Students urged to 'get what they are entitled to'

In addition to taking out a student loan, those attending university ought to ensure they obtain all the financial assistance they are entitled to, according to one expert.

Frances Walker of the Consumer Credit Counselling Service advised students to investigate the possibility of receiving bursaries and additional living allowances if they qualify for them.

"They have to claim what they are entitled to and they have to seek help if they do get into debt," Ms Walker claimed.

Students also need to decide how they intend to spend their money while at university, as they have a number of things to take into consideration such as accommodation costs, she explained.

Many may also wish to consider getting extra jobs during the holidays or term time to help them earn an additional income, she said.

Push, an independent information resource for students, reports that the average student debt from loans and other expenses now stands at £4,000 for each year of study.