One of them: Being part of a university

During your final year of sixth form, you need to make important decisions about what to do next.

For many A-level students, university is the next logical step.

In 2007, over 300,000 17-30 year olds were studying at university.

So why exactly do people go to university?

And when they get there, what do they love (and hate) about it?

A lot of students cite education as their initial reason for coming to university.

"I didn't feel like I'd reached the end of my education," says Hannah, a History of Art student.

Looking further into the future, a good job is also an important motivation for continuing education.

Some people have a specific career in mind: Jess, a third year student, says, "I knew I wanted to become a psychologist, and I knew a degree was necessary for that."

Some others have no idea what they want to do when they complete their degree, but know that it's necessary for a good job in the future.

Aside from education, independence is other reason why people attend university.

As Alex, 20, says, "University is a good intermediate stage of independence."

Getting away from home, learning to live alone, and having your own space are all important aspects of the university experience.

Hate the work, love everything else

Hannah, 20

The famous social side of university is another important reason for attending.

"A big motivation for me was to meet new people and make new friends," says Rachel, a Physiotherapy student.

Socialising is also cited as one of the most-loved things about university, along with independence.

University is a unique time to experience a wealth of opportunities, and this is one of its most enjoyable aspects.

However, the student life is not perfect, and those I asked had plenty to say about what they hated.

Amongst the complaints were unreliable landlords, dodgy houses and having no money.

Cooking also seems to be a problem: "I hate having to cook every night, instead of getting Mum to do it," says Rachel, 20.

The most hated aspect of university was, without a doubt, the workload.

Hannah's summary, "Hate the work, love everything else", seems to sum most students up well.

But ultimately, do students think university is worth the big price tag?

With debts of at least £10,000 at the end of a degree, no matter how good university was, the resounding answer appears to be, "No!"