Top universities likely to charge maximum fees

Two of Britain's top universities are expected to increase tuition fees to the maximum level allowed by new laws. Both Oxford and Cambridge said that charging the maximum for all subjects from 2012 was the only way of maintaining academic excellence.

The cost of a top education in England looks set to soar. The British government chose to allow universities to increase tuition fees to $9,500 a year, to secure the future of higher education as public finances are cut. Ministers said the costs could rise to around $14,500 in exceptional circumstances.

Surprisingly, two of England's most prestigious universities, Oxford and Cambridge, have already signalled they will charge this top rate. An internal Cambridge review said it'll be for all courses, with discounts of up to $5,000 for poorer students.

The deputy head of Oxford University said it'll be charging the maximum for all subjects, to make up for budget cuts and to be able to subsidise the less well-off.

Opposing the increases, some students said talented young people could still be turned off applying, to avoid being overwhelmed by debt. They fear social elitism will replace academic excellence.

Notes:

• looks set to soar -видимо, сильно возрастет
• to secure -обеспечить
• higher education -высшего образования
• in exceptional circumstances -в особых случаях

• prestigious -престижных

• have signalled -дали понять
• to subsidise the less well-off -субсидировать обучение менее обеспеченных студентов
• could be turned off -(талантливой молодежи) могут отбить охоту
• elitism -элитарность

22.04. Freshers' week

The UK has a well-respected higher education system and some of the top universities and research institutions in the world. But to those who are new to it all, it can be overwhelming and sometimes confusing.

October is usually the busiest month in the academic calendar. Universities have something called Freshers' Week for their newcomers. It's a great opportunity to make new friends, join lots of clubs and settle into university life.

However, having just left the comfort of home and all your friends behind, the prospect of meeting lots of strangers in big halls can be nerve-wracking. Where do you start? Who should you make friends with? Which clubs should you join?

Luckily, there will be thousands of others in the same boat as you worrying about starting their university social life on the right foot. So just take it all in slowly. Don't rush into anything that you'll regret for the next three years.

Here are some top tips from past students on how to survive Freshers' Week:
- blend in. Make sure you are aware of British social etiquette. Have a few wine glasses and snacks handy for your housemates and friends;
- be hospitable. Sometimes cups of tea or even slices of toast can give you a head start in making friends;
- be sociable. The more active you are, the more likely you'll be to meet new people than if you're someone who never leaves their room;
- bring a doorstop. Keep your door open when you're in and that sends positive messages to your neighbours that you're friendly.

So with a bit of clever planning and motivation, Freshers' Week can give you a great start to your university life and soon you'll be passing on your wisdom to next year's new recruits.

NOTES:

• well-respected - имеющая хорошую репутацию
• can be overwhelming - может представлять огромные трудности
• in the academic calendar - в учебном году
• newcomers - зд. первокурсники
• settle into - вкусить, начать познавать прелести
• can be nerve-wracking - может раздражать/нервировать
• in the same boat - в одинаковом (зд. сложном) положении
• on the right foot - зд. успешно
• take it all in - разбирайтесь в ситуации и привыкайте к новой среде
• blend in - зд. постарайтесь выглядеть как другие студенты, впишитесь в студенческое сообщество
• social etiquette - норм поведения в обществе
• have... handy - имейте... под рукой
• give you a head start in making friends - помочь вам быстрее подружиться (с другими студентами)
• you'll be passing on your wisdom - вы сами будете обучать (нормам университетской жизни)

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