“University Student experience” is a broad idea to ponder however; is defined by numerous key-contributing factors. Students perceive their own experience in a diverse and unique way.
Since deferring my studies for a year I began reflecting on my “University Student Experience” which developed deeper curiosities to further my knowledge. Residing in Cronulla and attending University of Wollongong I have always had an hour commute whether by public transport or driving. Let alone the frustration, time and costs of parking involved. Forming my curiosity to focus on university parking and costs to park on campus. This poses larger questions of whether parking on campus should be free or even included in ones hex debt to relieve pressure and stress.
My intended goal for my research project is to assess and identify the viability of public transport in comparison to commuting by car and paying for parking. Focusing predominately and drawing in on the cost of living in today’s society and how university students are feeling the pinch of rising costs. This will gain insight into student issues and the financial burdens they may be experiencing.
My overall question is,
“With the high costs of living in todays society and the limited affordable parking on university campus’s does it seem fair to charge students to attend university? Should students have to pay to park on campus? Are universities being unfair and taxing the poorest?”
During my first year at university I felt a continual financial burden. As a full time student I struggled to have a stable income while furthering my education aspirations. Continually having countless expenses, which at times equalled more then my estimated income, created pressure and stress. Paying for parking was a requirement and at times was difficult when deducted from my disposable income. Provoking me to look into the viability of public transport and the comparisons. Is public transport the answer?
“We would encourage car users to use the Christmas-New Year break to consider whether they need to continue parking on campus or use the many public transport options available,” (Pearson 2016).
This statement has prompted me to investigate whether factors of cost effiency, time, accessibility and flexibility/inflexibility by public transport or personal commute by car determine a student’s mode of transport to university. With a large demographic of students identifying as time poor, through other commitments like employment, makes running to a public schedule inconvenient. “I take bus, train, tram and something’s always late. Travel alone takes a third of what money I have. It just drains away throughout the week.” (Cowan 2017).
Focusing on my own experience, financial burdens, which occurred, created barriers to juggling the cost of living and obtaining a higher education. My return to university therefore involved studying part time. The pinch of the cost of living is inevitable in today’s society and is only rising. Real wages decreasing and the diminishment of penalty rates for hospitality is having social injustice for a large demographic of students whom identify as ‘casual workers’. “Part of the reason there’s so much financial strain is because income support payments – like Youth Allowance or Newstart – aren’t keeping up with cost of living.” (Medhora 2018).
Universities Australia conducted a study with University of Melbourne to attain data for the 2017 ‘Universities Australia Student Finance Survey’. Stated in the ‘Foreward’ the aim is to examine the “financial circumstances of students across the nation” (Universities Australia 2017). The study indicated, “One in seven domestic students say they regularly go without food or other necessities because they can’t afford them. And three in five domestic students say their finances are a source of worry.” (Universities Australia 2017). The study made evident how living expenses; food and loan repayments expended all students’ earnings. Concluding that expenses are exceeding projected income which is impacting negatively on the students.
Similarly another study examined cost of living through the eyes of students. Intending to hear the concerns from students themselves. Focusing specifically on three categories of students, live at homer from a single parent income, share houser and a country student. Examining the impact financial hardships is having on their lives. It is shown how all three students are enduring similar financial pressures as a result of students “living below the poverty line” (Cowan 2017). Also articulating how the financial stress of living expenses is impacting all aspects of their lives.
I believe this research topic is timely and relevant. Through issues and apprehensions that are arsing within society concerning this topic. No wage increases, the diminishment of penalty rates and the inability to obtain full time work leaves a large percentage of students personally feeling the pain. It is achievable through the substantial evidence surrounding this topic. Through reflexive research of my own and utilising the BCM212 cohort for qualitative and quantitative data, applying methods of a survey and an interview will aid in gathering insights and in-depth data to address the issue.
Zo xo
References:
Pearson, A 2016, ‘UOW parking fees to increase,’ Illawarra Mercury, 28 November, viewed 18 March, https://www.illawarramercury.com.au/story/4318523/uow-parking-fees-to-increase/.
Medhora, S 2018, ‘One in seven uni students skipping meals to stay afloat’, ABC, 13 August, viewed 17 March 2019, < https://www.abc.net.au/triplej/programs/hack/one-in-seven-uni-students-skipping-meals/10112850>
Universities Australia 2017, ‘Student Finances Survey’, July 2018, Universities Australia, viewed 15 March 2019, < https://www.universitiesaustralia.edu.au/ArticleDocuments/208/180713%20%202017%20UA%20Student%20Finance%20Survey%20Report.pdf.aspx?Embed=Y>
Cowan, J 2017, ‘Below the poverty line: The real cost of being a university student’, ABC, 30 May, viewed 15 March, < https://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-05-30/the-real-cost-of-being-a-university-student/8530606>
ZOE ROSE WALSH 