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I back Browne

I must speak honestly when I say that almost every comment on the Browne review from OUSU or the Cherwell has been based upon myths or faulty reasoning. So far, the Review has said nothing of any great consequence, and it is only through the press that this idea of extortionate fees has arisen. However, I am still willing to stand up for these alleged tuition fee hikes, if only because common sense compels me to do so. While it will be Oxoniocentric (my latest inkhorn masterpiece of vocabulary) I do hope it applies to the elite Universities.

Let us get a few basic matters in order. First, tuition fees will not have to be paid up front, allowing students to make use of very generous lending terms in repaying their university debts. Secondly, the Browne review has made clear that bursaries and financial aid must be improved. Third, using ideas of supposed ‘intimidation’ by ‘perceptions’ of Oxford elitism are based upon ridiculously patronising concepts of what students are capable of.

Many complain that students leaving university from less well off families will be in debt, and that regardless of bursaries, high fees will somehow scare of applicants. First, like all things involving money and life, oppurtunity costs must be taken into account. Students will have to decide whether or not they are willing to make a large financial investment in their education and future. Of course, increased funding will mean more oppurtunities for aid, but a portion of the cost must be borne by students. Our parents have had to do the same when buying a house on a mortgage, or taking out a loan from the bank to cover their new business.It is a part of life, and there is no shame in it.

There is, however, that eternal spectre of ‘intimidation’. I hate to be harsh, but if the fear of a bursary application or wealthy colleagues is going to put a student off, I wonder what terrors they will endure during their first tutorial, job interview, or mortgage application. As long as we are willing to look at this issue in its totality, get out of our fantasy world, and realise that this is the only realistic option, we might be able to engage with it and realise that that it isn’t so bad. Of course, as an international student paying full fees, I really want to say ‘chin up and enough of the British whingeing.’
Adi Balachander

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