Graduates latest research March 2010

But although they have major debt problems they are apparently confident they are making a worthwhile career investment for the future.

The 4th fourth Sodexo University Lifestyle Survey reveals many students went to university because of the credit crunch as it took them out of the job market while boosting their CVs at the same time.  Some were laid off before applying to university and hope that higher education will get them a better job in the future.

But a worrying 50% of full-time undergraduates expect to leave university with more than £15,000 of debt, and money worries was affecting the diets of 42% of those surveyed with many saying they ate less healthily through lack of funds.  And more students are living at home than ever before. 

Despite the financial pressures, 69% of students were particularly worried about their class of degree and a similar proportion admitted finding it difficult to find a work/life balance.

You can view the fully results here.