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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

as a mature OU student to apply for student finance?

46 replies

3across2down · 19/07/2013 13:04

I'm biting the bullet and starting my first thread in AIBU. I could really do with talking this through with you all. I'm always very impressed and intrigued by the variety of views on here and the support and wisdom.

I'm in my 40s and have two DC, one at uni and one hoping to go. I have spent most of my life not working due to being a SAHM, a carer and health problems. I've had numerous surgeries and will always have health issues, including chronic pain. Because of this I will, in the future, probably only ever to be able to work part-time if at all.

I've always wanted to go to uni and get a degree. Now that I have more time for me, I would like to study through OU. I rang them and they advised me to apply for student finance. The same rules would apply as for all students. So I wouldn't have to pay it back until/unless I earn over a certain amount.

My issue is that some people I've mentioned it to feel that it's unfair that I would take on the student finance knowing that I would probably never pay it back. They are looking at it from the point of view of my DC and other young students who will have the debt hanging over them. And I suppose from the point of view of taxpayers who would be funding it.

I am hoping to one day work and use the degree but because of my health and age, I don't think I would pay the full amount back.

AIBU to accept student finance and go for it? I wouldn't be able to afford it without.

OP posts:
Trills · 19/07/2013 13:05

Why would it be unreasonable?

If you are eligible, take it.

If you are not, don't.

EllieArroway · 19/07/2013 13:07

Hell, yes - go for it. Using your degree for even part-time work will contribute to the economy one way or the other, won't it? And, there's no reason why you can't make a small, voluntary repayment every month if you're not quite earning enough to officially start repayments if you feel you want to.

EhricLovesTeamQhuay · 19/07/2013 13:08

Of course yanbu. By getting educated you will increase the sum total of knowledge in the country which will have a knock on effect on your children, people you know and people you come across professionally. Education is not a pound for pound value arrangement.

Original poster
3across2down · 19/07/2013 13:19

Thank you so much for your supportive and interesting replies. I've been feeling quite subdued after the initial excitement and hurt by some of the angry comments I've had. I'm beginning to feel more positive againSmile

I like the idea of paying something back when, if I start earning.

OP posts:
KittensoftPuppydog · 19/07/2013 13:23

Agree with ehric absolutly.
There will always be someone who disapproves, no matter what you do.
Very good luck.

Original poster
3across2down · 19/07/2013 13:24

Ehric, your comments have made me think of it in a different way, thank you. My DH is a scientist and both my DC are and will be studying different sciences. They all love discussing a variety of topics and learning from each other. Hopefully I can add a different perspective and new things to talk about.

OP posts:
AuntFini · 19/07/2013 13:24

God definitely go for it. Just apply and get it. Can't believe people would tell you not to. Education is about more than just money

Original poster
3across2down · 19/07/2013 13:24

Thanks KittenSmile

OP posts:
issimma · 19/07/2013 13:25

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

HatieKokpins · 19/07/2013 13:26

Goodness, go for it! Take everything you're eligible for, enjoy your course to the full, and stuff the naysayers!

NewAtThisMalarky · 19/07/2013 13:27

I'm in my 40s, and am starting my third OU course. I qualify for finance in the old system (I don't have to pay it back), and I'm taking full advantage.

Go for it!

Original poster
3across2down · 19/07/2013 13:27

Aunt, it's mainly been young students who, in their eyes, are facing a future of debts. And they feel I have an 'easy life'.

OP posts:
titchy · 19/07/2013 13:28

If the system was as it was 10 years ago when there were no fees payable by students or graduates would you feel guilty about accessing HE? I'm guessing not, nothing's really changed from then, it's just that the equivalent in fees then was paid direct to Universities from government (well indirectly actually but you get my drift).

KoalaFace · 19/07/2013 13:31

Go for it! ehric is spot on.

Good for you wanting to learn something new.

Can I be nosy and ask what you fancy studying?

squoosh · 19/07/2013 13:33

I think Ehric put it perfectly!

Go for it.

MrsTerryPratchett · 19/07/2013 13:35

I do some financial literacy training as part of my job and discuss the legal and moral aspects of debt. There is a bit of a moral dilemma in that you will be agreeing that you are being lent money and intend to pay it back. Now, most people don't get credit cards, thinking, 'oh well, I can always declare bankruptcy'. They get into trouble and seek help. You are going into it thinking that you will not be paying back what is a debt in your name.

Now, I think education should be a right not a privilege, that we all contribute to society and shouldn't just judge that contribution financially. You have contributed and maybe you deserve a cheap or free education. However, someone is paying for that and you do not intend for that person to be you. Younger people won't get that. That's not your fault but I might feel guilty about that.

It's a pickle.

Original poster
3across2down · 19/07/2013 13:38

More great comments, thank you! This has boosted me so much, I think I'm going to stop being such a lurker and start chatting more!

I'm going to -yes, going to!!! - study health sciences.

OP posts:
lainiekazan · 19/07/2013 13:39

Would they not take the money from your estate? Otherwise there would be loads of people doing degrees in their 60s and 70s who had no intention or hope of paying the fees back.

Original poster
3across2down · 19/07/2013 13:41

MrsTerry, that's exactly my sticking point. I feel better about it and feel I can morally do it after reading the earlier point that I can pay some back when I can afford to.

OP posts:
Original poster
3across2down · 19/07/2013 13:44

Lainie, good question. I don't think they do and it sounds like lots of students in their 60s and 70s are doing so.

OP posts:
titchy · 19/07/2013 13:45

laine - no they don't take it from your estate, and yes there may well be loads of people in their 60's and 70's with loans they will never pay back. Tis a bizarre system, but the Govn. can't be seen to fall fowl of age discrimination.

badguider · 19/07/2013 13:46

You don't KNOW you won't be able to pay it back and you don't intentionally want to AVOID paying it back, you just aren't sure you'll be able to.
In your case I'd say go for it, who knows what the future holds.

If you said 'should i do this and then do everything in my power to avoid paying it back?' i would say 'no' but that's very far from your situation.

MrsTerryPratchett · 19/07/2013 13:46

Brilliant. I just like being Devil's advocate. have a lovely and edumacating time! Grin

Punkatheart · 19/07/2013 13:47

Go for it my darling girl. I hope it gives you a new lease of life. Enjoy!

LostInWales · 19/07/2013 13:51

Go, go, go. I am an (sadly self financing although I'm in Wales so pay a fraction of my English counterparts, I don't feel guilty about that) OU student. It's not just about learning things. I have so much more confidence in my self now I am progressing through my degree, my children see that I sit down to study and work hard for exams which is good for them. The more I study the more I realise I can do, I can't work my current job full time due to arthritis but I can now see there are new things that I will be able to do even when I am more crippled than I am now. You are opening so many more doors for yourself by learning. I think the OU is a great force for good in this country, get on to student support now and decide what you want to do!