BKS, are students forced to take out loans instead of paying upfront if they are able? And does these apply to foreign students - could I go to Uni in England, get a job in the USA, and get the loans (and perhaps be less than diligent about paying them back)?
You aren't forced to, but you'd be mad not to, since it's interest free.

International students pay a lot more, and don't get our loans. They're actually used to subsidise the British students to an extent-the medicine course I'm currently on would cost an international student ~£20K PA in fees. It's not really feasible unless your family is absolutely minted.