MANY young people could be walking into a debt trap at university by seriously underestimating the cost of student life, according to a survey published today.
The research indicates that most secondary pupils do not budget sufficiently for university - and as a result could find quickly find themselves in financial difficulties.
Sixth formers' estimates of how much they needed to pay rent were #87 below the average monthly rent spent by students this year. Over the course of a year this is a #1000 shortfall.
The survey south of the Border also shows that most sixth-formers go to university to better their career prospects rather than to get away from home or avoid working for three years. Going to university is now seen as the first step of the career ladder for nine out of 10 students, whereas less than one in 10 go to university to avoid getting a job.
But the impact of surviving on a tight budget for three years does change most students attitude towards money.
Only 39% of sixth formers said they believe students have to go into debt, among students it is 59% and among graduates it had risen to 65%.
Most graduates also thought debt was an integral part of student life and that banks should not be surprised when students run up large debts. But far fewer sixth formers held these beliefs.
Graduates and undergraduates had different attitudes towards student loans.
These loans were generally welcomed by the students, but they became markedly less keen after graduation - presumably when they have to start repaying the money.
David Bloomfield, head of student banking at NatWest, which compiled the survey, said: ''The differences in the views and attitudes of sixth formers, current students and recent graduates highlights the importance for sixth formers to get to grips with their finances now, rather than being shocked when they start university in the autumn.
''The most worrying prediction is the low amount they expect to spend on rent. If they go to university with a budget worked out on these figures they could quickly find themselves in financial turmoil.''
q The Government is aiming to head off another row about exam standards south of the Border, by announcing a new independent panel of experts to guarantee that tests are not getting any easier.
In recent years, as the overall A-levels pass-rate has steadily mounted, there have been charges that standards are falling.
Now, senior Government sources have made it clear that Ministers believe there is no evidence of a decline.
But in a move to boost public confidence, Education and Employment Secretary David Blunkett announced that the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority was establishing a panel of independent experts to examine results over time in all subjects.
At the same time, Mr Blunkett announced moves to reassure students that their grades are an accurate reflection of their exam performance.
Next year, the minority of candidates driven to appeal against their grades will for the first time be able to see their marked scripts.
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