Education

The Downsides of Tuition Free Universities

It is not all fun and roses

A few days ago I’ve read a post by Jared A. Brock arguing for free universities. As much as I agree with what he says I feel obligated to point out some of the downsides of such systems.

Living in Slovenia I experienced the free education he is talking about. From my first school day till the day I received a Masters degree in Architecture in Ljubljana I haven’t payed a single cent of tuition. And I am truly happy for that. But that doesn’t mean it was free of charge.

The Visible Hidden Costs: What You Do Need to Pay

Accommodation
When I began my studies campus rooms were scarce and waiting lists too long to bother. Only students from socially challenged families and really good grades could qualify. The monthly cost of a campus bed was about 50 to 70 EUR back then. The rest of us had to find private rooms or small apartments that were leased by landlords who were aware that the demand is much bigger than the supply so they were ripping us off for every square m2 they could. It was extremely hard to get a decent room and even then it would cost you. How much? Monthly about 200 to 250 EUR per person. Since then the campus got bigger and rooms easier to get but the problem still remains.

Commute
Trains, busses, city busses, bikes… That costs money too. I remember paying about 7 EUR from my home…