According to new figures, students due to start university in September are seriously underestimating the amount of debt they will accumulate during their degrees, and need help in order to avoid difficulties.
The Association of Investment Companies revealed that students-to-be expect to leave university with around £8000 of debt, while the reality for students who graduated in 2006 was around £13,250.
This figure is expected to rise dramatically as top-up fees were introduced in September 2006. Students are strongly advised to plan their finances carefully, and research loans, grants and bursaries which may be available to them.