Uni money rant

[greenkat]

I'm totally fed up!

I made the decision to go back to uni for a year to become a teacher - I hated the three years I spent at uni because of the lecturers/teachers, money issues and the way people were generally at the uni I chose (I felt like I was looked down on because I come from a poor background). Now I don't even start until September and I already feel the same issues coming up.

The course fees are £9000 for the year which is already extortionate in my eyes - even if I have to pay it later. I also have to go on a 'residential' for a week where costs aren't fully covered (food, travel, ect - only accommodation is covered). Which I can accept but they keep adding other stuff which is doing my head in because we really are poor atm - I would think twice if we could afford to buy the kids new clothes when they need them!

I have to buy a book that costs £30 - and I have to have read it by the time the course starts so I won't get finance for it.

Now I have to pay £44 for a CRB check when the head teacher at the school I'll be studying in says the one I already have is fine - I had one done FREE when I volunteered at a school just before Christmas.

I don't want to make a fuss about it but I don't know if I should just lie down and pay for everything they throw at me?????????? I feel so stressed just about money!!!!!!!!!! And I'll be leaving the kids for the first time - full time - so I really feel miserable about everything

 

[Mumof42009]

Big hugs hun, I'm already 12,000 in debt from my course i've just completed and I've got another 3 years to complete and another £7,500 debt to add to what I already owe. Have they said you need to buy books because alot of uni's tell you to use online resources as these are more upto date. Apply to the uni for the student support money they can offer you this will help you pay for things such as your crb etc and talk to student services they are brill at helping you sort everything out. It will all be worth it in the future good luck xx

 

[greenkat]

Thanks for your reply - they said there is just this one book they ask us to buy. I will be applying for finance just I won't get anything until September - I know for most people it's not a problem but we're really on a knife edge financially at the moment My children are 2 & 3 atm so are always needing things - it's a stressful time. Just money is really is getting to me!

Good Luck with your course too

 

[nugget80]

im going back in Sept to do primary pgce and so far have not been told to buy anything and we don't do a residential for course either! fees are £9000 which is harsh, esp as oh did his 7 yrs ago all for free! as well as student loan you can get a bursary depending on your degree which does not need to be paid back! i'll be getting extra £5000 from this! its expensive but worth it!

 

[greenkat]

I'm doing Primary PGCE too I won't get any bursary because I only got a 2.2 which sucks

- In my head I know I could have done better but I had my daughter in my last year at uni so I think that affected my grade (I was getting 2.1's on most essays). BUT that also worries me - I really don't want to fail :/ and that I only got a 2.2 last time makes me wonder if I'm clever/good enough. I can only try though...

 

[nugget80]

my oh did secondary pgce and he said its very hard to fail unless you never turn up...! most unis Will not accept you on course if they didn't think you can do it! you Will be fine but gotta admit im terrified but also have super excited...! where about are you going to uni?

 

[greenkat]

It's Nottingham uni - on the SCITT course so I'm mostly at a school local to me in Yorkshire. Although I have to go away for a 'study week' in August - I'm dreading leaving my children but can't wait to get that over and done with so I can start the course.

Where are you studying? I think you're right - it will be worth it in the long run I can't wait to actually teach and have my own class!

 

[nugget80]

im at herts uni in hatfield which is local to me. Will be doing 2 placements but won't find out where they are til nearer time... i did a week summer school as part of my degree and it was loads of fun. you'll enjoy it!

 

[sarajane]

Hi I´m doing Primary PGCE this september too, it´s gonna be expensive but I think it´ll be worth it in the end. We´ve been given a book list too of recommended reading but a lot of people from what iv been told dont buy them til the first week of term. Have you thought about trying to get it from the library and photocopying parts you need etc? That´s what a lot of people used to do at my uni.

Is everyone looking forward to the course?

 

[baby8]

Uni have been absolutely amazing with me and Finance.. i've been more than happy with the way they've treated us. The amount of help you get makes it so much easier to just study and look after your LO full time. x

 

[lola_90]

I personally wouldn't bother with the books!

I've just finished my second year at uni studying primary education and have spent well over £200 on books that i've never read!

All of the ones they recommend they will have numerous copies in the library. And for most assignments they will give you a set of books to look at from the library or they will provide a reader with loads of extracts in.

I would wait until you get there, but if they say you need to read it beforehand you can probably find a copy at the library

 

[Jetters]

im at herts uni in hatfield which is local to me. Will be doing 2 placements but won't find out where they are til nearer time... i did a week summer school as part of my degree and it was loads of fun. you'll enjoy it!

I'm at Herts too

Just go for it- the debt is overwhelming but will be worth it in the long run. There is finance available left right and centre (i.e access to learning fund) so grab all that you can. My boy had just turned one when I started and i'm a single mama and I've no regrets.

 

[nugget80]

i think the debt just seems like alot...! once you start paying it off you don't even realise cos its money you never had... my oh Will finish paying his student loan in a few months so we Will be £200 a month better off! i am just sorting out finance now. have applied for loan and Will get the £5k bursary as i got a 2:1 and am hoping we Will get help with childcare as well...!