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Thousands of students turned out on the streets of London yesterday to protest against the increase to tuition fees. We went along to see what the atmosphere was like and to talk to a few of the protestors. Below will give you a feel of the rally: 

Overall, the protest was very peaceful, due at least in part to the huge police presence. There were some 4,000 police officers lining the route of the march, though only 24 arrests were made, mainly for minor offences. The number of protestors that turned up varies depending on who you believe, with the police estimating there were about 2,000, whilst the organisers claim that as many as 15,000 attended.  

One of the best things about living in the UK is how quick, easy and cheap it is to get to mainland Europe. For short weekend breaks there are so many options it can be hard to decide where to go. To help you out we are creating a series of guides to places in Europe that are perfect for short holidays. If you have been anywhere exciting in Europe and want to write a short guide, then please get in contact with us. Below, Cuban student Maria gives her guide to Rome. 

Rome, Italy

When I visited Rome for the first time last summer, I was convinced it was the most beautiful city in the world (after my native Havana). Now, just after my second visit, I can confirm my initial perception. During the last few days, I have wandered in the world's largest open-air museum, taking in some much appreciated sun and probably gained a few pounds off the best food out there. Here are some tips for a budget-friendly student trip to the capital of Italy based on my own experiences.

Thousands of students are expected to hit the streets of London tomorrow in the latest protest against increased tuition fees. Whilst a number of leading academics lend their support, the police are preparing for the possibility of violence.

Following last year's announcement that tuition fees are to increase to a maximum of £9,000 a year from 2012, unrest has never been far from the surface. Hundreds of thousands of students have joined marches and protests, most notably in November and December last year when a number of largely peaceful protests erupted in to violence.

Academics' Support

After several months of little public action, the National Campaign Against Fees and Cuts has organised a new protest for tomorrow. Up to 10,000 students are expected to gather at the University of London Students' Union before marching to the City- London's financial district. Over 70 academics from institutions across the country have given their backing in an open letter to the Guardian newspaper, stating:

Being a student might be a great thing most of the time, but it can also mean that money is often in short supply and, as a result, you have to try to keep spending levels down to a minimum wherever possible. While many things that you need to buy have been affected by inflation, the area of broadband is one place that is often much cheaper than it used to be.

Of course, if you're a student, getting a broadband supply can sometimes be a little problematical at the same time. This is mainly because for the majority of services need you to sign up to a contract, which in many cases needs a fixed address, and that isn't always convenient for students who often tend to move around a lot.

What's more, students aren't always at the same address for long periods, meaning that even if they are signed up to a contract then they may not get full value out of the package they've got.

Another Angle

Therefore, it's a good idea to spend some time comparing the many and varied broadband deals that are out there these days. Internet service providers have realised that students often need a special deal to match their circumstances, so lookout for special offers that are tailored especially towards this.

London is probably one of the greatest cities to study in. The multicultural community, the fast paced life and the varied entertainment makes London never a dull city. This week, I will present a number of small anecdotes I will never forget.