included questions to determine the financial influence over university choice as well as about the core and optional costs associated with student life.
One of the key findings of the report was that for 67% of students, money wasn’t considered a high factor in determining which University to attend. 55% of students also admitted that they were unaware of the bursaries, scholarships and other sources of funding and support provided by the University before applying for their course.
It was also identified that books, stationary, printing and photocopying were the predominant encountered core costs for most students; 44% of students who completed the survey recognized that their core costs equated to over £251 per an average year.
Optional University costs, additional to core costs and part of the wider student experience, included costs such as bus travel, sports equipment, field trips and gym membership. 55% of students saw these optional costs as essential in gaining a wider Reading University student experience.
Although many students thought the core and optional costs unreasonable, the report concluded that students are perhaps becoming more used to the greater costs, as identified with the lack of financial awareness when applying for University. Over 84% of students saw these additional University costs as necessary for them to study their course to full affect as well as to gain a full Reading University experience.
Pete Jeffreys, Reading University Students’ Union Vice President for Education, said: "With the added burden of top up tuition fees, it's essential that students know the true cost of university study so that they can more effectively budget. With hidden costs such as field trips, printing and photocopying, text books, travel for study, and art or lab materials mounting up to over £250 each year for 44% of respondents, this is clearly an issue we need to be addressing."
"As well as being up front about the likely costs, we are keen draw students' attention to the various areas of support funds available to help them through university life. As well as the usual Student Loan, some students will be eligible to university bursaries or scholarships, and many more could receive much needed financial support from the Access to Learning Fund."
It is hoped that the key findings of this report will be used to highlight the issues connected to the rising costs of studying for a degree, and help in encouraging students to access more of the wide range of support funds available.
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