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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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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:

KoalaFace · 19/07/2013 13:54

Good for you! Health Sciences sounds interesting!

antshouse · 19/07/2013 13:55

If you are in your 40s you have up to 25 years to work. Why shouldn't you train for something you'd enjoy doing?
If anyone comments on the finance ask them if they think its wrong for a younger person with a life limiting condition to have financial help too, or just don't mention the student loan at all.

Original poster

3across2down · 19/07/2013 14:45

Badguider, I think I will use your points when I discuss the issue again thank you.

Punkaheart, Lostin, Koala This thread has helped me so much! I can't wait to get started now and am going to put this issue aside with a much lighter heart and think about stationary shopping and other study preparations!

OP posts:

samandi · 19/07/2013 15:26

Of course you should take it if you are eligible.

samandi · 19/07/2013 15:27

Although, if you think you are only able to work part-time, does that mean you are only able to study part-time too? I didn't think student finance was available for part-time study.

AuntFini · 19/07/2013 15:59

I have recently been one

AuntFini · 19/07/2013 16:00

Posted too soon

I was recently a student. I currently owe 32,000. It wouldn't cross my mind to think you shouldn't get what you're entitled to. Good for you, enjoy it.

ArtemisKelda · 19/07/2013 16:15

I'm 39, v v close to 40 and have just completed my first year studying with the OU. I passed! If it wasn't for student finance, I wouldn't be able to do my degree.

Go for it, you'll have a fair few working years left when you graduate. What would you regret more, doing it and having student debt or not doing it at all?

titchy · 19/07/2013 16:17

Samandi pt students are now eligible for loans.

Xihha · 19/07/2013 17:16

There are loads of students on the OU support groups who are doing a degree despite being unlikely to earn enough to have to pay it back, most of them are planning to pay back bits as and when they can. My view is if you are eligible then apply for it.

I'm an OU student as well (although I'm on the old system so don't have a student loan) and it is well worth doing, good luck.

KnitFastDieWarm · 19/07/2013 18:32

Go for it. You only live once, and education isn't a slot machine of money in=well paid career out. It's incredibly fulfilling and confidence boosting to learn something or the sheer love of it - and as you say, the knowledge and critical thinking skills you gain will enhance the sum total of knowledge in the world.
Now, get buying stationary! I used to salivate at the start of every term just thinking about new notepads, etc....;-p

VitoCorleone · 19/07/2013 19:20

Are you doing the access course first?

Im starting the access course in October to brush up on my studying skills then will be studying Law. Cant wait to start!!!

chateauferret · 19/07/2013 19:41

The writeoff of loans in particular circumstances is provided for in the scheme and written up front. It's part of the subsidy that Government pays into student finance andctargets it at the neediest, and is carefully budgeted for by the respective UK administrations through a complex calculation known as the 'RAB charge'. So it's not dishonest to avail oneself of the entitlement or subsidy, nor will it surprise anyone.

LucilleBluth · 19/07/2013 19:56

I have just finished an Openings course, they have discontinued openings now and replaced them with access courses. I am doing my first proper year starting in October and have just applied for my student loan. I'm 32 with three DC's, you can and should do it.

I'm doing History btw.

40ShillingsOnTheDrum · 19/07/2013 20:13

An educated society is a enriches society. Not everything should be measured purely in monetary terms.

TickleMyTitsTillFriday · 19/07/2013 20:18

Vito snap, I'm starting my access course in October and then law. I can't wait!

Go for it 3

jellybeans · 19/07/2013 22:16

Go for it. I am old scheme too so I pay but reduced amount and no loan. I would still do it under the current system and take a loan. I am mid 30s and long term (14yrs) SAHM too and not sure if will ever work full time due to the 5 DC and health issues. But it keeps options open for the future.

LollyLaDrumstick · 19/07/2013 23:05

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

PoodleFlavouredFreddos · 20/07/2013 00:15

I don't think it is unfair at all.
It is unfair for people to think you should not have dreams/goals/aspirations and achievements because you have chronic pain, which makes day to day living so much hard work.
You never know what may come from it either, it could lead to a way to earning above the threshold in a flexible job that you can manage around your pain - and if it doesn't, so what - you took the chance and you deserve to have happiness and success in a way that is measurable to you.

There is this massive stigma which dictates people who are ill or impaired should not be able to gain something to improve confidence and quality of life because it is unfair on those who work/have an income not based on the benefit system and that is so so wrong.

I hope you really, really enjoy your degree.

And as badguider said, you are not avoiding paying it back intentionally - and many people do do that.

Best of luck to you :)

BeyondTheLimitsOfAcceptability · 20/07/2013 06:49

I'm studying Health Sciences! It's brilliant, I love it.

I also have long term health probs which mean I'm possibly never gonna have a "proper" ft job again. My finance is paid back monthly though, not a proper student loan think it works differently in Wales?

VitoCorleone · 20/07/2013 17:14

Ooh tickle thats great!! The prospectus on Law looks really good doesnt it? Im very excited :)

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