Part 2. Student life

For all Degrees, Higher National Diploma and Higher National Certificate courses as well as for some Postgraduate Diplomas, student allowances are available from Local Education Authorities in England and Wales and from the Scottish Office Education Department. The introduction of the Education (Student Loans) Regulations 1990 had the effect of freezing student grants at their 1990/91 level. The grant can be topped up by a loan from the Student Loan Company.

Tuition fees are high, especially for overseas students, and they are increased each year in line with inflation.

Other costs, such as accommodation and food, vary from region to region. In general, students will need £5,000-£7,000 each year, after they have paid their tuition fees, to cover other living expenses.

The student year and college life

Traditionally, the UK academic year is split into three terms- autumn(late September/early October to mid December), spring (January to late March/ early April) and summer(April to mid July). However, an increasing number of universities and colleges are adopting a semester system, dividing a year into 15-week periods of study.

When they first arrive at college, first year university students are called «freshers». Often freshers will live in a Hall of Residence on or near the college campus, although they may move out into a rented room in their second or third year, or share a house with friends.

Traditionally, the year begins with Freshers' Week- a week of music, entertainment and activities designed to introduce new students life and the many student-run clubs and societies. All the clubs and societies hold a «freshers' fair» during which they try to persuade the new students to join their society. The freshers are told that it is important for them to come into contact with many opinions and activities during their time at university, but the choice can be a bit overwhelming. At most universities and colleges, the students' union acts as the representative of students across a wide range of political and welfare issues. In addition, the union financially supports the many clubs and societies that are formed by its members, runs restaurants and bars on campus and organizes sporting and social events.

At first, you may be surprised by the apparent lack of interest shown by some British students towards serious study. To understand their behavior, you need to understand a little about British student traditions. Historically, the social side of college life has always been as important as academic study. Most undergraduates will be living away from home for the first time , and see their degree course as their last opportunity to be young and reckless. Underneath the surface, most are committed to their studies and proud of their achievements, even if they do not admit it.

Most graduates look back on their years at university or college as among the happiest of their lives. The friends made and the knowledge and experience gained shape their lives for a long time afterwards.

Task Three. Answer the following questions:

Part 1.

1. What changes in the sphere of higher education were introduced by the Further and Higher Education Act 1992?

2. What used to be the differences between universities and polytechnics?

3. What differences can be seen between universities and colleges of higher education?

4. What features of its own identify does each university and college have ?

5. How can you define a campus university?

6. What are the most common requirements to higher education ?

7. How many A-levels do most universities require ?

8. When do the applicants have to send an application form to colleges of their choice?

Part 2.

1. What are typical mixtures of the teaching and study methods?

2. What is a tutorial and its role in old and new universities?

3. What role do libraries have in the study activities of the students?

4. What are the forms and methods of assessment in most universities?

5. What are the advantages of the Modular System?

6. What is the first degree students take after entering university?

7. How are the first called?

8. What are other higher education qualifications?

Part 3.

1. What qualification should teachers seeking a career in publicly maintained schools obtain?

2. At what institutions can a person obtain the QTS?

3. What are the two most common routes into teaching?

4. By what bodies are colleges of education mainly provided?

5. What do institutions selecting candidates for primary school look at?

6. What qualities do the selectors look for among candidates for secondary teaching courses?

7. What is the scheme of study based upon?

8. What are the compulsory subjects for all students at colleges of education?

9. Out of optional subjects a student chooses one or two as his future specialization, doesn't he?