Student debt has increased by a quarter in 12 months, yet most students seem incapable of - or unwilling to - curtail their spending to reasonable levels, according to the Student Living Report 2002, published today.

The report was commissioned by the UNITE Group plc, the UK's leading specialist provider of student accommodation services, and carried out by MORI. 1,000 full time undergraduate and postgraduate students at universities across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland between October and November 2001 were interviewed across twenty universities.

The report represents one of the most comprehensive quantitative surveys of full time undergraduate and postgraduate students, with the findings used as part of an ongoing study to explore how students are meeting the challenges and opportunities of the higher education experience.

This year the report addresses new areas such as attitudes to politics, part-time work, living on a budget and stress, whilst uncovering fresh information on issues covered in the 2001 report such as academic studies, accommodation, financial preparations and crime.

Headline findings from the report show:

Financial

• 1 in 4 students are now admitting to financial trouble.
• At the start of the academic year 2001 / 02 university students say they currently owe and must repay on average £4,203, an increase of £877 since last year (26%).
• 43% of students have a part-time job during term time (1-29 hours per week).
• Student debt and juggling university work with other commitments are the worst aspects of university life.
• 46% of students would prefer the current system of student loans to the new system of maintenance grants and higher student taxation on graduation.
• 90% believe that the money they are spending on their education is a good investment in their future.

Politics

• If there was a general election tomorrow, our young professionals in training would vote as follows: 28% Labour, 20% Lib Dem and 11% Conservative.
• Students are more likely to support a Single European Currency than the General Public.
• Given the choice, students said they preferred the current system of student loans (46%) to any potential new system involving maintenance grants and graduate taxation.

Leisure pursuits

• Going to the pub is the preferred social pursuit of 52% of students. On average, students spend £20 on alcoholic drink in a typical week.
• Two-thirds of students own a PC and/or laptop - an increase of 7% from last year-86% of students now own a mobile phone.

Attitudes

• Over half of students admit to being more stressed since starting at university.
• 86% have an optimistic outlook for the future and 88% are happy with life.
• 96% consider going to university a worthwhile experience.
• 60% of students still believe in the institution of marriage.

Commenting on the Student Living Report, UNITE's Chief Executive, Nicholas Porter, said: "The Student Living Report 2002 is one of the most comprehensive studies of the views, concerns and aspirations of students. This year's research has highlighted some interesting issues such as the fact that over 50% of students now admit to more stress since starting at university, and that three quarters are in debt. Through continuous research, UNITE can keep pace with changing student lifestyles. We will not only be better equipped to help our partners within the HE sector plan for their future accommodation needs, but will also be able to support students through care and welfare in our own student accommodation."

Professor Bob Worcester, Chairman of MORI, added: "The "Student Experience" is constantly evolving. To ensure that their needs and wants are met, it is important for all involved in the provision of Higher Education services to gain an in-depth understanding of the issues facing today's students. MORI is delighted to be working in partnership with UNITE for a second year to present the findings of this enlightening survey".