Student loans allow students to fund their education and then pay back the loans plus interest once they get a steady job. The advantages are obvious — not having to stress about money before the tuition deadline each year is a big plus.
Student loans come with disadvantages, however. Obviously, you will have to pay back the money sometime. Interest could begin accruing immediately or upon graduation, in which case you will have to rush to find a job so you don't land yourself in even more debt.
Some considerations when thinking about a student loan include the source of the loan, how long you have to pay it back, how long you expect it will take before you find enough money to pay back the loan, and so on. There are students who prefer not to use student loans and instead work during the summer, hold a part-time job in school, enlist family support, and more. If any of these are options for you, consider exhausting other alternatives before you resort to taking out a student loan.
If you do take out a student loan, be sure you keep in mind how much debt you are in. Some students have no problem with this, while others spend a lot of unnecessary money and dig the trench of debt even deeper for themselves.
Student loan information varies in each individual country; some countries have specific rules and regulations about what lenders can and can't do. This can help protect the student, have negative consequences, or possibly both at the same time.
Many countries provide some sort of government-regulated federal student loans, while allowing private individuals and businesses to provide student loans, too. If you have this choice to make, don't make it in a hurry. Consider the possible advantages and downsides of both options, and compare the individual loan offers or information side-by-side. Federal student aid is generally provided to allow students to escape some of the interest accrual problems and other hassles of private loans, but if you don't qualify for federal financial aid, you may have to look into other options.
Student loans are a popular and viable way to pay for college, but don't jump into them recklessly. You have other options, so consider your decision carefully.