The cost of uni

My kids are tiny, but if nothing significant changes in the funding between now and when they're uni age, my plan is to encourage them to have a gap year (or even two!) where they live at home rent free but working and saving hard, if they want to go. That won't fund everything but it'll help.

Cheaper universities to live at include Nottingham, Leicester, Cardiff, Liverpool, Newcastle ... all perfectly reasonable places to attend and your money goes a lot further especially in second year when they live out. Another option is to live at home and commute, not for everyone but many do, and finally look at degree apprenticeships, not an easy option but ideal for certain subjects if driven enough

Some university locations are cheaper than others for starters. Most students work these days to stop up loans and money from parents. The rough amount the government expects students outside of London to need is £9500 a year and the loan is half that leaving the remainder to top up. We had the money saved up (saved the child benefit) but a good option if your dc's dad can't afford to pay at least half is for your dc to take a gap year before university with an aim to save £10k my dd1 did this, so reduced her debts a lot.

Student loans and most students work to supplement.

You may find this a good place to start if you haven’t already looked at it:

https://www.ucas.com/student-finance-england/student-finance-guidance-parents-and-partners

Student loan, savings, part time and summer jobs.
My daughter gets the full student loan and works all summer. She's also now applying for term time part time jobs as that pot is very definitely shrinking quickly.

£10k is probably about right on average, but some cities are cheaper and some more expensive than that (even outside London). Unfortunately there's been a big spike in student rents recently, not matched by an increase in loan amounts. So, yes, a gap year can help a lot.

Student loan and savings. I saved for two years before DD started uni and used that money to pay towards her accommodation. DD was gifted money from her grandparents on her 18th which she saved and used for uni, and saved the money she earned from working through the summer before starting. She was in a pretty good place financially in first year and didn't work during term, but picked up shifts when she was home in the holidays.

Second year has been harder. She has a part time job now as she couldn't manage without one. I haven't been able to save for her as my savings have gone on house repairs, but have helped out with money for groceries a few times.

Student loans, work during the holidays and taking a gap year to work before they go. Realistically they need about £10k a year to live on if outside London and the minimum maintenance loan is under £5k

Loans, and most students get jobs.

It’s a nightmare! My DDs have no choice but to work the holidays.
Start putting a small amount away weekly now, it will help.