And if it means you don’t need to work during term, all the better.

I pay roughly $6,600 rent + utility bills for the year, paid out of my $10,000 loan. $85 dollars a week to live on is not much in the UK (£42). Do-able, but as I said, I would not be able to go out at all. Plus all those unexpected expenses that turn up.

If I am able to earn enough over summer I don’t need to work over term-term. As many other students would agree… that’s much more preferrable.

As you say, we change because economics and politics change. Life doesn’t stand still.

And now far more people are in Higher Education, the value of a Bachelors degree has changed in the eyes of both students and employers. I don’t agree with some commentators that degrees have lost most of their value. And I believe the university experience is about far more than getting a degree at the end of it anyway. The possibilities are endless.

Anecdotally, I hear of many more people studying for a Masters Degree and beyond (including my wife and some good friends). Even I expect to take a postgraduate qualification one day. But I don’t know the actual figures. I suspect numbers are creeping up, though.

If you say that a certain man goes up to the university to study and to work simultaneously, and there are defferences between what we have now and what was in past, I shall say that in Russia, even six years ago – and earlier, students didn’t want to earn more over their grant, because the “scholarship” were splendid. Now the averaged grant is such low, that student cannot even buy a shoe. Parents’ support is always good, but somebody of the students are parents, too. By the way, I study in the state university, but not fee-free – for almost $2000 within semester (my salary is $400 per month – not stiff), and I can understand people forced to work while studying.

In another hand, if to say that people become students to make their future and to provide their material safety, I wish to say, that – again, in Russia – current situations differs drastically from what was just twenty years ago, because twenty years ago anyone could go work, and the State, engaged by law, could give him a flat in new house. Now the situation is that everyone, who wants to live slightly good, need to earn over $200000 for a simple flat. Another question is how can “degree” can help, because none of bachelors or masters can earn more than an ordinary house builder.

Summing up, I wish to say, that universities change, because economics and politics change, and – obviously – anyone’s dreams, plans and lifestyle reforms continuously. I think, that tens years ago people will look at university education with another glance and from another position, so they will go towards another aims.

P.S. I hope, that language barrier do not impede us in our discussion.

@Jeremy, yes it’s becoming more expensive and that does change opinions, expectations, enthusiasm, etc. It’s interesting that you say our time is ‘micro-segmented’ and I think you’re right. Though I don’t necessarily think that’s a good thing. I’ve slipped into that myself at times and find it a lot more productive to concentrate on small numbers of bigger projects. It’s easier said than done though!

@Rishat, people come to university with different expectations and many of them want to “live” as you say, while others simply need the money. And it is good to get experiences other than socialising and studying, which is where employment can help (among other things!).

Yes, work is just part of life in a sense, but Higher Education previously didn’t have lots of students also working (in the UK at least), so it is interesting to examine how we all see the changes taking place. From everyone’s comments so far, it’s clear to see we have different reasons for working or not working while in education.

I took “once in a blue moon” to mean ‘rarely’. If it happens “once in a blue moon”, it doesn’t often occur.

The situation is that now every single student wants to “live” – not just to study. I think so, because I’ve seen these ideas transitions during a long time. Honestly, I cannot understand, why did you bring up such question, – it’s just a simple life flow.

P.S. I cannot understand, what does it mean – “once in a blue moon”? Does this mean «v koi-to veki»?

Personally, I took out huge loans to pay my way through college and I’m paying the price now, and for many years to come. I’d advise my kids to work part time, and go to school part time.

I also feel learning to juggle these two responsibilities is worthwhile, especially as we race into a future where our time is micro-segmented into increasingly more tiny chunks.

http://www.jonesview.wordpress.com

You’re not alone in seeing university as a springboard to the future. For many, a degree is about getting a job after a few years studying. Less people are studying for the love of the subject. I must admit, I did it for love of the subject, but knew I wanted to get a lot more out of the whole experience too. I wasn’t disappointed.

But uni means so many different things for each person that it’s hard to tell what’s going on. For some, they will take a practical route, focusing mainly on the work. For others, it’s 90% fun, 10% study.

I don’t think it matters what reasons people give for being at uni, so long as they’re positive ones. If passion lives in a person and they know what they desire from life, that’s what matters.

Now you’ve quit working for now, I hope you enjoy your summer semester to the max.