I work throughout the summer, not because i need the money, but i did it because 1, summer is a long time to be doing naff all, 2, it looks good on my cv that i haven't just been doing naff all and that i am re-employed by the same people very year shows i'm not a noob, 3, the extra money i do bring in means if i want to go out an extra night at uni i can, and i don't have to get the value food from tesco etc.
With the max loan and summer work i don't have to take money from my parents which means if i bugger up i only have to feel sorry for myself.