What do you think of students who live off government payments while studying?

Question

I've recently be given a few different perspectives on this topic, and I want to know what you think.

What do you think about university / college students who live off welfare (eg. any tax payer / government funded income like centrelink payments (in Australia), or any overseas equivalent).

Are they doing the right thing?

Are they just bludging (mooching)?

Whatever you want to say.

Answer 1

I think it's a good idea. The problem with government payments is that abuse is so widespread. But I know a girl who gets all sorts of help while she's in college. They pay for her rent, food, and I think she got a free ride in college. But you know what? She's super smart, and when she's done college (she's going for her PHd) she's going to make a lot of money, she's already had offers. I don't think she'll mind getting taxed out the wahoo. So if people are using the government to better themselves  and are working hard at it, then I'm all for it. Now if they're sitting on their butt and smoking cigarettes all day long, that's another story.

Answer 2

I think it's great as long as they're studying hard and getting good grades.  When they graduate they are likely to be very productive citizens and will easily pay back what they spent.

Answer 3

Well, don't you think its a good thing that the students are smart enough to know to live on someone else's dollar?

I'd hate to think your students are stupid enough not to do it when they can.