Basic rules to follow during a protest:
1) Know your facts
If you don't really understand what the implications of the fee hike actually are, don't talk to the media. I’m getting frustrated hearing “I can’t afford to pay £9,000 per year” being met with “But you realise you wouldn’t have to pay that money up front?” Cue reaction of stifled surprise, followed with sidetracking to avoid the issue. Not only does it make fees seem a more agreeable option - it makes you look stupid.
2) Don’t break stuff
So… students have a reputation for causing criminal damage when drunk. Obviously it’s just a few that ruin it for the many, but it’s a common stereotype. Needlessly smashing stuff up simply reinforces said stereotype, and in turn will not help win the hearts of the nation. Obviously.
---
To be honest, I’m not 100% against student fees going up.
The argument that “They had free education, why can’t we?” carries no weight with me anymore. On all political issues, I think you have to deal with the present situation, rather than constantly wanting to reinstate the past. Take it into account, yes, but consider relevant developments that have happened since then and look for a realistic and fair solution.
On this issue along with millions of others, it’s hard to be impartial when you’re heavily involved, but it’s important to stay open-minded just incase you’re wrong. I can remember being baffled by the party representation across the board at the NUS Conference back in 2003. I have always thought that absolutely toeing any party line shows questionable morality – (surely you can’t agree with one party’s policies on everything and therefore are willing to sacrifice your core beliefs on certain issues) - but when it’s 18/19/20 year olds with ‘Young Tory’/‘Young Labour’ t-shirts on, it smacks of naivety. Or am I just being ageist?
(Anyway, getting back on track… ) I feel that as a nation we need to consider the current university system. This may sound savage, but I think that certain degrees are pointless and are chosen as an easy option. Too many people have been going to university for the lifestyle rather than the education. I’ll put my hands up and say that the lifestyle massively appealed to me… which is why I’m torn: I want as many people as possible to experience the good times that I had, but can the nation afford it? If we can’t then it’s not really fair to keep the party going, is it?
I could write for aaaaaaaaaages on this subject, but I’m probably already boring the handful of people who’ve bothered to read this, so my final point is: We forget as students, (probably because it doesn't feel like you're actually paying anything) that we are the customers. Therefore, ultimately on the issue, I’d be happy to pay back 9k per year IF I received an education that was worth it. The forecasted debt repayments will not be crippling, and I guarantee that my 18 year old self would have worked a lot harder and taken it a lot more seriously had he known there was that much money involved.
