Two in five students must work to pay their way through university.

Research by NatWest reveals nearly half of UK students must get a job to afford their studies.

In the bank’s fifth Student Living Index survey of 2,600 undergraduates from 26 towns and cities across the UK, 42 percent of undergraduates expect to be in part-time employment when the new academic year begins.

It is estimated they will earn a combined total of £2bn – much needed earnings given the cost of living has risen from £10.3bn in 2007 to £10.8bn now.

The survey reveals five percent of students are choosing their university based on expected living costs, but they also admit to spending up to three times more on cigarettes and alcohol than they do on course books.

Mark Worthington, head of student banking at NatWest, said: "Students are increasingly aware of the wider economic climate and this is filtering down into their decisions when they are choosing their university and also when deciding whether to take a part-time job during term-time."

Plymouth is the cheapest place to study, with an average spend of £217 a week and average income of £115. In contrast, Exeter students will pay £294 a week with just a £67 return from paid work.

Belfast has the most working students, with 64 percent taking on a paid job. Portsmouth students work the hardest - an average of 18.45 hours.