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hmm... well lets see what i think about this...
yes it is a debt but its what i consider a hidden debt, i dont pay it back til i am earning enough, its just like national insurance, you dont notice it coming out when you are earning as it never goes into your account to be taken back out...
i did get a nice letter from the Student Loan Company this year asking what exactly I was using to support myself, I responded with ask the DWP and Inland revenue how i was... as they are the two agencies who control the information and can provide that data to them...
they werent amused (i personally thought it was a good response! Would have highlighted rather a few issues!!) and then i had to provide evidence that my husband was earning pennies and supporting me
Luckily I have a job, but like Barry its an investment in my future and the income isnt to their liking but I have at least paid my NI for the year and will make a contribution to my student loan at the end of the year if i can financially do it..
I havent been watching or following the arguement very well, but maybe it will make universities more competitive, as some students wont be able to afford them, or it will make them more elitist with only the more wealthy able to afford it.
I was lucky whilst at Uni my mum and Dad helped with the tuition fees otherwise this would have also gone on to the eventual debt i have, but as i said before.. i dont count it as a normal debt!!
Students need to make the decision that is good for them, however, i dont think that all the riots that are going on are actually reflective of general opinion.. i have a few friends still at uni and they arent that fussed, and some friends who teach and they are finding that most students arent that interested at all.