Kingston University pocketed more than £8,000 last year thanks to students who finished their courses with money left on their printer accounts.  

The average amount outstanding on students’ print accounts was £1.37 in 2008/09 but this amounted to a grand total of £8,290.00. KUSU have promised to take up the matter with Information Services.

 The university claimed that Information Services publicises the fact that refunds cannot be given but KUSU and many final year students have been left in the dark. Kayleigh Pickering, VP Student Support, “I must admit that neither myself nor my colleagues were aware that the University did not refund money to students which remains on their printing credit when they leave Kingston.”

 Clare Rixon, in her final year studying Media and Cultural Studies, agreed: “I don’t remember being told that. Kingston University tends to rip us off on library fines, so it doesn’t surprise me that they don’t refund print credit. That is bad.”

The university said the rationale behind the decision to keep unspent balances was because of the high administrative costs involved. A university spokesperson said: “I imagine the cost is mainly in terms of the resources it would take to administer a system to refund students for what are usually very small amounts. This is time that staff could be spending supporting students and dealing with inquiries.”

 Not all students are convinced by this argument. James o’Sullivan, MSc in Building Surveying, said: “Not refunding money because of inconvenience is no excuse and I’m sure any admin fees wouldn’t amount to £9,000.”

 Students who are in the final days of their course can use outstanding balances to pay off any library fines due. Learning Services uses any unspent print credit to buy library stock or on services for students.

Kingston students would rather worker long and earn more money than pursue the fabled work-life balance and spend time with family and friends according to a RiverOnline poll.

In a survey of 102 students, 57 prioritised having a stable income to build a secure future, fund their social lives and pamper themselves upon entering full-time employment rather than earning less for more time off.

The remaining 45 believe that “money cannot buy you happiness”, preferring shorter hours and a lower income for a better social life.

Nadia Jabburi, a television, video and technology student, said: “I’d prefer to have more money and a solid income, especially these days."

Nusrat Jahan, a first year chemistry student, responded: “Definitely more money, so I have more to spend on shoes and clothes”.

Our poll comes in the wake of a study conducted by think-tank New Economic Foundation (NEF), which suggests that the average working week should be slashed to 21 hours, less than four and a half hours per day, as experts say this would not only conserve energy but make people happier workers, boost productivity and allow time to be better quality friends.

"The support of friends and family is the most important thing so I would rather more time" - Maria Papoutsi

The majority of those who voted in favour of more money were unmoved by the prospect of working longer hours, asserting that they would “find time” to socialise, despite the fact that the average working week is 43.5 hours, according to the most recent report by the Office for National Statistics.

Less than half of the students quizzed concurred with the findings of the NEF research, based on the example of Utah where the state has implemented a four day working week, with many preferring the freedom to fulfil life ambitions and build better relationships.

Cuong Phan, an international studies student, said: “I will have 40 or 50 years of working to save up the money I need. I want to enjoy my twenties and do everything I want to do, like travelling.”

Maria Papoutsi, a first year psychology student, commented: “I don’t think that money can make you happy. For me, the support of friends  and family is the most important thing so I would rather more time.”