Student life

British universities are undoubtedly among the most expensive in Europe. The same goes for the costs of living as a student in the UK. The situation in Germany, on the other hand, could not be more different. Freed of exorbitant university fees, German students enjoy higher education of a comparably high standard that usually does not see them graduate with a huge pile of debt that then has to be paid off. 

As we approach the end of Barack Obama’s presidency, it will be high time for experts to begin evaluating the significance of his legacy. Many will discuss the hallmarks of his administration such as healthcare reform, the elimination of Osama bin Laden, and diplomacy with Cuba, weighing these achievements against the deficits and lost opportunities that critics associate with Obama’s handling of foreign policy and the economy. But I suspect not as much will be said about the gems we’ve gleaned from observing Obama’s character.

It will come as no surprise to most people that the real estate market news magazine, Property Week, and university students, have different definitions of the “best student experience”. Well, except for those organising the publication’s inaugural Student Accommodation Awards, who apparently didn’t expect this tension.

As you’ll know, when it comes to student life, money is very limited and so we’re always looking for ways to try to save or make money, whether that’s through signing up for experimental medical trials or shopping in the reduced section in the supermarket.

However, I have found a rather unique way of saving money: I enter competitions as a hobby.

First Lady Michelle Obama offered advice to college students during a surprise appearance at a welcome event for freshmen at Howard University in Washington DC on 1 September.

Ms Obama joined late-night television host Seth Myers and actor Nick Cannon, who is enrolled as a freshman at the university.

All three emphasised the importance of working hard at university and stressed the impact college can have on careers.

Stress and decision-making

As students across the country receive their A level results, elements of anxiety and stress may start to emerge. Months of hard work and sustained focus coupled with the pressure of having to make crucial decisions about the immediate and long-term future can leave students feeling overwhelmed.

The results of the 2016 National Student Survey reveal which UK universities are keeping their students the most satisfied.

At the two universities with the joint highest scores, 97 per cent of taught students either definitely or mostly agreed that they were satisfied overall with the quality of their course.

So, which UK universities have the happiest students?

Increasingly, students are looking to earn money while they are completing their studies to alleviate some of their post-graduation student loan debt. There are positions in institutions that have long been student jobs – leaders in students’ unions, for example. But now, careers centres are not waiting until students have become alumni to connect them with employment opportunities. Working while at university is valuable for both the student and the institution.

“Minus 27” and “Minus 1” – in times like these you need not be a mathematical whizz-kid to understand the meaning behind these arithmetic operations. Twenty-seven places to live, love, study and work could be lost for Britain‘s youth. While not shutting the door entirely, Brexit and those who voted for it have pulled up the drawbridge, most likely taking away many of the privileges enjoyed by past generations. 

Students get a rough time these days. That, to me, seems almost indisputable.

Yes, laugh, if you must. Cue the violins and so on. But it’s true.

You have probably heard students’ sob stories before: