As I type, MAC381 (Magazine Writing and Design) students are currently putting together features packages as a task for for their module. The feature is based on results from the National Student Survey (and you can find all results here, at Unistats.com).

One of the angles for the main feature that has been discussed is how much harder it is for a student today than it was ten years ago, and mainly due to money.

Well, some news out this morning proves that’s right. For example, on the Guardian this morning, it reveals that:

Parents are helping 53% of students at university with the cost of their university fees, accommodation and living costs, according to research for Halifax. Grandparents are helping 5% of students out with their costs.

What’s even more terrifying is that:

Research by the National Union of Students last month suggested students leave university with £40,000 of debt.

And this isn’t helped by the fact that students underestimate the cost of living (although, again, in Sunderland that’s not so bad, as we’re officially the cheapest living unversity in the country! Success!).

But on the bright side for Sunderland students at least, you are at one of the top 20 universities in the country for student satisfaction, according to The Times. And of course, graduates earn more than non graduates.

More on on the National Student Survey from the Guardian.

>> Posted by Alex Lockwood