More than 350,000 students embarked on University or College courses last year. Increasingly, though, students are finding they have to borrow to survive. BBC NewsOnline studies the borrowing options.

Even if I get a part-time job, is it likely that I will have to borrow to support myself?

Put simply, borrowing money is now a normal part of student life. It's been estimated that graduates this year left university with average debts of more than �10,000 - the figure in 1999 was only �3,300.

Perhaps, understandably, the prospect of being in debt looms large for many when they choose whether or not to go to university or college.

In fact, according to a recent NatWest survey, 50% of sixth form leavers said that incurring debt put them off taking their studies further.

What's the cheapest way to borrow?

The student loan scheme is widely recognised as a cheap way to borrow, as interest charged by the Student Loan Company is pegged to the retail price index (RPI).

When the loan scheme first started in 1990 it was meant to top up a system of maintenance grants.

However, eventually, loans replaced the maintenance grant and now in England and Wales many students have to meet the cost of tuition fees too.

As a result, nearly four out of five students take out a student loan.

How much can I get from a student loan?

It depends on where you live and your household income.

Students living away from home in London can get up to �4,815.

Students living away from home outside London can get up to �3,905, while those that choose not to fly the family nest can receive a maximum of �3,090.

However, these sums are means tested by local education authorities (LEAs) and, if household income is deemed too high, then the maximum loan amount available can fall by up to 25%.

All in all, even those in receipt of the maximum student loan may have to look at other forms of borrowing.

What are the more dangerous types of borrowing?

Store cards, issued by high street retailers, can prove an expensive way to borrow.

Annual percentage rates (APR) of nearly 30% - more than seven times the Bank of England base rate - are commonplace.

Credit cards are generally cheaper and, in a highly competitive market, there are some very tempting introductory offers available.

However, a card if overused, as many students have found, can soon turn from a flexible friend into a fiend.

Plastic aside, what are the other ways that a student can borrow?

Fortunately students do have one thing going for them as far as High Street banks are concerned - potential.

The government estimates that having a degree increases the lifetime earnings potential of an individual by �400,000.

In short, today's student could be tomorrow's captain of industry.

As a result, the accounts on offer to students would be the envy of most people at work. Interest free overdrafts of �1,500 or more are commonplace.

Banks even entice students with offers of cash and gift vouchers.

One bank even offers students that open an account those two mainstays of college life - a kettle and a toaster.

Freebies aside, however, it's important to remember that a bank can demand its money back at any time and may move customers into mainstream accounts - often on less favourable terms - soon after graduation.

Dan Ashley, spokesman for the National Union of Students (NUS) advises those about to open an account to look beyond the gimmicks and ask a crucial question: "How long will the preferential treatment last?

"If a bank wants its money back soon after graduation it can be a crippling financial blow."

What can I do if I get into debt trouble?

Fortunately, a student in debt is not alone.

Student union welfare officers are used to dealing with debt cases, while colleges and universities have hardship funds set-up to help those most in need.

Whatever they do, though, Mr Ashley, advises students not to ignore an impending debt crisis.

"Face up to any problem early and talk to advisers and creditors," he says.

"That way, hopefully, you can avoid being one of the 19% of students that drop out of higher education every year, often due to money problems."