Not any more (Score 1)

As a current undergraduate, I couldn't help but point out how misinformed your post is.

Although what you say may have been the case in the past, not all tuition fees in the UK are paid for by the state - they are means tested and charged depending on household income. Grants are provided only in very rare circumtances. I believe what you are referring to are 'Student Loans' which are currently charged at an interest rate of 2% above inflation; this will apparently be increased next year. Also, students may not claim any form of income support for their living costs whilst at university, and are again required to trust to parental income or simply borrow money for later repayment.

It's not as cushy for UK students as you make out. I'm currently earing 0, spending 600 a year on travel expenses, and quite a bit more on resources like books. And I'm required to pay council tax for the 2 months between college and university where I was unemployed. Makes me bitter when I think of all the freeloaders who get paid by the state to do nothing but spend their income on drinking, contributing to social disorder and modding their crappy old cars... *is bitter*