Hidden Course Costs........

Have you been hit by hidden course costs during your studies? Do you feel that hidden costs encountered through your course have had a direct impact on you gaining the full Reading University experience?

RUSU wants to know exactly what these costs are so that we can work to ensure the university provides greater assistance with these costs. We want to know the essential and optional costs you have encountered and what help, if any, you have received for these additional costs. After paying tuition fees are these costs unwelcome extras?

Let RUSU know now by filling out our 10 minute survey on the link below:

Take Survey

This first-hand research will ensure that we have a clearer idea of what extra financial burdens Reading University students currently face through their courses. RUSU aims to use this confidential information to carry out their mission to fight for greater financial and educational equality for you, its members.

National Demo - 29th October 2006

Today i have been mostly thinking about the national demo.....



Freshers week is fast approaching, and with students arriving faced with the annual bills of £3,000, the fear of debt looms.... there are many arguments around top up fees, but what really stands out in my mind is that less students will come to university, top up fees are clearly creating injustice and inequality in education. How can the government be widening participation, when students from such non-traditional backgrounds will have to look at their bank balance rather than their ability and aspirations.


I worked all through my degree, at times saturday and sundays along with some weeknights, and i know this had an affect on my studies, this was under the old system, i know for a fact under the new system i wouldnt even be here at Reading. So £3,000 this year, and with the debate of lifting this cap on the table, we have to be strong and active in making sure this does not rise.


Alan Johnson (Secretary of State for Education and Skills) remarked that students will 'learn to love top-up fees'.... Learn to love three grand a year, inequailty, injustice and an increasingly polarised and tiered education system....? I think not, RUSU thinks not, NUS thinks not and if you think not then join us on the national demo - 29th October 2006!





Admission Impossible is the NUS Priority Campaign and is outlined below

• NO to soaring levels of student debt


• NO to any attempt to lift the cap


• NO to the marketisation of education


• YES to free education and access for all

We are working hard on this campaign at RUSU and more details will follow shortly, students of the past present and future need to stand up and fight for a fair system for tomorrow's students.

Watch this space...

Ryan

r.j.e.bird@reading.ac.uk