A recent poll has shown that students are developing worrying attitudes towards debt, taking the view that all students are in debt and that it is part of the uni experience.

Over 25 per cent of students questioned said that they thought it was reasonable to run up a debt which could take years to pay off for a moment of fun.

Robert Markoff, who carried out the study said: "Our poll results show that too many young people are living for the moment and are not preparing for their financial future."

“We conducted this poll to better understand college student views on debt. Having good credit probably has more impact on your life than having a minor criminal record. The type of impulsive behaviour our data demonstrates can have significant and lasting effects on students' lives."

The poll revealed that 25 per cent of students would use a credit card to pay for a special celebration and see it as a viable way to raise instant cash.

31 per cent questioned said that they never worry about their debts and believe that they will be able to comfortably pay them back when they are out of university and earning a good salary.

23 per cent said that they had ignored overdraft penalties and do not think about the prospect of paying off a debt for years to come.

University student Kalie Jones talks about her spending habits: “For the last three years I never worried about money -- my friends and I did what we wanted to do."

I go out; if I see a dress I like, I'll buy it; and in the holidays we are thinking about going to an all-inclusive resort, a trip that will certainly cost a chunk of money."

Now that I am entering my final year, reality is setting in. I'll need to get a job that will support my lifestyle,and I know I should change my spending behaviour."