From parties to politics: how student life has changed

Linda Aitchison is director of a PR company
I was excited for my girls when they went to university, but I also miss them very much. We lost their dad when they were just 13, so it was hard when they left, because this was always going to be a time for me and him. But it has also given me more independence and I’m doing things like getting the house sorted.

I’m proud that they’ve worked so hard and done so well. We text and call regularly and I follow them on Instagram. They enjoy university, but I think there is more pressure now because of fees. I had a great time when I was studying. I worked in a bar and partied a lot, so I’m surprised my girls don’t seem to go to parties as much.

I think they are more mature at their age than I was back then. I didn’t always show up to lectures; I was meant to study Italian, but didn’t go. And I wasn’t as involved in activism as they are, because I didn’t have the confidence. Both my daughters are involved in political stuff and I admire them for it. Sometimes I hear them having conversations about politics, economics or international relations and I’m blown away by how knowledgeable they are.

University is more expensive now, but it has also changed in positive ways. I once lived somewhere with a toilet next to the bed and I doubt that would pass checks now. If I was a student today I think I’d work harder and have a more academically enriching experience.

Emily Aitchison, 19, is studying politics and international relations at Nottingham University
Me and Mel were really excited to go away to university because mum told us how good it would be. I was looking forward to living with loads of young people. I wasn’t really homesick, but I did miss Mum, even though we text every day.

I don’t think people go out less. At uni you can go to parties all the time with your friends and have fun. Mum doesn’t know how often I go out, but I don’t think she’d mind. The lecturers’ strike just happened and that was a big deal. We got involved in a massive protest. It’s really easy to get involved in things these days, because of Facebook.

I think there is more financial pressure now, but on the other hand there’s loads to do, and university is cool because you meet people from all over the place.

Melissa Aitchison, 19, is studying politics and international relations at Nottingham Trent University
I was so excited to go to university, because everyone says how amazing it is. I was also nervous because I knew Mum would be on her own, so I make sure I stay in touch. It was harder than I expected to make friends at first, so I needed Mum on hand. Then one day I met a girl on my course and someone in my accommodation, and we’re best friends now.

I enjoy how modern my course is. We talk about things like Brexit, and I’m in the feminism society and the politics and international relations society. I also really like that I’m in the city centre and can go out with my friends easily.

The stereotype of students – that we never turn up – hasn’t really changed, but I don’t think that’s true any more, because everyone works hard. Everything is also online now – so lecturers post loads of information after lectures, which is great.

I think my mum didn’t have the same worries about money; I have to pay loads more than she did.