The majority of students must take out a loan in order to fund their higher education, according to a recent survey from Halifax.

A full 57 per cent of parents surveyed said that their children either or already have a student loan or are planning on taking one out.

And approximately two-thirds of parents said that they would help to pay their children's wages with their salaries.

Neil Chandler, head of Halifax Unsecured Personal Loans, said: "For most parents, taking your child to university for the first time is a proud but emotional moment.

"It is important to consider how best to support your child with the minimal amount of strain on your pocket as this commitment is likely to last for several years."

When a child goes off to university there are many costs that must be paid immediately such as accommodation and books.

Meanwhile, recent research from Abbey discovered that students take an average of £3,324 worth of possessions with them when they go to university.