“What are we getting out of it?” A students view of the tuition fee rises.

The UK government has just announced a rise in university tuition fees for the first time in eight years from April 2025. We asked student Tai Lammiman the question: Is it actually worth it anymore? 

£67,950. What could I buy with that? That is how much I will owe in student loans after I finish university in 2025. For future students, owing to last week’s first Labour budget in 15 years, my almost 70,000 will be a snip. Tuition fees alone are going up to £9535 a year.

Studying in London is a dream for many, but as a current student, I can attest that it comes with its fair share of challenges. Rents are sky-high, the cost of living crisis and managing expenses while trying to focus on studies can be overwhelming and often overshadows the academic experience. What are we getting out of it?

Speaking to my peers and colleagues who have all studied at different times, its become more frustrating to learn that my cohort of students seem to have it the worst. With less contact hours, fewer resources and higher costs, it feels like you have to invent your motivation and drag it with you whilst battling everything else.

All I wanted to do was get to London. The government is letting us down yet again. Despite Kier Starmer's pledge to eliminate student fees during his prime ministerial campaign, he has chosen to raise them instead. Different administration, same quandary, driving a bigger social divide between the type of people that can and want to go to university. Is this new class division what the government really want?

I know the struggles. I come from a working class family with a single mother. I know what its like to have to budget every penny I get to make sure I can stay here, do my best and then prosper in my field. Students both current and past can barely afford to live as it is and the fees are already far too expensive.

If I had the chance to go back and make the decision again, I’m not sure I would choose university. I’ve realised that while there are undeniable benefits to higher education there are also significant drawbacks. Mainly a lifetime of financial worry. I didn't actually choose to attend a London university with the sole aim of getting a degree; all I wanted do was get to London and start networking and learning from the best, which I now am. That was done on my own back. However I am now left with nearly £70k of debt.

That said, university has offered me opportunities for personal growth, networking, and exploring new ideas, whilst having the freedom to explore and create without major consequences. I’ve met incredible people and learned things I never would have otherwise. However a lot of the networking has been done on my own merit and the opportunities I’ve had have come from hard work and putting myself out there. So, while I sometimes question the path I’ve chosen, I can’t deny the experiences I’ve had have shaped who I am today.

£70,000 is a big price tag to pay for gaining confidence.