For the first time in eight years, undergraduate tuition fees in England are set to rise by £285 to £9,535 for the 2025-26 academic year, sparking varied reactions among students. Isobel, who chose to forgo university to avoid debt, feels more secure starting a job, while Sam, studying a business degree, sees value in the university experience despite financial pressures. The increase aims to support struggling universities amid declining international student enrollment, but raises concerns over mounting student debt, which averages £48,470 for graduates. As financial support shifts, both students and parents navigate the implications of rising costs.