How much do we give DD1 starting at University ?

[Looking for help]

DS2 has just informed me that the nearest food outlet to his shared flat next year is M&S.......

I'd not heard of the Sainsbury's meal ticket, seems like a good idea. Although maybe the lure of the fags and the booze will be too much

[solimum]

This is not just beans on toast ---- this is Marks and Spencer gourmet haricots in sundried tomato jus served with rustic lightly grilled mediterranean ciabatta------

[Looking for help]

Now, do M&S do a nice student meal ticket thing....er on thinking about it, probably not

I would like to visit your student son's for dinner, solimum, can you give me directions ?

[Jiff]

Given the change in student loans this year, and allowing for inflation, could I ask the same question for students starting at university in September 2012? DS is due to start at Bath, and the student loan will just about cover accommodation costs (self catering).

[Belinda]

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[Jiff]

Many thanks Belinda, that's helpful. Can I ask, did they do any paid work at all, either in term time or the holidays, to add to what you gave them? And was it a substantial bailout?!? Just trying to get a general idea of how much students spend. At the moment my DS has a fairly inexpensive lifestyle and doesn't drink, but I do realise this could change!

[Belinda]

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[Jiff]

Very many thanks Belinda, that's given me a really useful overview.