The student alternative: a path out of debt?

No One said being a student was easy – and whoever No One is, they were right.

Long studious nights, 24 hour libraries, Pot Noodles for every meal and debts higher than Everest – it’s no wonder people are on the hunt for easy alternatives.

Indeed, the resurgence of the Tory government means that tuition fees are only set to rise, while funding will be harder to come by. Tuition costs students £9,000 in some universities, and that figure could be set to skyrocket any time soon.

For the working class student, this will seem like too much of a gamble on their future. Even in a vocational course, you’re spinning a wheel and crossing your fingers. When the employment sector is in flux, the university game simply ain’t worth it.

But there is a third way – in fact there are quite a few. So we’ve made this list of a some of them. Take a look and your future might not feel like quite such a gamble.

Courses from a distance

Not everyone loves the idea of the university lifestyle. Campus parties and fresh-faced freshers hold about as much appeal as an orange juice enema. And it used to be the case that you couldn’t avoid these institutions.

But as the internet has reached maturity, so too has distance learning become more versatile than a digitised Potato Waffle. Import export courses and other vocational degrees can be studied for while you’re on the job, and they cost a lot less than a qualification from a standard university.

Postgraduates increasingly use distance learning degrees to top up their undergrad. But it’s ideal for anyone seeking an education away from campus.

The business maverick

Now that the internet is superfast and well-established in our lives, it’s easy to take it for granted. But this land of zeroes and ones still holds plenty of promise if you have a great idea for a business.

Research concepts like search engine optimisation (SEO), web design and business strategies and you might be able to develop your enterprising idea into a world of profit.

Naturally, this is a high risk strategy, but the lack of a physical workplace to operate from will keep costs down, leaving you to focus purely on business.

Climb the ladder

There’s no shame in starting from the bottom of the ladder and working your way up. In today’s bear pit working environment, even those with degrees don’t saunter into high-paid positions from the get-go.

With the right gumption and strength of character, you can turn yourself into a rags-to-riches story. All you need is focus.

Tags: student debt

Category: Featured