Foreword for National Student Lifestyle Magazine
by Bill Rammell

Going to university is a fantastic opportunity. The friendships and interests you develop at university will probably stay with you for life. And the qualification you get at the end of your studies will give you an excellent start when it comes to choosing a career. In every sense, going to university is an investment in your future and one that’s certainly worthwhile.
Although financially, it may seem like a daunting prospect, we are doing more than ever to make going to university more manageable. From September 2006, your tuition fees can be covered by a loan that you don’t have to repay until after you’ve finished studying. And repayment rates are even more affordable under the new system. Someone earning £18,000 will only pay back £5.19 each week no matter how much they owe and you won’t have to repay anything until you are earning more than £15,000.

There is more support for poorer students as well. Students whose family income is less than about £15,000 will be entitled to an annual grant of £2,700 and there will be some help for all students whose joint parental income is less than £33,000. We estimate that over 50% of students will be eligible for some level of financial support. You can also apply for a loan, which is based on your personal circumstances, to help with your living costs. And many universities and colleges are also planning to offer non-repayable bursaries to students as well.

We are committed to building an education system that gives everyone the opportunities they need to get on in life. For many young people, going to university is a life-changing experience, and the best route to a secure future. I hope you all make the most of the fantastic opportunities university life has to offer. And I wish you all the very best for the future.