In college I lived in a VW bus, showered in the gym and ate in the school sponsored cafeteria. We didn't have school loans. I worked and had an athletic scholarship but it didn't pay like they do, today. My life was cash and carry just like it is today. Some jobs I worked because I could eat where I worked for free. Other jobs because the hours were flexible. My free times was for sleeping. Living in the bus allowed more time to work and sleep.
Now I see students not working, driving a new car and living in a university dorm that is really nice and they claim they are roughing it. The bill hasn't become due yet but when it does they will begin a life of debt.