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ISSUE 820 SEPTEMBER 18 2006
GUARDIAN STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF THE YEAR
CARDIFF’S STUDENT WEEKLY free word - EST. 1972
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2006
GUAR DIAN STUDE NT MAGAZI NE OF THE YEAR
WELCOM E HE RE W E T R O E H C RE WARDIF NTO E E O T T S I F E L R E HOP, WH ER E ERE TO
OS T E WH E E, WH R R C E E N H H A W D W , O T U EAS RE T S YO F E L L H O E T W T E , H R K C E N , WH QUEN P O DRI E T E E L R S E O H T TO EAT, WO PARTY, WHERE W FAVOURITE CITY WHERE T O GO IN YOUR NE WE MEET DOCTOR W T HO WHERE D A VI D TE NNANT
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CHEAP AND CHEERFUL Cardiff is named the most cost-effective city to study in By Jo Dingle News Editor CARDIFF students enjoy cheaper living costs than students in any other city in the UK, according to new research by the Royal Bank of Scotland. The study found that low rent and high student employment in Cardiff made living in the city highly costeffective. The findings come as the total spent on British students’ accommodation and living expenses is expected to total £10 billion over the next academic year. On average students in Cardiff spend £188 a week on living and housing costs, and earn £131. In comparison, UK wide, the average spending on living and housing costs is £206 per week, alongside average weekly earnings of just £69.
By opting to study in Cardiff as opposed to Cambridge, which was found to be the least cost-effective in the index of 26 universities, students can expect to be around £80 better off a week – the equivalent of £2,400 a year. Former Cardiff University student Toan Ravenscroft said he had found the city a relatively cheap place to study. He said: "You can pay in a week in London what you pay in a month in Cardiff [on rent] - so you are aware of the difference.” On top of this, English students at Welsh universities will not have to pay top-up fees of up to £3,000 until next year, effectively saving £1,800 more than if they were studying at a university over the border. The research also found that almost half of all students expect to have a part-time job while studying next year, compared to 40% during
the last academic year. Universities are thought to be increasingly sympathetic to students’ financial needs and recognise that many need to supplement their student loan with part-time employment. Cardiff University has a dedicated Jobshop which acts as a job agency to help students find employment. In contrast, Cambridge University students are discouraged from undertaking part-time work during term time. Third year Cardiff student David Menon works part-time and thinks that the extra hours are worth it. He said: “During term time I earn about £90 a week working for 16 hours at a local bingo hall. “By working on Friday nights and doing a long 12 hour shift on Saturday I am able to get most of my uni work done in the week. “I don’t think that my degree has
Cardiff students are around £80 better-off each week compared to Cambridge students suffered at all from having a job. “Having a job gives me financial security so I can have as many beers as I want in Fun Factory.” Another recent survey for NatWest bank indicates that Welsh sixth formers can expect to pay £32,641 for a three-year degree including £14,375 of debt. But despite these figures, 79 per cent of students beginning university this September believe that going to university will help them with their future job prospects. For advice on money related issues, debt and how to stick to a budget, drop into the Student Advice Centre on the third floor of the Students’ Union.
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RAGEH OMARR ON HOW TO GET AHEAD IN THE MEDIA PAGE 13
PLUS: HEALTH ON HOW TO STAY FRESH DURING FRESHERS’ WEEK PAGE 17