UCAS - Universities mark Student Finance Day

Universities mark Student Finance Day

Student Finance Day has been all about ensuring applicants know the score when it comes to money issues.

Universities up and down the country have been taking part in Student Finance Day today (November 14th). UCAS too has been involved in the initiative, which is all about ensuring university applicants know the score when it comes to money issues.

Student Finance Day 2011 is led by consumer campaigner Martin Lewis of MoneySavingExpert.com, who leads the Independent Taskforce on Student Finance Information. The day sees universities, schools and colleges work together to ensure prospective students, their parents and teachers all understand what the new student finance system in England actually means for them.

Martin Lewis believes there is a lot of misconceptions surrounding student finance. He says: "Prospective students are making their decision based on headline fee levels rather than how much it's actually likely to cost them. Many students, especially from lower income families, are unnecessarily being put off. We need ensure they understand how it really works so they can make an informed decision."

Oxford University is one institution that been getting involved in the day's events. Its vice-chancellor, Professor Andrew Hamilton, said: "We are very aware that there are still a lot of misconceptions about student finance, and want to get out the message that any UK student who wins a place at Oxford will be able to afford to come here."

Even if you haven't been able to get along to one of the events, you still have plenty of ways to make sure you are well-versed in the language of student finance.

The UCAS website has loads of information on the cost of studying in the UK for 2012 entry and the support available. The Taskforce has also produced a new app for 2012 applicants, viewable on any smartphone by visiting www.unifees2012.com.

Mary Curnock Cook, UCAS chief executive, said: "UCAS is committed to ensuring that applicants have access to everything they need to make a fully informed choice about higher education. Access to comprehensive information about finance arrangements is really important"

Meanwhile, you can also use the The Student Finance School and College Tour to find out more. It began in September and will run through until the UCAS application deadline in January 2012. It aims to visit over 2,300 schools, further education and sixth form colleges across England in the run up to the UCAS application deadline on 15 January 2012. Information evenings for parents will be taking place during November and December as part of the Tour.

The main thing to remember is that you should not let concerns about fees and costs to get in the way of what is a crucial, life-changing decision.

Dr Wendy Piatt, director of the Russell Group of universities, explains: "Students should certainly not be put off university by the new fees and funding system. If you're good enough to get in, you can afford to go."

2011-11-15

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