Students who started university in the UK last year can expect to owe more than £17,500 by the time they leave, according to an annual poll on debt.

The Push survey of 2,000 students also suggests that the average debt tops £4,500 for each year of study - nearly 10% more than last year.

The rise suggests students are being badly hit by the credit crunch.

Another poll of 3,385 students for the National Union of Students found many under-estimated their living costs.

According to the NUS survey of 3,135 current students and 250 would-be students, they spent £710 a year on groceries when they expected to spend £510.

They spent £740 on household bills but thought they would spend £580 and £100 more on travel than the expected sum of £285.

Student fees have massively increased student debt.

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