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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
National
Richard Adams Education editor

Students owe nearly £500m of ‘hidden debts’ to UK universities, figures reveal

Female student pictured from behind in graduation gown and graduate cap
Many students are building up thousands in private debt on top of tuition fees and maintenance loans. Photograph: Chris Radburn/PA

Students have accrued nearly £500m in “hidden debts” to their universities, including library fines, unpaid accommodation and support loans, according to figures that highlight the cost of living crisis on UK campuses.

The figures from freedom of information requests sent to 148 UK universities showed that 180,000 students and graduates owe private debts totalling £486m to universities, averaging about £2,650 each.

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