Students might have growing debts - but many are not worried by this, suggests a survey.

And almost half of last year's graduates have still to find full-time professional jobs.

This relaxed picture of university leavers, which is in contrast to the typical accounts of hardship and debt anxiety, is from a survey from marketing company, Virgin Student Insight.

The survey found that 71% of students have debts of over �5,000 - but that over half "are not worried about their debt".

These students expect their degrees to help them find better-paid jobs which will pay off loans and overdrafts.

But the survey showed that there is a delay before many university leavers find "meaningful long-term employment".

Among 2001 graduates, 47% are still looking for full-time professional jobs.

In the meantime, many have been taking part-time, low-income jobs to help pay off debts.

The survey, based on 1,290 students, says that 38% have taken jobs which are "not ideal" and 31% say their degrees have no relevance to their jobs.

The government, which has a target of wanting half of all young people to go into higher education, is currently reviewing the system of student loans, allowances and fees.

Drinking allowance

Another survey, by HSBC bank, has highlighted the expense of starting a new job - with extra costs for buying new clothes, meeting new friends and paying for season tickets for travel.

The banks says graduates have to spend nearly �3,500 on clothes, travel and living costs during their first three months of employment.

The highest cost was trying to rent or buy a place to live, with the average cost in England totalling �1,157 for three months - or �1,833 in London.

There were other essentials to consider. According to the survey, starting a new job could require a budget of �400 for going to the pub to meet new colleagues.

Rebecca Stephenson, head of personal customer marketing for HSBC, said: "All too many graduates find the financial burden of starting work and converting to professional life a shock to the system."

"By the time you get suited and booted and buy a new car, there's not likely to be much left, but it won't be the same for ever."