GOING to university is a choice. It’s now an expensive one, but still a choice.

I did my first degree with the OU in my 30s while raising my son. It cost about £1,000 per annum. Great camaraderie.

I did my second degree in York in my 40s, still no fees.

I was saddened to see so many unhappy young people.

One told me he felt he was pressured into going to university by his parents. He also had his course chosen for him.

Often parents want for their children what they couldn’t have, but their offspring don’t always have the same dreams as them.

University seems to have become the Holy Grail, but not everyone is cut out for it either socially or academically.

I have met some ex-students who didn’t have employment, or had work they could have had without a degree.

There are other choices.

Open University can be done at any age while working and at less cost.

Apprenticeships teach lifelong valuable skills.

Pam Middleton, York