STAY AY HOME UNIVERSITIES

Bear with me for a Dark Ages moment or two. When I left home in 1977 to go to university it was a door into a different world.I met students from a wide range of backgrounds, I was independent, I was an ADULT ( well I thought I was) . The notion of staying at home and going to university would have been absolute anathema.
Today, the news channels report the Govt plans financial incentives - no tuition fees - for students who stay at home.
Some 30 years on my nephew is planning to do exactly that because he does not want to be lumbered with thousands of pounds in debt. And no doubt, in the current climate, he's making a highly sensible decision. But we have to ask ourselves what will happen if this policy, which on the face of it helps thousands of young people, comes to pass.
Effectively, those with least money will choose to stay at home. It will create a two-tier system whereby the rich and affluent will choose universities on the basis of the best place for their courses, enjoy the freedom of three years away from home, and of course the unique experience which university offers in learning how to survive as an adult for the first time ever.
Those with no such resources will study close to Mum and Dad. They will also lose out both intellectually and be the "poor relations" in an unacceptable way . The only answer is for the Govt to re-introduce proper maintenance grants, stop the iniquitous financial burden which students carry, and reform the tax system so that university is open to all. With no worries about debt, tutition fees, or the highly necessary practice of cutting free from the comforts of home.