In mid-January, the government announced a two-year freeze to university tuition fees in England. That means they will remain at £9,250 for the next two years – the next review due in 2025.

According to Robert Halfon (the higher education minister), this is the sixth year in a row that the fees have been frozen.

What other measures to help students?

It’s been a tough year for many with inflation currently at 10%. The cost of living has been so difficult for many, especially for students who are on an even tighter budget.

To that end, the government also announced extra cash for universities hardship fund. They made an extra £15m available on top of previous funding, something that the NUS described as inadequate and "a quick fix to a long-term problem".

They asked the government to reconsider the fund and offer both larger-value loans and grants for those from lower income backgrounds.

But maintenance loans won’t be frozen

While it is good news for tuition fees and the hardship funds, the rise to maintenance loans will fall way short for a second year in a row.

These loans increased by 2.3% for this academic year to much protest from student representative organisations. Next year, they will increase by just 2.8% while inflation remains around the 10% mark.

The NUS were once again at the forefront of standing up for students. They described the rise as "woefully inadequate"; further, they worked out that students would be around £1,500 worse off than if the maintenance loans had increased in line with inflation.

Last summer, NUS calculated that the average student for this year would be left with just £50 spare after paying bills.

That was England. What about the rest of the union?

These are devolved issues, and so what students pay is different from that of England:

•         In Wales, the tuition fees students pay currently remains capped at £9,000
•         In Northern Ireland, students from Northern Ireland pay no more than £4,630. However, if you’re applying from Scotland, England, or Wales, you will pay up to £9,250
•         In Scotland, tuition remains free for people born there. However, those from outside Scotland are required to pay tuition up to £9,250

If you’re still struggling with money

Some universities have put measures in place to help students – covering both financial aid (grants), and mental health support for those feeling particularly anxious and stressed.

For example, University of York has made available a series of £150 funds for students struggling financially. Others have also followed suit; if you’re struggling, it’s worth making enquiries as to your eligibility.