Roehampton University students used social networking website Facebook to unite against HSBC.

They joined a nationwide campaign to protest against the bank's decision to start charging graduates full interest on their overdrafts.

After mounting pressure from the National Students Union (NUS), HSBC has now made a u-turn on the policy.

Kirsty Glynn, vice president of Roehampton Student Union, said: "I was really glad the students' voice came through and they had the power to change HSBC's mind.

"Students coming out of university now are in so much debt and not all get a job as soon as they graduate.

"I graduated last year and I know how important it was to have that first year interest-free."

She joined a group on Facebook called Stop The Great HSBC Graduate Rip-Off and invited all her friends to do the same.

"It was summer and everyone was away from university, so we relied on Facebook," said Ms Glynn. "It's just so popular and it's a good way of getting things across to people quickly."

A total of 4,000 students joined the group, instantly raising the profile of the campaign.

Ann Ripley, head of product development at HSBC, said: "Like any service orientated business we are not too big to listen to the needs of our customers.

"Following the feedback from our graduate account holders, we have taken the decision to freeze interest charging on 2007 graduates' overdrafts up to £1500 and refund any interest charged in August."

Ms Glynn said: "HSBC is a popular bank with students because it offers things like a free railcard. It realises how important it is to support students.

"I just hope it continues and the NUS don't have to do the same thing next year."