Tekijät

• University of Tampere. University Services

Asiasanat

educational grants, employment, higher education institutions, housing benefits, living abroad, student loans, students (college), training, undergraduates, voluntary work

Sisällön kuvaus

The survey, conducted by the University of Tampere for its students in 2004, examines progress with studies, working during studies, minor subjects, financial circumstances, and studies and internship abroad.

Relating to employment, the respondents were asked how often they had worked during the academic year and holidays, and to what extent they agreed with several statements related to working during studies (e.g. "I work because I want to avoid taking a student loan", "Working takes up time needed for studies", "I don't work because I want to graduate as soon as possible"). With regard to minor subjects, a number of statements were presented (e.g. "I choose my minor subject(s) based on my own interests", "Recommendations from other students have an effect on my choices"), and reasons for delayed studies in minor subjects were charted.

Studies and internships abroad were surveyed by asking the respondents whether they had or were going to study or do an internship abroad and to what extent they agreed with statements relating to the usefulness of studies and internship abroad (e.g. "Studies/internship abroad improves one's language skills"). Effects of participation in an organisation/association and voluntary work on studies were surveyed.

Relating to grants and benefits, the respondents were asked questions about financial aid for students (which comprises study grant, student loan, and housing supplement). Questions probed, among others, the number of months the respondents had spent out of their eligibility period for financial aid, whether they thought the remaining months would suffice until graduation, whether they had taken a student loan and how much, whether they were entitled to a housing supplement, and what their housing costs were. Opinions were examined on the adequate amount of study grant and housing supplement so that working during the academic year would not be necessary.

Background variables included the respondent's age, gender, education prior to university studies, school, and number of credits.