On Monday, 22 February 2016 09:13:06 UTC, Graham Easterling wrote:
SNIP
The number that go to University now is so large that local councils cannot afford the fees and grants, unlike in my day. But it all seems a bit pointless and leaves a distinct impression of being a way of keeping young people away from unemployment, as least temporarily.

Tudor Hughes

I think this is the most important point. Back when I took my degree (1970-73) it was still a very small number (relative to today) that did. However, it meant you got a grant, not a loan. It was all essentially free. It meant you had no financial worries about going, you could go from any background. At that time my parents had little money and we lived on a Council Estate, in the far west of Cornwall. It didn't matter, if you wanted to go you could, and I ended up in NW London sharing with 2 lads from Barnsley.

Now, the policy of 'everyone who wants too should go & Britain will be great again' has made the whole thing unaffordable. So we have a system which works against people from a poorer background. In addition, many go to the nearest university so they can remain at home and saved money.

Getting away from home was too me the greatest experience. (Actually I left home before finishing my 'A' levels, but that's a different story.

Graham
Penzance

That sums up my experience uncannily accurately. Going to University was thought a bit special but I'd say that those of my classmates who did not go nevertheless got pretty good jobs anyway and the lack of this formal qualification made little long-term difference to their career.

Tudor Hughes.