Drop In Part-Time Students, Tesco Clubcard Boost, 25p Discount Supermarket…
Fewer part-time uni students enrolling
The number of students studying part-time at university has fallen from 258,885 in 2010/11 to 116,000 in 2014/15 - that's a staggering drop of almost 143,000 students.
The Higher Education Policy Institute (Hepi) has said that the fall in numbers is due to the inflexible loan options available to part-time students and the rise in tuition fees. Hepi has also found that two-thirds of would-be part-time students would not qualify for a loan. Part-time students can only get a loan if they don't have another degree and are studying for 25% of a full time course.
Our take: Studying part-time is perfect for those with other commitments, so why shouldn't they be entitled to decent funding? They should be treated similar to those studying full time so everybody has the opportunity to improve their education and their lives. Confused about the loan system? Find out everything you need to know here.
Uni applications to be anonymous
From 2017 all university applications will be completely anonymous, Prime Minister David Cameron has confirmed.
It is hoped that this will eliminate unconscious bias towards minority groups, and that this will improve the number of students from minority groups attending university. Admissions body UCAS has welcomed the measure.
Our take: No one should be discriminated against, so it makes sense that uni applications should be name-blind. Whether you're from a minority group or maybe you have a strange name, it shouldn't stop you from getting in to uni - your name, background, sexuality etc isn't important in the grand scheme of things.
Tesco Clubcard Boost is starting
Hope you've been saving up your Tesco Clubcard points! From Monday 2nd November until 30th December you can spend double the value of your points on Tesco departments such as toys, electronics and even Black Friday deals.
You can exchange as much or as little as you want, but the vouchers have to be in £5 multiples and can be spent online or in store. You may get yourself some bargains for Christmas (seeing as it's fast approaching - don't mean to worry you...) or in the sales.
Our take: The Clubcard Boost events are awesome, you can save so much money on presents and maybe have some left over as a present to yourself! Budget tight this year? We have some tips to save money on presents here and some DIY present ideas here - don't leave everything to the last minute!
UK uni in US has no students
The first UK university to open a campus in New York, Glasgow Caledonian University, opened in 2013 - but still has no students enrolled!
The uni is waiting on the New York authorities to approve their application to teach and award degrees. They hoped to offer postgraduate degrees from autumn 2015, but these have been put on hold until their licence is granted. The campus has only be leased for 15 years so they'd better start teaching soon!
Our take: What an awkward situation... Not sure why a UK uni needs to open in the US anyway, but more importantly it's a bit embarrassing for the uni! Hope their application is approved soon and the first students can finally enroll! Fancy studying in America? We have a great guide here about applying to American colleges!
25p discount supermarket opens
Time for a road trip to Cornwall! Charlotte Danks has opened Bargain Brand Food Outlet in Newquay, Cornwall and sells items that are damaged or approaching its sell-by date for as little as 25p. Items include fresh meat, tinned food and hair dye.
She's hoping to open another two shops in Penzance and St Austell soon, but who knows? Maybe she can go nationwide!
Our take: Cheap food! Who can argue with that?! It stops items going to landfill and helps people save money too. We wish her all the best! Until there's a branch at the end of your road, there's a similar online version called Approved Food and we have some awesome tips to save money at the supermarket and how to legally get free food!
