Students across the UK are speaking up about changes to the student loan system and what they could mean for graduates.
Introduction
The National Union of Students has launched the Don’t Freeze Our Futures campaign to call for fairer student loan policies and greater transparency around how the system works.
At Salford Students’ Union, we are supporting this campaign by helping students understand what these changes mean and by making sure Salford students have the opportunity to share their views.
What is the “Don’t Freeze Our Futures” campaign?
The campaign focuses on the government’s decision to freeze the repayment threshold for some student loans rather than increasing it in line with inflation. The repayment threshold is the income level at which graduates begin repaying their student loans.
When the threshold is frozen, wages may rise over time but the point at which repayments begin does not. This can mean that graduates end up paying back a larger share of their income over the course of their careers.
Through the campaign, the National Union of Students is asking the government to review these changes and work towards a student finance system that is fairer, clearer, and more sustainable for future graduates.
You can learn more about the campaign here: Campaign Toolkit
Why this matters for students
Student loans already work differently from most types of debt. Graduates only start repaying once they earn above a certain threshold, and repayments are based on a percentage of income above that level.
However, changes to repayment rules can affect how much graduates repay over time. For many students, these policies shape long term financial planning after university, from housing and savings to career decisions.
What the Salford Students’ Union is doing
At Salford Students’ Union, we want to make sure students are informed and represented in conversations about higher education policy. As part of supporting the campaign, we are:
- Raising awareness of the issue through our platforms and student communications
- Sharing explainer content and campaign resources to help students understand the changes
- Collecting student feedback on how student loan policies affect them
- Writing to decision makers to ensure student voices are included in national discussions
Advocacy work
This week, representatives from Salford Students’ Union will travel to London to meet Salford MP Rebecca Long-Bailey and attend the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Student Loans to raise concerns about the current system and share student perspectives directly with policymakers.
Working with the university
We have also written to senior university leadership asking them to support calls for reform and help raise the issue with local representatives.
You can read the letters sent by our student officers here: Letter to Nic Beech; Letter to Rebecca Long Bailey.
What Salford students are telling us
To better understand student experiences, we asked Salford students about their views on student finance.
From 124 responses, the results show widespread concern about the current system:
- 69% said the prospect of student debt almost put them off going to university
- 70% said their maintenance loan does not cover their cost of living
- 89% said they are worried about repaying their student loans in the future
Common concerns raised by students
Maintenance loans not covering living costs
Many students said their maintenance loan barely covers rent, leaving little or nothing for food, travel, or basic expenses.
Debt anxiety and long term financial pressure
Students described feeling worried about carrying large amounts of debt for decades after graduating.
Concerns about high interest rates
Many respondents said interest rates feel unfair and make it difficult to see their balance decrease over time.
Parental means testing seen as unrealistic
Some students felt the system assumes parents can financially support them even when this is not the case.
Value for money concerns
A number of students questioned whether the cost of university reflects the amount of teaching or support they receive.
These responses highlight why many students feel the current system needs reform.
Get involved
If you would like to support the campaign and help push for changes to student finance, you can sign the national petition: Sign the petition
Every voice helps show how important this issue is for students across the UK.