My dad went to Uni when I was little.
I had an older brother, and my mum and dad had a mortgage.
My Dad had left school at sixteen and gone to work, but was really bright, which won him a place at a good Uni, and a very good degree.
He worked in the holidays, but in term time he read Eng Lit and had a lovely time.
His intention was not to make money. He told me that education was essential to the soul, and that if you had it " you may never be rich, but you will never be bored".
He taught me about history and literature instilled an appreciation of art, and encouraged me to question received wisdom.
He was never rich, and with him I was never bored.
He was a student quite some years ago, and got a grant to help him (and his family) live.
Nowadays a man (or woman) in that position could never go to university like my Dad did, and I think society is the poorer for that.
University should be for people who really care about learning, who are not only willing to work hard, but also relish the fact they are using their brains to full effect.
It should not be just a step in the career ladder on the way to a mid level job at Sainsburys, or a way of escaping your parents and getting pissed.
It should be totally fucking free to those that merit it, and there should be REAL alternatives to those to whom it is really not suited.