The popular image of student life is of young people with few responsibilities enjoying themselves and doing very________work. This is often not true. Many older people now study at college or univers...

The popular image of student life is of young people with few responsibilities enjoying themselves and doing very little work. This is often not true. Many older people now study at college or university, sometimes on a part-time basis while having a job and looking after a family. These students are often highly motivated and work very hard. Younger students are often thought to be lazy and careless about money but this situation is changing. In Britain reduced government support for higher education means that students can no longer rely on having their expenses paid for them. Formerly, students received a grant towards their living expenses. Now most can only get a loan which has to be paid back. Since 1999 they have paid over 1 000 towards tuition fees and this amount will increase up to a maximum of 3000. In the US students already have to pay for tuition and room and board. Many get a financial aid package which may include grants, scholarships and loans. The fear of having large debts places enormous pressure on students and many take part-time jobs during the term and work full-time in the vacations.