Not yet, my results are coming out soon :/ do dua for me guys. I was working part-time in my first and second year on the weekends, it was a bad idea but I needed the money; in my final year I decided against it though and the government did give me a bit of help on the side due to my circumstances. Yeah, the student loans are not too too bad because you basically start paying it off only when you're earning £20K+ but people are put off by the idea of being in debt up to 30-40K and when you do start working it does hit you in the pocket, because the tax man takes his cut and you need to pay that off your student loan in monthly instalments as well.
My course was 3 years, there was an option to take a placement year (work) after my first 2 years but I just went onto my final year because I wanted to just get my education over and done with it

being a jobber who has been at it a long time

) but if the opportunity does come along do think you should take the placement year after your first two years of study, it usually is in an area relevant to your degree and that experience really boosts your job prospects mate. Either way, it can be a good thing to take a break from your studies as well and come back refreshed after a year. Another friend of mine just finished his final year but he is on the masters programme, before he is going to undertake it the guy will be taking a year out; good chance to regroup and make some money as well