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The academic year
Sep. 22nd, 2009 01:14 pmThe students are returning to Nottingham. This means a 10-fold increase in the number of girls in short skirts, blue hoodies, and Ugg boots. However the fashion of last year's plain leggings has begun to give way to textured denim-effect leggings, it seems. I wonder if other university towns are like this, with so many similar-looking people.
Another thing intrigues me about universities - who pays for them? They seem to be the only large industry that claims to be less profitable the more customers they have. Is there a fixed pot of cash doled out by the government or something? I'm concerned by the push by universities and businesses to charge students more in tuition fees and to stop subsidising their loans because it's bound to deter those who don't get parental assistance. Surely a graduate tax is a fairer option if more money is needed.
Another thing intrigues me about universities - who pays for them? They seem to be the only large industry that claims to be less profitable the more customers they have. Is there a fixed pot of cash doled out by the government or something? I'm concerned by the push by universities and businesses to charge students more in tuition fees and to stop subsidising their loans because it's bound to deter those who don't get parental assistance. Surely a graduate tax is a fairer option if more money is needed.
