From living expenses to textbooks, it seems the cost of studying is leaving many UK students facing concerns over debt.
New research from market researcher Mintel has revealed nearly three in five (57%) are worried about the level of debt they will have when leaving university, rising to 63% among women alone.
It is not just when the mortar boards have been thrown that students are plagued with fears over funds. Three in 10 students (30%) are worried about their level of debt now, with those in their third year or above the most likely to be anxious (34%).
More than three-quarters (77%) intend to avoid using credit, such as overdrafts, credit cards or loans, when they leave university and nine in 10 (89%) would prefer to save up to buy something expensive rather than borrow money from a bank to pay for it.
At least there are no tuition fees to worry about in Scotland but students north of the border can still rack up debt to pay for their time at college or university.
Mintel senior financial services analyst Rich Shepherd said: “Incurring such high debts as standard and at an early age appears to make students wary of building up further debt in the future.
“The fact students are so strongly against the idea of using credit for expensive purchases can, at face value, seem to conflict with the high importance placed on the provision of overdrafts in student current accounts.
“However, this is more a reflection of how students see credit as a last resort rather than an available source of funds for luxuries.”
Mintel found most students worry about the level of debt they have, although many act responsibly when it comes to financial management.
Nine in 10 (90%) regularly check their bank balance, while 71% shop around for the best deals before taking out any financial product.
And many students are keen to prepare themselves financially for life after work, with 44% planning to start saving for retirement as soon as they finish studying.
Mr Shepherd said: “Starting to make provisions for retirement as early as possible is key to giving consumers the best chance of a comfortable retirement, however, persuading consumers to actually make these savings has proved to be easier said than done.
“Planning to start saving for retirement and actually doing it are two different things.
“The reality of paying for bills and essential living costs after graduation, as well as maintaining a desired lifestyle, can easily push retirement saving down the list of priorities.”