International Students House (London)’s Post

Important take on the idea of the "value" of #university degrees that we should heed: students themselves care less about quatitative investment than quality of teaching and learning. But note too the role of socio-economic background in student satisfaction in perceptions of #value, indicating the function of #universities in the maintenance of social #class. How far do student perceptions of value mean "this experience confirms my position in the social hierarchy" (positive or negative) and/ or "this experience gives me the skills to move as I choose in the hierarchy - up, down or out" ? I would hope the latter. "students’ socio-economic backgrounds play a role in their perceptions – with those from private schools or non-UK backgrounds more likely to view their investment as good value. On the balance between outputs and outcomes, quality of teaching was deemed the most crucial factor, followed by access to resources and fair assessment. Outcomes like employment prospects and earnings potential, while on the list, were much less critical than the quality of the experience itself." https://lnkd.in/et2a2tDD

This is a really interesting look at the idea of 'rip-off' degrees, including the position students themselves take on this idea: https://lnkd.in/eBN4M2WB . As Dickinson argues, "understanding both why students express that regret, and what it is that they value in a course, should matter". Meanwhile, extensive OfS research (not often cited by current narratives on 'love value' degrees) evidences that "quality of teaching was deemed the most crucial factor [in students valuing their studies], followed by access to resources and fair assessment. Outcomes like employment prospects and earnings potential, while on the list, were much less critical than the quality of the experience itself." The whole piece is absolutely worth a read.

🌟 Excelling at University: Keys to Success! 🎓 As the academic year commences, many students are navigating the challenges of university life. Here are some essential tips to help you thrive: 1. **Stay Organised**: Use planners or digital tools to keep track of assignments, deadlines, and exams. A well-structured schedule can reduce stress and enhance productivity. 2. **Engage Actively**: Participate in class discussions, join study groups, and connect with peers. Building relationships fosters collaboration and makes learning more enjoyable. 3. **Seek Help When Needed**: Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors or academic advisors for guidance. Utilizing campus resources like tutoring centers can also provide additional support. 4. **Balance is Key**: While academics are important, don’t forget to take care of your mental and physical health. Make time for exercise, hobbies, and social activities to maintain a well-rounded lifestyle. 5. **Set Goals**: Define short-term and long-term academic goals. Having clear objectives can keep you motivated and focused on your studies. 6. **Embrace Challenges**: University can be tough, but every challenge is an opportunity for growth. Learn to adapt and overcome obstacles, and you’ll emerge stronger. Remember, success at university is not just about grades; it’s about personal growth and building a foundation for your future. Keep pushing forward and believe in yourself! 💪✨ #UniversitySuccess #StudentLife #GrowthMindset #AcademicExcellence

Do you think universities are adequately preparing students for life after studies? One of our most popular articles is about the common problems faced by students, and one of the key questions floating around is whether the skills learned at universities are transferable to the workplace. So, if you've been at university, do you think that the uni experience prepared you for work after graduating? Here is the full article here: https://lnkd.in/ec4XdWwD #university #students #careerdevelopment

Each year, some hard-working students will receive an unconditional offer from a university. This sounds great, right? The pressure is off, and students can focus on their plans of what comes next. But those offers may end up discouraging students from working hard in their exams. We explore the pros and cons in this blog 👇 https://bit.ly/4ap6rUq

Are your expectations about U.S. grad school realistic? Students face a harsh reality in USA. I have heard from countless students who were surprised by the challenges they faced: both financially and academically. What do students often get wrong? 1) The workload is intense: Many students underestimate the academic pressure. It's not uncommon to be juggling multiple projects, exams, and research deadlines at once. Expect to work long hours—some students report putting in 50-70 hours a week. 2) It’s expensive: Beyond tuition, there are hidden costs like health insurance, books, lab fees, and living expenses. For a two year program, you could be looking at $40,000 to $90,000 total, depending on the university and city. 3) Funding is not always guaranteed: Many students expect full funding or assistantships, but the reality is that these are highly competitive. In some cases, students have to rely on loans or part-time jobs to make ends meet. 4) Cultural adjustment is real: Moving to the U.S. means adapting to a new culture, academic system, and lifestyle. It can be overwhelming, especially for international students who face homesickness and language barriers. **How can you prepare**? ✅ Research funding options early: Look for scholarships, fellowships, and assistantships before you apply. Know what kind of financial support each school offers. ✅ Prepare for the workload: Grad school is a marathon, not a sprint. Develop good time management skills and be ready for some long nights. ✅ Plan your budget: Don’t just think about tuition factor in all living costs, including health insurance, rent, and daily expenses. Be realistic about what you can afford. ✅ Build a support system: Reach out to current students, alumni, and local student communities. Having people to lean on makes the transition much easier. Grad school can be an incredible experience, but it’s important to go in with your eyes wide open. Preparation is everything! Follow Simple Mind School for more tips on navigating the grad school journey!

There must be five things you should consider before selecting a University Program 🫶🏻 🌎 Location Preferences: Creating the perfect setting can make all the difference. Think about the environment that motivates you the most, whether it's the lively energy of the city or the peacefulness of the countryside. 🏢 Campus Size: Whether big or small, the key is finding your comfort zone! A smaller campus provides a tight-knit community, while a larger one offers diversity. What vibe suits you best? 💸 Financial Strategy: While finances are important, you have options! Scholarships, part-time work, and loans are all tools in your financial toolkit. Plan your strategy wisely for a secure educational investment. 📚 Learning Style: Your academic journey is significantly influenced by your learning style, whether you thrive in interactive classrooms or cherish independent study.

Interesting to see this article open with a Northumbria student's experience. The reality needs to be understood: the cost of living crisis and lack of maintenance loan in line with inflation is having a profound effect on the lives of students... 💡We've seen attendance for optional, singular extra-curricular sessions collapse. 💡We now record all central career sessions and market this extensively. 💡In 2yrs we’ve had over 12k views of our online career workshops. 💡Just 9 students attended our finding PT work workshop this year. The same workshop has had 2,865 views online (and still gets daily views). Our data shows students DO want to engage. Many just do it differently now due to being digital natives and economic factors forcing their hand.

Just read a powerful article that struck a chord with me and echoed countless conversations I've had with students over the past year. Here's the real issue: We keep talking about student engagement in HE, but that's missing the point. The real crisis is the cost of living. Students aren't disengaged because they're lazy or uninterested—they're struggling to choose between basic necessities and their education. One student poignantly said, "The choice between being hungry and getting a good grade is very real." As a first-generation university student, I understand this struggle all too well. I worked countless hours to make university possible, gaining lower grades due to that, and facing bias and barriers every step of the way. It's time to shift the conversation. This isn't just an engagement problem; it's a cost of living crisis impacting our future generations. Let's address the root cause and advocate for real change. Dive into the full article here: https://lnkd.in/e7AukaRF #HigherEducation #CostOfLivingCrisis #StudentSupport #UniversityLife #ChangeTheConversation