Parents of students starting university, how much are you contributing?

My son is heading off to university shortly, and I’m trying to work out a sensible level of financial support.

He’ll receive the full tuition fee loan but only the minimum maintenance loan, outside London. Following Martin Lewis’s advice, we’re planning to top that up to the amount he would have received if he qualified for the maximum maintenance loan.

What I’m struggling with is whether that’s enough, too much, or somewhere in the middle.

I don’t want him living on the breadline, but I also don’t want to give him so much that he never needs to budget, find some part-time work or take any responsibility for his own spending. Ideally, he’ll have enough for the basics but still need to make sensible choices and perhaps earn a bit extra himself.

We could probably afford to contribute slightly more, but knowing my son, I’m wary of making things too comfortable and effectively spoiling him.

For those in a similar position, with your child receiving the minimum maintenance loan and you topping it up:

- How much are you contributing each month or term?
- What do you expect that contribution to cover?
- Do you also expect them to work part-time?
- Has the Martin Lewis suggested top-up proved realistic?