The UNITE STUDENTS Student Experience Survey 2014 Full Report

STUDENTS MATTER

PROJECT TEAM

Jenny Shaw Project Lead

Sally Quigg Head of Corporate Communications

Elizabeth Bone Deputy Director of Marketing

& Communications

Rebecca Murch Corporate Communications

Manager

Lynsey Owens Research Manager

Martin Hughes Report Author

Daniel Wunsch Head of Market

Intelligence

Mary-Jane Sturt Research Officer

UNITE STUDENTS

NUS SERVICES

THE UNIVERSITY BLOG

With grateful thanks to Paul Nola and Antonno Versteeg of Context Consulting for their work on the focus groups. Thank you also to Alex Bols who provided expert advice at the beginning of the project.

We are particularly grateful to the many students and applicants who gave their time to answer the survey, and those who took part in focus groups.

CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

METHODOLOGY

STUDENT EXPERIENCE MATTERS

ACCOMMODATION MATTERS

COMMUNITY MATTERS

INTEGRATION MATTERS

FINANCE MATTERS

SUCCESS MATTERS

EMPLOYABILITY MATTERS

COMMUNICATION MATTERS

POSTGRADUATE MATTERS

THE FUTURE MATTERS

CHART INDEX

POSTGRADUATE CHART INDEX

02

04

07

08

12

14

16

18

22

24

26

28

40

42

73

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INTRODUCTIONSTUDENTS MATTER: THE UNITE STUDENTS SURVEY 2014

The proportion of school leavers entering higher education in the UK continues to rise. Our mass higher education system is now firmly established, and yet it retains many aspects that are associated with a far smaller, more elite system. The tradition of living away from home among other students, taking part in a range of non-academic activities and, above all, viewing the student experience as a transformative rite of passage still feature very strongly. The distinctive aspects of a UK higher education are rooted not only in academic excellence, but also in a rich and full encounter with student life.

Students Matter is Unite Students’ third annual student experience survey. This year we have broadened the scope of the survey to include over 3,500 responses from applicants, undergraduates at all stages of their degree, and postgraduate students. We now have data on the attitudes of those in both new and old tuition fee systems. We can also better understand postgraduate opinions on their finances, lifestyle and integration within the academic community.

Our latest findings suggest that cohorts continue to change in subtle ways. For instance, while it is clear from our data that students across the board are using digital technology and online services, applicants are more engaged with smartphone apps and text message services than current students. Furthermore, applicants appear keen to use technology to connect and interact with current students, their institution, and even those in charge of student accommodation, before they begin their degree.

When undergraduate students were asked for the most important thing they wish to achieve by the time they graduate, the answer “I am comfortable in my own skin” ranked fourth, below only application of knowledge, getting the best degree result, and retaining course information for life. The wider student experience, including living arrangements, can make a huge impact on how a student feels about themselves and their world.

That is why we asked about the most important features sought out in accommodation. Compared to respondents in 2013, undergraduates are still just as keen to be within walking distance of campus, but this has been superseded in 2014 by increased concern over value for money, provision of Wi-Fi and cleanliness. In terms of the social benefits of living with other students, significantly more undergraduates in 2014 are focused on making friends, socialising and learning important life lessons with them. Placing more importance on these social aspects should allow them to develop the self-confidence they seek by the time they graduate.

Financial matters are important to all cohorts. Applicants are uncertain whether or not their funding will be sufficient to meet living costs and are more likely to assume they will need to take up part-time work to manage. Yet while current students appear more at ease with these issues, they are significantly more likely to say that it is difficult not to get into debt as a student. Overdrafts feature highly, with 28% relying on them to help finance their time at university. In contrast, only a tenth of applicants believe they will make use of an overdraft. It is also surprising that 28% of undergraduates say they have not taken on any debt. Do students consider use of an overdraft or credit card as a debt? And what about their student loans? The uncertainties raised around finances suggest the possibility of a greater need to provide more education to students regarding their financial arrangements.

Despite higher fees, students are still keen to engage with higher education and it appears that they are looking for as rounded an experience as possible while they study. Although those approaching graduation are primarily concerned with their final degree classification, there is a general desire to find employment according to interest in the subject, as well as gaining knowledge that is kept for life. This is a promising sign after the concerns over how students would react to tuition fee changes in England. Thankfully, love of learning for its own sake does not appear to have diminished.

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Love of learning also features highly among postgraduates, with interest in a chosen subject overwhelmingly featuring as the top reason for returning to university. But this does come at a price, as 31% of UK students do not believe their funding is enough to meet living costs. Many believe there is a need for alternative funding models for postgraduate taught students and they do not think there is currently enough understanding of their needs.

Postgraduates face a wider variety of different circumstances compared to undergraduates, especially with regard to living arrangements. 78% currently living in halls of residence found appeal in the idea of postgraduate only accommodation. We wanted to find out if any unique areas needed addressing and to better understand how postgraduates see their place within the context of higher education, and beyond.

Our annual survey helps us to contribute to the wider collective understanding of the student experience. We plan to continue building on our findings over the coming years to track trends in non-academic aspects of the students experience. We hope that higher education in the UK will continue to be a transformative journey for students, both at the undergraduate and postgraduate level and that, despite changes to the sector, the UK can continue to build on the distinctive contribution that its higher education makes to the world.

Richard SmithManaging Director Operations

Unite Students

The tradition of living away from home among other students, taking part in a range of non-academic activities and, above all, viewing the student experience as a transformative rite of passage still feature very strongly. The distinctive aspects of a UK higher education are rooted not only in academic excellence, but also in a rich and full encounter with student life.

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARYSTUDENT EXPERIENCE

Seeking a rounded experience: Students place great importance on their education and their future prospects, wanting above all other things to study a subject they are interested in, improve the standard of their education, and get a good job once they have graduated. But they do not wish to do this at the detriment of other activities and experiences. ‘Having a good time’ was still a popular additional choice among respondents when ranking their top three motivations for going to university. Applicants especially had social life on their minds in comparison with current undergraduates.

ACCOMMODATION

Looking for reasonably priced living arrangements:The desire for reasonably priced accommodation is much more apparent this year, compared to our 2013 survey. From the third most important factor last year, it has made a convincing jump to first place in 2014, with four fifths of respondents claiming this is one of the most important factors in their accommodation search.

Take care with Wi-Fi: A small number of respondents show some level of dissatisfaction with Wi-Fi provision. In a world in which digital communications are increasingly relied upon and are frequently used, poor connectivity could make the difference between a great accommodation experience and a dreadful one.

Satisfaction (generally) guaranteed:Undergraduates’ experience of their accommodation not only measures up to applicant expectations, but also demonstrates a strong sense of satisfaction in all areas. Practical features, cleanliness and security measures all receive a high proportion of positive feedback, with more than four fifths of respondents claiming to be satisfied in all but one feature.

Living with others: Making friends, socialising, and gaining life lessons and experiences are reported as the biggest benefits of living with other students. With most applicants soon to delve into unknown territory, they were more likely than current students to have concerns over how well they would make friends and deal with their accommodation.

INTEGRATION

Rose-tinted hopes: We asked how integrated current students feel, and how integrated applicants wish to be, in various aspects of their academic life. Areas under question include other students, the institution itself, the wider academic community, and the wider world. Although undergraduates report that they feel reasonably integrated in most areas, applicants are far more hopeful of being well integrated in all situations than current students actually report to be. This is worth noting, as some students could be missing out on the connected experience they expected to find, and may even be experiencing isolation.

FINANCES

Resigned to debt: Getting into debt is not something people aspire to, and most respondents agree that they would rather avoid debt altogether. However, a quarter of undergraduates claim to have taken on more debt than expected. When asked how they feel about debt, more than a quarter of all respondents appear to demonstrate a sense of resigned acceptance of the prospect. Rather than being vehemently against debt or distressed at the possibility, debt is considered an investment or a normal part of student life.

Attitudes to debt surprisingly consistent: We were surprised to find little variation in answers given within different POLAR quintiles*, especially as our respondents provided a reasonable split between the five POLAR3 codes. Although those in quintile 5 (from areas with highest participation in higher education) are more likely to use family to finance university and accommodation costs and those in quintile 1 (lowest HE participation areas) are more likely to use bursaries and grants, general attitudes toward debt were similar across all quintiles.

*POLAR (Participation of Local Areas) is a classification of small areas across the UK, showing the participation of young people in higher education (HE) for geographical areas. The classification comprises five quintile groups of areas ordered from ‘1’ (those wards with the lowest participation) to ‘5’ (those wards with the highest participation), each representing 20 per cent of UK young cohort.

UNDERGRADUATES

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*http://www.hesa.ac.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2936&Itemid=161

EMPLOYABILITY

Ease of finding a job: As graduation looms, positivity begins to wane. Not only are undergraduates less likely than applicants to imagine their job search to be fruitful, they are also more likely to assume the search will be almost impossible. In addition, a greater proportion of applicants than students believe that, within six months of graduation, they will be in a job that needs their degree as a pre-requisite. Despite this general pessimism, only 1% predict they will be unemployed, which is far more positive than HESA’s most recent statistics on leavers (2011/12)* which found 7.9% of graduates unemployed and looking for work in the six months after graduating.

Postgraduate intentions: A fifth of respondents signal an intention to go into postgraduate study straight after graduation. This shows a higher proportion of interest than the reality demonstrated by HESA’s statistics, which reports 14.1% in some form of postgraduate study, or 15.9% when including those undertaking professional qualifications. This could signify the start of a rising trend in postgraduate study, or alternatively illustrate that there are significant barriers to those with an ambition to continuing their education being able to do so.

DIGITAL

Subtle changes in technology use: Most responses demonstrate a familiarity with digital services and the majority spend time using these tools on a daily basis. However, applicants are more likely than current students to use mobile messaging apps such as WhatsApp and photo apps like Snapchat. They also demonstrate more consistent use of smartphone apps. Although students already show a high use of apps, applicant answers appear to show a continuing rise in use, edging ever closer to 100%.

Connecting before course begins: There was a high degree of interest in connecting digitally with other students, the university, their accommodation provider and the wider academic community, both before and during their course. Applicants are even more keen than current students.

SUCCESS

A worthwhile education and positive career prospects: Undergraduates show clear interest in gaining a rounded student experience. When pushed for their top priority, the most important aspects selected are gaining the best degree possible and applying the knowledge they gain from their course to their career. Despite the overwhelming importance of these elements, most are keen to achieve the other elements of the student experience covered in the survey. These include managing money, meeting new people, gaining work experience, feeling comfortable in their own skin and staying in good health.

Male/Female split: Throughout our survey, we find instances in which male respondents are far more likely to express confidence in their situation, personal choices, and potential future success. When asked to give their opinion on given statements on student achievements, males are more likely to claim confidence in managing household bills, choosing safe living accommodation, participating in clubs and societies, and meeting new people.

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Motivations continue on from undergraduate days: Postgraduates were asked what motivated them to take a postgraduate course. Answers are similar to those given by undergraduates this year, with the emphasis on interest in chosen subject, desire to get a better job, and to improve the standard of their education.

Separate halls: The majority of postgraduates living in halls of residence flag an interest in dedicated postgraduate-only accommodation.

Price matters: Postgraduates have mixed feelings regarding their living arrangements. When asked how satisfied they are that their current accommodation is reasonably priced, most reported to be at least somewhat satisfied. However, many of those living in halls of residence expected reasonably priced living arrangements, but did not feel that was currently the case.

The social side of living together: Nearly one third of respondents say they live with other students. When asked what benefits this brings, many choose socialising, making friends and mixing with people from different cultures. This suggests that postgraduates are not focussed solely on the academic side of their experience.

Mixed bag, same events:Levels of integration vary among our sample, with females less likely to feel integrated and postgraduates living in halls feeling more integrated. We found that postgraduates do have an interest in a broader student experience. We heard from focus group participants that organised social events for postgraduates should be a bit more imaginative.

Financial awareness:No source of postgraduate finance has more than 50% awareness, with most sources struggling even to achieve awareness among one third of respondents. Eight percent of students claim to have no knowledge of any type of finance listed in our survey, which include scholarships, bursaries, credit cards and loans. As with applicants and undergraduates, better financial education may be of benefit.

Insufficient funds: 28% of students say they do not believe their funding package is sufficient to meet their living costs. Although this does not represent the majority, it is a worrying proportion. UK students are more likely to say they had taken on the level of debt that they had expected to, while international students are more likely not to have taken on any debt at all. Individuals without substantial savings or sponsorship are most likely to suffer from limited funds.

Seeking change: Postgraduate students agree that there should be alternative models of funding and a tuition fee loan system for those on taught postgraduate courses. This is felt especially strongly by UK students, who mostly disputed statements that their needs are understood by society and by the current government.

More than just a course: As with undergraduates, postgraduates appear to expect a lot of their time as students, beyond the academic. Around a third agree that elements such as managing health, finance and making friends are important achievements by the end of their study. Two fifths of those surveyed want to feel more comfortable in their own skin by the time they finish their course.

Employability: Attitudes toward employability are similar to those given by undergraduate respondents. However, a far higher proportion of postgraduates expect to be in a job that requires their specific qualification, compared to undergraduate respondents.

POSTGRADUATES

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METHODOLOGYUnite Students has published an annual survey of students since 2012. We have extended our range of participants this year, now surveying undergraduate students from all year groups. In addition, we have consulted the views of postgraduates for the first time.

Unite Students commissioned NUS Services Ltd to conduct the survey and present the results. The data within the research has not been weighted as the demographics largely reflect those defined by HESA as being representative of students in higher education. Without a specific sample frame for ‘applicants’ there is nothing to weight the survey sample against.

This survey was conducted online between 10 January and 31 January 2014. In some instances, comparison is made to findings from the Unite 2013 student experience survey conducted by Lawson Taylor. As the survey and sampling methodology have been significantly reworked between 2013 and 2014 there may be some variation between the results, which we have taken into account.

To supplement the quantitative survey results, we commissioned Context Consulting to undertake focus groups with undergraduates and postgraduates. Quotations given in this report are transcribed responses given by those students.

The results of the postgraduate survey are reported in a separate section on p28, so throughout this report the results refer to applicants and undergraduate students only unless otherwise stated.

Category DefinitionNo of respondents (2014 Survey)

No of respondents (2013 Survey)

Applicants

Those applying for an undergraduate course beginning in autumn 2014.

1084 1065

Undergraduates/Current students

Students who are currently enrolled on an undergraduate degree course.

1760 526

Postgraduates

Students who are currently enrolled on a postgraduate degree course (e.g. Masters, PhD)

810 N/A

TOTAL 3654 1591

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STUDENT EXPERIENCE MATTERSIn recent years, ‘student experience’ has become a widely used term that covers far more than academic study. Students expect good facilities, a friendly atmosphere, opportunities for work experience, dedicated support resources and much more. The discussion over how to improve the student experience continues within the HE sector and beyond. Do higher fees motivate students to increase their social and extra-curricular experiences, or are they more likely to concentrate on the degree work above all else?

What drives students to attend university in the first place?

Why choose university?Going to university is still far from an automatic choice. Even those who see attendance as the most obvious progression from school and college spend time questioning what they want to do next. It therefore seemed fitting to ask our survey respondents for their top three motivations for going to university. Interest in chosen subject was the clear first choice, picked by 47% of respondents with 79% including it in their top three motivations.

Other popular reasons for going to university are to get a better job (33% first choice, 73% somewhere in top three) and to improve the standard of their education (11% first choice, 54% somewhere in top three). No other choices were popular in the top position, but becoming more independent was given as second or third choice in a third of cases. Having a good time was mainly popular as a third choice, in 14% of replies, and features somewhere in the top three motivations nearly a quarter (24%) of the time, rising to 30% when looking solely at applicants.

Compared with responses in 2013, undergraduates this year appear slightly more focused on the long term. They are more interested in getting a better job and becoming more independent, and less motivated by family expectations or attending university simply because it is the ‘thing to do’.

Looking at applicant changes in motivation between this year and 2013, there is now more focus on getting a better job, becoming more independent, and having a good time. This year’s applicants appear less concerned about improving the standard of their education in general, however.

A well-rounded experience with long-term benefitsNext, we asked respondents what the six most important aspects of the university experience are. The top choice, both in number of first choice votes and in inclusion somewhere within the top six, is acquiring new knowledge and skills. 30% make this a first choice and around four fifths include it in their top six. This search for knowledge and skills is significantly more likely to be picked by those aged 23-25 years of age, compared to those aged 18-22 (41%, compared with 26%). It is also more likely among undergraduates than applicants (32% compared with 26%).

“You really did have to stand out and try and balance everything. The academics, the extra-curricular stuff, and the social life whilst doing everything. You just had to balance and it is a good skill that I will take into working life.”

Full results available in the Chart Index on pages 53-57

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Another popular choice is to achieve personal confidence, growth, and development, featuring in 71% of respondents’ lists. This reason is more likely among females than males.

More than a fifth of those polled (21%) say that the most important element of their experience is being on the specific course they want, and this is also the third most chosen item somewhere within a top six. Equally popular is the need for advice and support in being prepared for a career.

Applicants and undergraduates would appear to rank a clear cluster of features as important to the student experience, but don’t necessarily rank them in the same order.

It is also worth noting the factors that were less likely to feature in the ranking. Part-time work opportunities, good quality accommodation, and modern sports facilities are among the aspects gaining fewer than a fifth of choices, regardless of ranking. Students appear to favour long-term benefits over short-term perks and everyday comforts.

“You do become more independent along the way. It’s inevitable because at university there’s no-one sitting there like a teacher saying you’ve got to get your homework done. If you don’t do it come exam time you realise. So you just have to get on with it.”

WHAT IS MOST IMPORTANT TO YOU IN YOUR UNIVERSITY EXPERIENCE?

Top 10 responsesFull graph on page 55

Acquiring new knowledge and skills was the most important aspect of the university experience, with 30% of respondents claiming it as their top choice and appearing in 79% of respondents top 6 choices.

Personal confidence, growth and development is significantly more important to females than males, with 13% of females claiming it as their top choice.

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After finding out what students consider important, we wanted to know the top five things on their mind while at university. Financial matters topped the list both in terms of first choice, and inclusion in their top six choices, closely followed by their course and their future career. The dominance of finance is a slightly unexpected finding, even given the fact that the majority of the survey respondents are young adults who are managing their own finances for the first time. The fact that this is more of a preoccupation even than their course may be cause for concern.

Future employment and career decisions are significantly more likely among those studying part-time than those in full-time education (21% compared with 14%), while applicants believe this will be on their minds more than is the reality for current students (17% compared with 13%). Undergraduates are more likely to be thinking about family than applicants believe they will be, with 38% giving family a top five position, compared to 28% of applicants. Applicants are also more inclined than current students to imagine social life will be on their mind while at university (61% compared with 45%).

INSIDE THE STUDENT MIND

Full results available in the Chart Index on pages 58-60

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“Uni tends to open up your mind a little bit more. It gives you so many options to choose from and then in terms of societies, for example, I got into salsa. I would never see myself dance in a hundred years but now I do, yes. It’s a really fun experience and I think uni life is what opened my mind.”

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ACCOMMODATION MATTERSExpectation versus realityIn terms of both accommodation and student life in general, applicant expectations can be quite different from student reality.

More applicants intend to live in halls of residence compared to the proportion of first year undergraduates that actually do. 92% of applicants who intend to live away from home expect to be in university or private halls. However, only 83% of first year undergraduate respondents actually live in halls, with 17% in a privately rented house or flat.

In our 2013 survey, 77% of first years were in university halls, with 7% in private halls. In 2014, the figures were 73% and 10% respectively. This could indicate a rebalancing between university owned and private halls, but could equally represent a greater awareness among respondents of who is providing their accommodation, especially where this comes through nominations agreements.

Students living in London are significantly less likely to live in halls of residence, while Wales and Yorkshire have the greatest penetration of those living in halls of residence. According to the 2012/13 NUS/Unipol Accommodation Costs Survey*, London has the highest average accommodation cost in the UK, at £164 per week. Wales, on the other hand, has a low average price of £98. Yorkshire appears in the NUS/Unipol survey to show one of the lowest minimum accommodation costs and a relatively low average price too at £110 per week.

Among those students who live at home, affordability is given as the main reason by fewer than half, while others want to live with family or to fit university around other existing commitments. Applicants who plan to live at home are more likely than current students to state their reasons as linked to affordability and already being close to their chosen place of study.

Value for money is crucialStudent finances and debt have long been under discussion within the higher education sector and have been widely reported in the media since the introduction in 2012 of £9k per annum tuition fees for students living in England. It may come as no surprise then, that 79% of respondents are looking for a reasonably priced place to live. In our 2013 survey, price was the third most important factor, but it has leapt into top place this year.

First year students see a wealth of factors as relevant and important when it comes to their accommodation.

Undergraduates are more likely to want security staff on site (38%) and secure entry (55%) compared to applicants (30% and 48% respectively). Applicants consider the need to have their own bathroom (56%) to be more important than current students (48%).

In terms of expectations, undergraduates appear to be getting roughly what they wanted when they applied. Nothing stands out as being particularly under-served or lacking, suggesting that facilities on offer are in keeping with applicant views prior to their move. Satisfaction with student accommodation is generally high across the board. This suggests that although students want accommodation to be reasonably priced, they do believe they are getting value for money.

Wi-Fi has the lowest satisfaction level, with 13% dissatisfied with the level of their provision. This suggests that student accommodation may be failing to keep pace with expectations in the fast-developing field of digital communications. As students increasingly rely on high speed internet connections, even a small amount of disruption risks causing bad feeling among students.

“I don’t mind paying a bit more for less stress: I have all bills included and enough time to get everything sorted especially given than my loan still hasn’t come in yet.”

Full results available in the Chart Index on pages 46-50*http://www.nus.org.uk/Global/Campaigns/Accommodation%20Costs%20Survey%20V6%20WEB.pdf

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“I live in a private student hall. What I really like is that it’s brand new, it’s really big, it’s clean.”

WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING FEATURES ARE MOST IMPORTANT TO YOU IN STUDENT ACCOMMODATION? (Undergraduate & Applicant)

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COMMUNITYMATTERSThe idea that undergraduates live with other students as a matter of course is a traditional and often marketed notion. This is reinforced through our survey, with applicants more likely to assume that they will be living with other students. Three quarters expect such living arrangements, compared with just 61% of student respondents who are actually living with other students. This figure, however, seems low and it could be that those living in individual studio flats within halls of residence do not see themselves as living with other students.

Applicants were similarly more likely to choose socialising and gaining valuable life lessons in 2014 than in 2013. However, making friends has always been seen as a priority, with 90% rating it a benefit compared with an already high 86% in 2013. Less important, although not considerably, was learning from others (54% compared to 60% in 2013) and getting help with their studies (33% compared with 37% in 2013).

“I was very excited but at the same time I was terrified... about not being able to meet new friends or to fit into the community...honestly it’s terrifying moving from your house.”

“You can get along with your housemates or you can hate them. It really affects your life as a student if you come back at home at night and you don’t like the people you live with.”

The importance of friendshipsWhen asked to pick all the main benefits of living with other students, the vast majority chose making friends (89%) and socialising (87%). Applicants are significantly more likely to believe that sharing chores and meals would feature as a benefit, although agreement is lower among current undergraduates. Fewer than a quarter (23%) believe that sharing accommodation with others improves their security.

Respondents could pick any number of benefits from the list, leaving them scope to give all options if they wished. We compared responses from 2013 and found that, this year’s current students are far more likely to see the benefits in making friends, socialising, and gaining life lessons and experiences.

Applicants are more likely to see making friends as a challenge when living with others, while current students are more concerned about the noise being made by other students. Concern about making friends probably comes from fear of the unknown, while challenge around noise is almost certainly a response to the reality of group-living.

More applicants are concerned about the possible shortcomings of accommodation compared to undergraduates. Despite attempts to provide detailed information, applicants are still moving into unknown territory and are understandably cautious. Thankfully, the reality appears to exceed expectation

Full results available in the Chart Index on pages 51-52

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WHAT DO YOU THINK WILL BE / ARE THE MAIN BENEFITS OF LIVING WITH OTHER STUDENTS?

(Undergraduate & Applicant)

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INTEGRATIONMATTERSApplicants appear far more hopeful about their level of integration compared to the apparent reality based on our undergraduate replies. Those applying for university hope to be well integrated with students on their course, those they live with, and the wider academic community. The picture painted by current students is not so rosy.Partial integrationApplicants have a greater hope to be well integrated with the students on their course compared to current undergraduates, with 71% wishing to be well integrated and a further 25% somewhat integrated, therefore representing almost everyone polled. While 87% of undergraduates feel a degree of integration, only 41% consider themselves well integrated with other students on their course.

This difference is further reflected when looking at the perceived integration of students with their institution. 86% of applicants look to be at least somewhat integrated, yet only two thirds of undergraduates see this as a reality. A worrying 28% of students consider themselves not to be integrated at all.

Applicant answers through the survey have been relatively uncertain—yet hopeful—when it comes to making friends at university. For instance, they are far more likely than undergraduates to see making friends as a challenge. However, one area where current students appear less sure than applicants is in their level of integration with the students they live with. While 42% do feel well integrated, it is a far cry from the 76% of applicants with the same hope.

Once more, applicants believe they will be integrated with the wider academic community, yet a third of undergraduates do not consider themselves to be integrated to that level.

Overall, this data paints a picture of high hopes that are not always fully realised. While the landscape is not bleak, there is enough variance to cause concern. As this survey has found, a sense of community is valued by students. Anyone sensing a lack of integration can quickly feel isolated if the issue persists. Therefore, if reality does not closely match applicant expectations, overall student satisfaction may suffer, and there could be an impact on retention.

“Get involved in as much as possible because that’s the only way you’ll meet new people and delve into the student experience.”

“...it was just a case of knocking on people’s doors because we didn’t have student flats. It was just rooms so you were just in a room and if you didn’t get out and do something you were just going to stay in the room like nothing else was going to go on. So you had to be proactive and to go and meet people. That’s just sort of what you had to do I suppose.”

Full results available in the Chart Index on page 61

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HOW INTEGRATED DO YOU / WILL YOU HOPE TO FEEL AT UNIVERSITY IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS?

UNDERGRADUATE

APPLICANT

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FINANCE MATTERSExpectation versus realityAccommodation is not part of the academic experience, yet it can have a huge impact upon it. The same can be said of many other non-academic areas of university life. Finance plays a big part across many of these areas and we looked at how students were being funded and their attitudes towards debt.

Applicants are far more concerned about affordability than undergraduates. Nearly a quarter (24%) are worried about how they will afford their accommodation. Although only 10% of undergraduates have similar concerns over affordability, current students are far more likely to complain that the cost of student accommodation is too expensive. Only 11% of applicants feel accommodation will be too expensive, but the proportion rises to 28% of undergraduates.

However, a reasonable proportion of students are positive about the benefits of their accommodation, regardless of cost. 9% of undergraduates say their living arrangements are easily affordable, while 19% say it is worth the cost to have the full student experience. A further 34% deem accommodation expensive but necessary, resigned to the fact that it is a cost they must swallow.

Ways to payAsked how their student accommodation will be funded, applicants are more likely to think it will come from their student loan, but also far more likely to assume they will need to work part-time during term as well as during the holidays. Receiving money from family, student grants, and savings for accommodation are all consistent between applicant and undergraduate replies.

Financing the university experience as a whole shows some slight differences. Applicants are more inclined to expect to use savings and to have help from their family, while undergraduates are more likely to use a bank overdraft to cover costs of university life.

It is also worrying to see that two percent of undergraduates take out payday loans or use doorstep cash services, and two percent of applicants expect to use them. Anticipating the need to turn to high interest debt solutions suggests that, for a small proportion of respondents, all other avenues of funding will either not be approached or do not cover students’ financial requirements.

Although applicants do receive a lot of advice and guidance on student finance, our survey respondents still demonstrate great uncertainty about what is to come. A surprising 60% of applicants do not know if their funding package will be sufficient to meet their living costs for university. Only one fifth of current students are uncertain about this, raising the possibility that applicants may benefit from more help understanding budgeting and being made aware of what their funding package will have to cover once they arrive at university.

It is possible that applicants responded to our survey at a stage when they had not yet received the necessary information to help them identify all the finances available to them. Nevertheless, it shows a tendency to apply to university without knowing how the various costs will be covered. Whatever the case, the sheer proportion of those who are unaware if their package will be enough to pay for their university experience is of concern. Perhaps of even greater concern is the possibility that some individuals may not even apply for university due to this financial insecurity.

The proportion of undergraduates who do not know if they will have sufficient funding, 20%, is also surprisingly high. While institutions do try to increase students’ awareness of finances and spending, messages may not be getting through sufficiently. This level of uncertainty needs addressing and we must understand whether the information could be communicated differently, or if other messages are coming into conflict and causing confusion.

“Finances were one of the most stressful things about the first few weeks, I think it was mainly because I was doing something new and hadn’t really done before.”

Full results available in the Chart Index on pages 67-6918

WHICH, IF ANY, OF THE FOLLOWING DO YOU USE / WILL YOU USE TO FINANCE YOUR TIME AT UNIVERSITY? (Undergraduate & Applicant)

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Resigned to debtWe asked undergraduates about their current experiences of debt. 28% say they have not taken on any debt whatsoever, while 41% have not taken on more debt than expected. Within the statistics, we found that those studying part-time are more likely to have not taken on any debt (53%), compared to those studying full-time (23%).

A less positive aspect came from one quarter of the 1,759 undergraduate responses, stating that they had taken on more debt than expected. It is unclear whether this is down to a lack of preparedness and poor budgeting skills, or due to circumstances that could not be foreseen. However, we did ask how people felt about debt to get an idea about their relationship with it.

The overwhelming response, perhaps unsurprisingly, is that respondents wish they could avoid debt altogether. 41% give this answer, with the most popular answer after that gaining a far lower 13% share. Current undergraduates are significantly more likely to state that it is difficult not to get into debt as a student (16% of undergraduate replies, compared with 10% of applicants).

“Paying my first rent instalment was as easy as buying a product online; a few clicks and it was done...I thought I’d have more money, but ALL my loan went to my rent and now I have about £20 to last me until January which doesn’t help with socialising.”

WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING MOST APPLIES TO YOU? (Undergraduate)

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27% of respondents give a relatively positive answer regarding their relationship with debt. A tenth see it as a future investment, another tenth consider it a normal part of student life, 5% consider it an easy to manage long term loan, and a further 2% do not see debt as an issue at all.

Looking at the data, what emerges is not a two-way split between those who see debt as a problem versus those who do not. Instead, a third approach is apparent, with some students merely resigned to the inevitability of debt. Whether that resigned acceptance is positive or negative will no doubt continue to provide much debate.

Disadvantage and unchanged attitudesWhen asking how students financed university and paid for accommodation, those in POLAR quintile 5 (those from areas with highest participation in higher education) are more likely to use family as a source of money, while those in quintile 1 (areas of lowest participation) are more likely to rely on bursaries and student grants.

It might reasonably be expected that subsequent opinions regarding debt would reflect these differences. However, opinions were roughly the same in each POLAR quintile. One explanation comes from a recent paper released by HEFCE* which states that, while POLAR3 classification demonstrates some correlation with other measures of disadvantage, it is not as strong as initially assumed. HEFCE explain:

“These findings demonstrate that POLAR captures a specific form of disadvantage--namely, educational disadvantage relating to participation in higher education--that is different from the types of disadvantage captured by other measures.”

In the case of our respondents, as all are either already participating in higher education or have actively decided to apply, attitudes may not be as different as might initially have been expected.

“It will be nice to have money but I don’t think I’m ready to work.”

* https://www.hefce.ac.uk/media/hefce/content/pubs/2014/201401/HEFCE2014_01.pdf21

SUCCESSMATTERSSuccess can mean different things to different people. One student may wish to gain many new experiences outside formal academic structures, while another may have a firm idea that they are pursuing their education solely to advance their career prospects. How much variation is there in reality?

Achieving as much as possibleWe gave respondents a list of 17 things they might like to achieve by the time they graduate from university. When able to pick as many as they wish, most answers prove popular and most gain support from at least half those polled. Only three items on the list are significantly less popular to students (participating in clubs and societies, choosing safe living accommodation, and volunteering). Applicants are more likely to choose even these less well-regarded statements, with 46% of applicants considering clubs and societies as a definite goal compared with 30% of current students. 40% of applicants want to be able to choose safe accommodation compared with 30% of undergraduates.

The general popularity of such a broad range of achievements is evidence that students want to get a lot out of their time at university. Even though it has been argued that students are sacrificing extra-curricular activities and social experiences in order to spend more time studying, we continue to see much positivity toward a rich and full encounter with higher education.

Undergraduates are slightly more likely to place greater importance on obtaining the best degree classification manageable, while applicants put more focus on applying the knowledge from their course to the career they want. This was replicated when respondents were asked to choose the one most important thing they wish to achieve by the time they graduate from university.

It seems that, rather than diminishing, the focus on degree classification actually gains traction between applying to university and being a student. This flies in the face of much advice given to students, which calls on them to focus on the bigger picture, as opposed to attempting, for instance, a first class degree over a 2:1, no matter what the consequences.

Applicants attribute greater importance than current students to skills related to moving away from the family home, with 64% hoping to better manage household bills and manage their money by the time they graduate. Fewer than half (48%) of current students share the same goal. Although we can only speculate, it is possible that as students begin to encounter bills and the everyday realities of money, what once seemed directly important is now just another regular part of life. This was reflected when we later asked if respondents agree that they currently feel confident managing household bills and upkeep. Nearly three quarters (74%) of undergraduates agree, yet only 46% of applicants do.

Confidence in meeting new people is considered an important goal in two thirds of cases, yet making new friends was only chosen half the time. It appears that students have a greater focus on making professional acquaintances and developing skills in networking and building working relationships. There is potential here for providing students with more opportunities to develop their professional identity and networks by introducing more initiatives such as networking events, mentoring schemes, and alumni connections.

Confidence levelsFinally, we offered 17 statements that all respondents could either agree or disagree with, based on what they already have achieved in their current stage of education. Each statement had strong agreement and even the least agreed upon statement (“I have volunteered”) had 53% agreement.

However, this hides a marked difference between undergraduate and applicant responses. 69% of applicants agree that they have volunteered in their current circumstances, whereas a mere 43% of current students claim to have done so while at university so far.

Similarly for work experience, well over three quarters (78%) of applicants have picked some up, compared to fewer than half (48%) of undergraduates. Even though many applicants have been involved with business and voluntary causes, 60% polled say that gaining work experience is an important goal while at university. Looking solely

Full results available in the Chart Index on pages 62-6622

living accommodation (73% compared with 67%), and that they could happily meet new people (77% compared with 71%). One area females are more likely to agree in was in having volunteered, where 57% had done so compared with 47% of males.

This marked difference in male and female attitudes is surprising as it occurs not only in several places here, but also elsewhere within the survey. Females were less likely to show confidence in future employability and more likely to express a wish to develop more personal confidence as part of their university experience. It is hard to say if males are being over-confident, females are being under-confident, or if these attitudes reflect differences in perspective or interpretation that cannot be directly compared in this way. Therefore, it is worth noting and keeping watch in future years to see what, if any, changes take place. Should further polarisation occur and go unnoticed, it is plausible that any lack in confidence could lead to isolation and apathy, while too much confidence could give rise to unexpected failures and frustration. Either scenario would be liable to have a negative impact on the student experience.

at applicants, this rises to 69%, which implies they would like more relevant experience during their degree, regardless of what industry involvement they already have. We have also found that students cite work experience as the most important key to successful employability after graduation [see page 25], further adding to the clear need to promote work experience opportunities to students, regardless of their prior associations with business.

Unsurprisingly, a far higher proportion of current students are confident they can choose safe accommodation (76%) compared to applicants (57%). This also implies that many applicants do not currently feel confident making safe choices. However, only 15% of applicants express a lack of confidence in this area, with 28% stating no opinion. Rather than lacking confidence, it seems that not much thought has yet been given to this side of living away from home. The main concern, therefore, is that some may leave their plans to the last minute and not be fully aware of what to look out for when making living arrangements.

As noted above, applicants are more actively worried about the prospect of managing household bills, with nearly a third (30%) specifying that they are not confident in this area. The recent NUS report, ‘Homes fit for study’* highlights that a substantial number of students had some difficulty paying energy bills and had sometimes resorted to reducing spending on essential items as a result. If applicants are entering an already challenging area with such a high degree of uncertainty, it is vital that efforts are made to help them understand their rights and responsibilities more clearly and before they are directly faced with the circumstances.

Living in halls has a marked impact upon participation in clubs and societies. Two thirds of those in halls agree that they have been able to join in, as opposed to 46% who live elsewhere. Proximity could play a part here, with those living on site or in nearby halls potentially finding involvement easier due to greater accessibility.

There is a pronounced split between male and female responses in this section, with men expressing greater confidence in a number of areas. Males are more likely to feel confident that they can manage household bills and upkeep (71% compared with 59%), that they can choose safe

*http://www.nus.org.uk/Global/Homes%20Fit%20For%20Study/Housing%20research%20report_web.pdf23

EMPLOYABILITYMATTERSEmployability is a broad term, but one that is given a great deal of importance, among policy makers and students alike. With future careers on the minds of so many students, we wanted to know how confident they felt about the future and what they deemed necessary in order to enable them to find a job.

Possible or impossible?The majority of those polled intend to be in a graduate-specific job (54%) or undertaking postgraduate study (20%) within six months of graduating. Applicants are more confident that they will be in a graduate level job compared to current students. Undergraduates are less certain about their future, being more likely than applicants to imagine they will be in a job that doesn’t actually require their degree six months after graduation. However, this still only accounts for 6% of undergraduate replies, whereas the most recent figures from the Office for National Statistics* show that 47% of recent graduates were employed in non-graduate roles.

Comparison with postgraduates

Students were asked where they intend to be six months after finishing their course. Perhaps understandably, a higher proportion of postgraduates expect to be in a job that requires their specialist degree as a pre-requisite (70%). Nevertheless, more than half of the applicants and undergraduates assume that their job will need a degree as standard (54%).

When it comes to taking time out, undergraduates are more likely than postgraduates to be planning for a gap year or dedicated travelling. 8% intend a gap year after graduation compared to only 3% of postgraduates.

A fifth of undergraduates are looking to go straight into postgraduate education, while only 8% of postgraduates are contemplating further academic study.

The 20% who believe they will be undertaking postgraduate study within six months of graduating represent a larger proportion than HESA’s survey of the destinations of leavers in 2011/12*, which stated that 14.1% were taking a higher degree or postgraduate diploma.

When graduation approaches, the thought of committing to yet more study could alter attitudes. However, it is also possible that funding issues could stand in the way of some graduates who might otherwise have progressed to postgraduate study, and this is underlined by the results of our postgraduate survey on page 28.

Respondents were then asked how easy they think it will be to find the job they want after graduating. Answers are relatively positive in the main, with nearly half (49%) imagining it should be achievable with a little effort and luck. A further 6% feel the process will be very easy. However, 54% of applicants feel the task will be manageable, compared to only 46% of undergraduates. In addition, undergraduates are more likely to think that finding the right job will be ‘almost impossible’ (7% compared with 5% of applicants):

“I’m just going to see what happens because I’m not sure that I definitely will want to go into marketing. I want to travel. I’m thinking about maybe doing the Masters. I might just apply and see what I feel like doing once I graduate...So yes, I’m just going to see what happens. Keep my options open.”

Compared to 2013, this year’s respondents are less confident regarding their job search. Only 2% of last year’s first year students viewed their subsequent job search as almost impossible, while 7% do this year. Furthermore, while 12% imagined finding a job to be very easy, that proportion has dropped to 5% in 2014.

See Chart Index on pages 69-71*http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/lmac/graduates-in-the-labour-market/2013/rpt---graduates-in-the-uk-labour-market-2013.html#tab-Graduates-in-the-UK-labour-market-2013

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“I think getting a job is the main worry for me at the moment...Once I get a job, I think I’ll relax a little bit. But getting the job in the first place is the most worrying part.”

This more gloomy attitude also seems to have affected applicants, with 4% envisaging a very easy route to a job (compared to 11% the previous year) and nearly a third (32%) anticipating a challenge, compared to a fifth in 2013.

Employability skillsTo increase their chance of finding a desired role, respondents focus mostly on gaining work experience (77%). Fewer than half agree that training on job applications and interviews will help (44% and 45% respectively).

Surprisingly, close to two thirds (62%) choose the need for a positive mental attitude in a successful job search. This trait is also highlighted in a recent joint CBI and NUS report on employability* which gave it high praise, stating:

“...personal attributes that can be summed up as a positive attitude are critical to being employable.”

Applicants place greater value on gaining work experience (84%) and receiving training on job interviews (49%) than undergraduates (73% and 42% respectively). Although relatively few believe that they already have everything they need to have the best chance of finding the job they want, undergraduates are more likely to think this (6%, compared with 2% applicants). Males are also more likely to answer this way.

WHERE DO YOU INTEND TO BE SIX MONTHS FROM THE END OF GRADUATING FROM YOUR UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE?

(Undergraduate & Applicant)

*http://www.nus.org.uk/Global/CBI_NUS_Employability%20report_May%202011.pdf

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COMMUNICATIONMATTERSA large number of students own mobile devices and make use of many digital services. The joke that people have forgotten how these gadgets used to be for making telephone calls now misses the point. Miniature computers in our pocket and on our person 24/7 have changed behaviours and are considered to be a standard student possession.

These behaviours are still changing. Students appear to be using apps and social services an increasing amount. User numbers are high among both applicants and undergraduates. Worth noting is that applicants responded even more positively, which suggests a continuing trend in popularity. Mobile messaging apps like WhatsApp and photo messaging apps like Snapchat are currently used by 67% of undergraduates, and for applicants the proportion jumps to 77% of those polled suggesting that this will be a growing trend among students in the coming year. It is clear that students are keen to communicate with their peers, although the methods of such communication are altering over time.

There is little difference in the frequency of technology use between applicants and undergraduates, although applicants are slightly more likely to use free text message services for over three hours per day (12% compared with 9% of undergraduates). Females are also more likely than males to spend three hours or more on messaging services (12% compared to 8% of males).

Video sites like YouTube are not used as heavily as other tools, suggesting that students are likely to spend more time on communicating with peers than consuming content online. However, more than a fifth (21%) spend between 30 and 60 minutes a day on video sites and 30% use them for over an hour, so they still maintain reasonable use.

We asked how students make use of the technology at their disposal. Video sites and smartphone apps are generally used for passive consumption of material while, unsurprisingly, messaging services and social networking sites generate much more two-way conversation. The university intranet is used in nearly two thirds of cases (65%) for using current content rather than generating it.

Applicants and undergraduates are building their own networks using social media. These networks, to which students can devote large amounts of time, may not necessarily be linked to their existing university experience, indeed the very high use among applicants may suggest that these are networks of pre-university friends. This is relatively new territory and we do not yet know the impact that this may have on the quality of, or commitment to, the student experience, but it is a trend to watch.

Pre-university connectionOur final question in this section looked at how respondents would like to see technology used as part of their transition to university and to support student life. We offered a number of statements and asked how appealing each sounded as a method for engaging digitally in higher education.

Applicants are statistically more likely to agree with all statements given. It is possible that, once students have successfully embarked on their university career, they may not place the same value in connecting and interacting in the run-up to university, or they may simply believe they got by without it perfectly happily. For applicants, uncertainty of what is to come could be driving a desire to gain familiar links as soon as possible before physically attending for the first time.

We also looked at the possibility of connecting with those in charge of student accommodation to discuss experiences and to report faults. Our results suggest that it is not only friendships that matter in terms of communications. 45% find the idea of interacting online or through an app with accommodation staff very appealing and among applicants, this climbs to 49%. A further 37% of respondents do have some interest in such a service.

There is certainly interest in communicating with other students across the UK (64% do agree or strongly agree with this statement), though all other statements had much greater support than this in general. In both cases of getting to know other students, our survey has already found that undergraduates report far lower levels of integration than applicants hope to achieve. Wider access to and use of digital tools could enable students to connect far better than they currently do.

Full results available in the Chart Index on pages 71-7226

“It would have been useful to coordinate what we bring to our flat. We have 5 kettles and irons. We kind of have the means via Facebook when we know what room we’re staying in: it’s not exactly a system.”

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POSTGRADUATE MATTERSWhen the term ‘student experience’ is discussed, it usually refers to undergraduates. From the answers we received to our postgraduate survey, it seems that many postgraduates are also looking for a rounded experience that takes into account much more than academic study alone. The course is clearly important, but it appears that this should

not be to the detriment of everything else.

Many motivationsPostgraduates are mainly motivated by interest in their chosen subject and education in general, or in order to get a better job. 80% claim interest in the subject as their first or second choice, while more than two thirds (67%) have the desire to get a better job in their top two reasons. The answer ‘to improve the standard of my education’ is the most popular third choice, and features consistently throughout, with nearly three quarters (74%) listing it in their top three. Undergraduates gave the same reasons in the same order, showing little change in attitude between graduation and higher study.

Other reasons for returning to university feature much less, although they all feature consistently as third choice reasons, including family expectations, going because their friends are, and to become more independent.

International students are likely to see studying in the UK as a fundamental driver. Earlier this year, HEFCE reported* that nearly three quarters of entrants on full-time postgraduate masters courses were from outside the UK. However, 2012-13 saw a decline in overseas entrants to these courses and HEFCE predict only a slight recovery for 2013-14.

“Because I am thinking about going into research, you are not really going to get a foot in unless you have got a masters, so it was kind of a necessity.”

“To me it is like having a job, but absolutely no perks. All my friends are in jobs. I work like from 9 to 5 the same as them, I go out the same as them, I earn massively less than them, I am going nowhere in my career at the moment, I am not doing anything that productive.”

With the government’s introduction of stricter visa regulations, there is a danger that despite strong institutions, the presence of too many barriers may negatively impact upon numbers of those undertaking postgraduate study in the UK.

International students are also more likely to say that a main reason for studying for a postgraduate qualification was to improve the standard of their education. UK students were far more likely to claim interest in their subject as a key choice behind postgraduate study. Yet in the following question, international students were more likely to agree that they were taking a postgraduate degree solely to progress their knowledge on a subject they loved.

Optional investment or necessity?When asked why they are undertaking postgraduate study, 94% agreed that it is an investment in their future. Nearly three quarters (74%) also believe that a postgraduate degree will be essential to differentiate themselves in the job market. However for some, it was a frustrating necessity.

UK respondents were less likely than their international counterparts to agree that a postgraduate degree is necessary for employment or a crucial way to stand out when looking for a job.

Respondents were most ambivalent when asked if those with postgraduate qualifications are of higher economic value to society. However, males were more likely to say that they were.

Full results available in the Chart Index on pages 73-88*http://www.hefce.ac.uk/pubs/year/2014/201408a/#d.en.86921

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Top experiencesStudents were asked for their top six important university experiences. Dominating the list is a thirst for new knowledge and skills, taking a specific course, and attending an institution with a strong academic reputation. Strong among international students was to have advice and support for career preparation. We did not ask how much career support they felt they had received, but the strong hope for its availability should persuade universities to ensure satisfactory provision exists and that it is fully accessible to international students.

Males were more likely to find it important to make new friends, find modern sports facilities, and to participate in special interest clubs and societies.

“I think a successful student life is about having a balance. I think a lot of people get too bogged down in one aspect of student life, going out or studying or working. I think to be successful is about being balanced in all three aspects.”

TO WHAT EXTENT, IF AT ALL, DO YOU AGREE WITH THE FOLLOWING REASONS FOR UNDERTAKING POSTGRADUATE STUDY?

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No ‘one size fits all’Postgraduate living arrangements do not resemble those of undergraduates, although there is certainly some crossover, with some students still requiring accommodation in university or private halls.

More than half our respondents are in a privately rented house or flat (53%) and a further 26% are in their own (or family) home. Of the 17% in university halls and 4% in private halls, these are more likely to be international students and aged under 30.

These findings are consistently echoed in most regions of the UK. However, fewer respondents in the East Midlands were in halls (9%), while Yorkshire and Humber had more postgraduate students in purpose-built accommodation (33%). This could be linked to differing regional rental costs. The 2012/13 NUS/Unipol Accommodation Costs Survey* found that, although average accommodation costs are not particularly high in either area, East Midlands had the highest minimum rents and Yorkshire one of the lowest.

Respondents who currently live in halls of residence were asked if the idea of postgraduate only accommodation would be appealing. There was a very strong agreement with this, 78% of the sample agreed with only 5% actively disliking the suggestion. This may indicate an under-served need for a postgraduate accommodation proposition. We also discovered that international students are more likely to value fully inclusive bills as part of their accommodation package.

Integration

LIVING ARRANGEMENTS

“The fact that there were a lot of postgrads and it was close to uni, that is why I went.”

“I think when you are an undergraduate you are in a new place, you are really insecure, so you feel you have to latch on to people. You are in this completely different world and you feel that you have to form friendship groups to feel secure. I think when you are older you just feel a bit more secure in yourself. If you do make friends, great, but it’s different now.”

“I live right next to uni and I just wanted somewhere easy that I didn’t have to pay [utility] bills and so I could just walk in for convenience.”

The results from our survey suggest that some students feel as if they are on the periphery of their institution. On the other hand, some students in our focus group reported that they were less interested in some aspects of the traditional student experience.

Differences in opinion may depend on what stage of life people enter into postgraduate study, as well as their reasons for attending. Involvement and integration will likely have a wide range of connotations. Therefore it may be useful in the future to try to understand what an appropriate type and level of integration would meet the needs of different groups of postgraduates, and assess whether these needs are being met.

Full results available in the Chart Index on pages 76-80

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“It was good to have other postgrads around to hang out with. [The university] put on events and stuff, which are a bit lame, but also kind of nice.”

“But university says you are a postgraduate, so you don’t need to have fun and [they] assume that you have your friends, you don’t need to make any other friends. I know that it is university, but [the experience] is not just all academic.”

“Every single event is like a wine and cheese night, [as if] that is what postgrads do.”

In the postgraduate focus group, students were happy that events were put on for them, but felt they were too limited in scope.

Postgraduates feel at least somewhat, if not well, integrated with the students on their course, the institution itself, and the wider world around them. There is slightly less certainty regarding the wider academic community, although three quarters are still positive about their level of integration.

However, while more than three fifths (61%) felt integrated with students in general at their university, more than a third (35%) said they were not integrated. Females were more likely to perceive a lack of integration with students at their institution (39%) compared to males (27%). Living in halls also made a difference, with 58% feeling somewhat integrated, compared to 43% of those living elsewhere.

Price over features?

Nearly two thirds (63%) of tenancies in halls of residence were for a 41-52 week period and a further quarter had signed up for 31-40 weeks. A small number had much shorter tenancy periods, with 2% on an agreement that did not even stretch beyond five weeks. It would be interesting to explore these findings further, perhaps in relation to course length, to gauge whether these tenancy lengths genuinely meet the requirements of postgraduates, or whether they are simply making the best of a student accommodation market that is optimised for undergraduates.

More than three quarters (76%) expected accommodation to be reasonably priced, although only 41% of respondents said this was currently the case. The figures are similar when looking solely at those currently in halls of residence, with 72% looking for a reasonable price and 41% believing they had obtained it. However, when we later asked students if they were satisfied that their accommodation was reasonably priced, more than three quarters (76%) were at least somewhat satisfied, and only 7% actively dissatisfied. The findings suggest more of a general protest against housing prices than dissatisfaction at a personal level. This could be linked to the very strong attitudes shown towards the current postgraduate finance system, reported on page 34.

Just under two thirds want the accommodation to be clean (64%) and to include Wi-Fi (63%). Well over half also want their living space to be within walking distance of campus (54%).

While 42% saw secure entry as important, only 20% expected security staff to be on site, which was the least chosen factor within the question.

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“...the kitchen was a mess...you could see the pile of dirty dishes in the kitchen, I didn’t like it at all. And because they are freshers, and I was postgraduate, sometimes they have parties in the night and I have to study, so I didn’t quite fit in there.”

Only 45% found having their own bathroom to be important, the same proportion as undergraduates. However, two thirds of respondents say they currently have their own facilities. Fewer undergraduates have the same level of access, yet were still satisfied with what provision they had, which suggests that en suite bathrooms could be seen more as a luxury than a necessity, regardless of level of study.

Females were more likely to consider a number of features important compared to males. Namely, secure entry (48% of females compared with 32% of males), the inclusion of Wi-Fi (67% compared with 57%), and the accommodation being reasonably priced (80% compared with 69%).

We asked those currently living in halls how satisfied they were with various aspects of their living situation. The responses were overwhelmingly positive in the main, with three quarters or more satisfied in every category they were asked about. The only slight gripes involved having temperature control heaters (13% were somewhat dissatisfied), and having access to Wi-Fi (10% were somewhat dissatisfied and 6% very dissatisfied). Our findings show that Wi-Fi is an area that needs attention, as similar responses from undergraduates suggest this is an expected feature in which some students are being underserved.

Current living situation

The most common current living situation is living with other students (30%). Postgraduates in the 18 to 22 year old age bracket were more likely to give this answer. These respondents are almost certainly 21 and 22 year olds who have gone straight into postgraduate study after graduating from their undergraduate degree. International students are also more likely to be living with other students. A fifth of respondents live with their partner, although this goes up to 29% when you include those who live with a partner and children or other dependents. 17% currently live alone.

Well over half of those polled (62%) felt that socialising with the students they live with was a major benefit of living with other students. Making friends was also appreciated by 60%, and mixing with people from different cultures was also well received (52%). Those living in halls of residence are more likely to see a benefit in mixing with people from different cultures (67%) compared to those living elsewhere (41%).

However, in our focus group, conversation revolved around the wish to move away from undergraduate experiences.

One student we spoke to felt entirely out of place living with eight first year undergraduates.

“As an undergrad you want to live where everyone else is living...whereas as a postgrad you don’t really care about socialising. I wanted to live where it was cheap...and if it takes me an hour to get to university, that is fine.”

Once again, this points toward the potential benefits of providing dedicated postgraduate accommodation. Communal spirit isn’t necessarily lost, but a difference in priorities between undergraduates and postgraduates could cause friction.

Main benefits of living with other students

Just under two fifths believed they could learn from others and gain valuable life lessons from the experience. The least chosen option was with regards to gaining help in studies, which only 18% felt was a benefit. In comparison, 29% of undergraduates valued help with their studies from those they lived with. This could be due to the increased specialist nature of postgraduate study or the different type of work undertaken at postgraduate level.

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Reported tuition fees range widely in our survey, although very small fees are rare. While 17% pay nothing and more than a fifth (22%) pay between £1,001 and £5,000, only 1% pay up to £1,000. Our results demonstrate the generally known difference in fees paid by UK students compared to international students. UK students were more likely to pay either nothing or between £1,001 and £7,000, while international students from outside the EU were most likely to pay between £10,001 and £20,000. Although we believe that, in the majority of cases, responses referred to yearly tuition fees, it is possible that some answers reflected cost over the full course period. We do not believe this would ultimately change the general findings, but wording of the question will be more explicit in future years.

Limited financial awarenessWe wanted to know what types of finance postgraduates were aware of that could help fund their studies. Awareness appears surprisingly limited, with no source of finance having more than 50% awareness, and most being well under a third. The sources gaining most awareness were family or friends (50%), scholarships (48%), savings (47%), and bursaries (36%).

Four percent claimed to have no knowledge of any type of finance mentioned in the survey. This is not explained by differences in postgraduate financial support between countries, as UK and international students were equally likely to choose this option. There may be potential to help educate postgraduates further in their finances, to help them build a better understanding of how they could put together a viable funding package.

Females were more likely to be aware of bursaries, while UK students were more likely to be aware of savings, research grants and maintenance loans to finance their postgraduate studies.

We then asked which, if any, methods students used to finance their study. Most popular was family or friends with 40% drawing on these. The next most popular sources were savings (40%) and scholarships (31%). Students in the UK were also more likely to use research grants and bank overdrafts. Although only 1% claim to use payday loans and similar services, this is still a potential concern to those trying to keep these services away from campus and worth checking in future years in case usage grows.

A desire for change and understandingAlthough 65% say their funding package is sufficient to meet their living costs, a sizeable 28% do not agree and the remainder are not yet sure.

Funding is a key concern to many students in the UK. We wanted to get a flavour of current attitudes toward postgraduate finance. This is especially relevant while the government considers options to review financial provision for postgraduate education in the future.

We asked taught postgraduate students to what extent, if at all, they agreed with seven statements about their funding. Opinions are strong among all those surveyed (see graph on page 35) and are very strong indeed when the replies from UK students are isolated.

When asked if there should be a tuition fee loan system for postgraduate taught students, 92% of UK respondents agreed. This leaves little doubt that demand exists and approval is nearly universal.

An option for deferred payments for postgraduate taught students was also well received, with 85% approval from UK students. Including all respondents, agreement is still a healthy 79%.

When asked if the current funding system works and whether society and government understand the needs of taught postgraduate students, UK students were much more likely to take issue than international students. Nearly two thirds (64%) disagreed that the current system works; outlining a strong mood for change. A relatively high 42% of EU students disagreed, compared with 25% of international students.

FINANCES AND DEBTS

“It is a struggle between working part time and doing a PhD at the same time and also be aware of all of the expenses...I think without the grant it would be impossible for me to come here; it is really expensive.”

Full results available in the Chart Index on pages 86-88

34

TO WHAT EXTENT, IF AT ALL, DO YOU AGREE WITH THE FOLLOWING STATEMENTS ABOUT FUNDING STUDY AT A POSTGRADUATE LEVEL?

35

“I think the real challenge of doing post graduate work is to not become distracted by things that are less relevant, but which nevertheless impinge on your life like in terms of jobs and supporting and paying my own way.”

Two thirds of UK students do not believe the government understands the needs of postgraduate students. Taking into account all respondents, a quarter strongly disagree that there was any understanding. Similar views were made when asked if society in general understood the requirements of taught postgraduates. In this instance, 59% of UK students disagreed.

Regardless of domicile, there was much agreement over the need for alternative funding in order to increase the number of students applying for postgraduate study (84%) and to widen demographic spread (81%).

Such strong opinions across all questions, even when much of what was under discussion would only apply to UK students, is a clear sign that postgraduates want to see change. Having seen that the overall experience for some is not necessarily as all-encompassing as the undergraduate student experience, and that a significant number did not feel fully integrated with other students at their institution, there is a strong suggestion that taught postgraduates would benefit from more structured and comprehensive attention. This does not directly relate to society and government in all cases, yet the current situation no doubt creates a sense of isolation and the feeling that few people understand the goals and requirements of postgraduates.

Expecting debtWhen respondents were asked how they had personally experienced debt, UK students were likely to say that they have taken on as much debt as they had expected to. As the answers above show, however, they show a preference for alternative arrangements to debt. While many exhibit awareness of the necessary financial implications and have provisioned accordingly, perhaps their attitude resonates with general unhappiness at the cost, regardless of affordability. As undergraduates leave university with debts as a matter of course, there may also be resentment that postgraduate study requires further outlay. In addition, respondents may fear that some otherwise eligible people will not have access to postgraduate education due to limited funds. These tensions are likely to be exacerbated when the first cohort of students from England graduate with a higher level of tuition fee loan debt in 2015.

Debt in this country does appear to have become an expected part of the postgraduate experience, with UK students more likely than international students to see the ease of getting into debt, claiming it to be a normal part of student life and a necessary investment, and equally a burden, in the long run. In addition, 67% replied that debt is something they wished students could avoid.

Avoidance, however, seems a distant dream for many. 68% said it was at least quite easy to access the debt and only 16% had some difficulty. There was contrast by gender, with females more likely to say it was ‘very easy’ to access the debt, and males more likely to have found it ‘quite difficult’.

Evidence is clear from our respondents that they feel underserved and disconnected. As we await the government’s proposals for increasing postgraduate participation in its Autumn Statement, students seem to be sending a message that asks for improved integration, more financial assistance, and better understanding of their needs.

36

37

SUCCESS AND EMPLOYABILITY

Spotlight on future careerPostgraduates were asked what they would like to achieve by the time they had finished studying. 82% want to be able to apply the knowledge from their course to a chosen career. This was also given as the single most important goal by 45% of respondents.

At the bottom of the list were matters relating to volunteering and choosing safe living accommodation. Nevertheless, around a fifth of respondents still considered these to be important elements of their university experience. UK students were less likely to feel confident that they could choose safe living accommodation than international students from outside the EU.

Female respondents were more likely to see the importance in gaining information on finding and applying for jobs, as well as gaining work experience. And while participation in clubs and societies was only chosen by 16% as important, males were more likely to choose this (22% of males compared with 12% of females).

Just over half (51%) want the best degree classification they can manage, with UK students more likely to rank this as important compared to international students. International students place greater importance on working well with people of backgrounds different to their own, and were more likely to choose this as their most important goal to achieve by the end of their study.

Around a third of those polled are keen to stay healthy, learn to manage their money, and have the confidence to make friends, while two fifths wish to be comfortable in their own skin. Undergraduates are more likely to express a wish to achieve these things before graduation, with around half of those polled selecting them. So while we cannot expect postgraduates to demonstrate the same level of enthusiasm en masse for extra-curricular personal development, it is accurate to say that a reasonable number do appear interested in matters ranging beyond the course itself.

When pressed for a single most important thing to have achieved by the end of their study, postgraduates were firmly concentrated on a handful of answers. 45% wish to apply the knowledge from their course to the career they want, 15% want the best degree classification possible, and a further 13% want to retain the things they have learned from their course for life.

Respondents were then asked how much they agree with certain statements regarding their current success. Almost all statements were met with general positivity, with the majority receiving at least 70% agreement. The only exceptions were in being able to participate in clubs and societies (27% disagree), and having volunteered (17% disagree). Whether this is due to lack of time, desire or opportunity, we do not know.

However, postgraduates may be expressing a lack of interest in pursuing these goals within a university context. As discussed above, these accomplishments were also least likely to be deemed important achievements by the time postgraduates had finished their study. Further research may be necessary to ensure that students are not missing out in areas that could benefit them.

Those not living in halls were more likely to agree that they had gained some work experience. Nearly three quarters (74%) of those not living in halls had gained work experience, as opposed to just 45% in halls of residence. Another significant difference was found in volunteering. Those in halls, again, only agreed 45% of the time, yet 59% of those living elsewhere claimed to have volunteered. Age could play a part in this, since those living in halls are most likely aged under 30 and may simply not yet have had the same number of opportunities presented to them.

The most agreed statement was that students work well with people from backgrounds which are different to their own, with 92% support, including 45% who strongly agreed. The statement was mostly likely to be agreed by females. Postgraduates are clearly keen to show that they currently recognise diversity and international integration. In an increasingly networked world, this is a necessary trait to possess, and one that is sought after by major employers.*

“My biggest fear is being in a job that I hate.”

Full results available in the Chart Index on pages 82-85*http://www.ncub.co.uk/reports/global-graduates-into-global-leaders.html

38

It is notable that, regardless of how important respondents feel these achievements are, many claim to have already fulfilled them. Seeing from the survey that postgraduates seek a well-rounded experience, their intention may be aimed more at general enjoyment and variety of activities than a hope to further themselves for specific gain. Even so, it is important that universities and students’ unions continue to find ways to emphasise the many benefits of participation in order that postgraduates do not overlook any experiences that could serve them well in the future, especially with regards to volunteering and taking part in clubs and societies.

Postgraduate needs before and beyondWe asked respondents to look back to their undergraduate study and highlight any statements that they believe contributed to their own success in being able to undertake postgraduate study. Of the 17 responses available (excluding ‘Other’) seven were chosen as contributions to success by around half the respondents. More than half (56%) said that their success was helped through being able to apply their previous knowledge, while other important factors included work experience, knowledge from their previous course, and working with people from other backgrounds.

Females were most likely to consider that applying their previous knowledge, having the confidence to meet new people, having a good degree classification, and knowing how to go about applying for further study had helped them progress to postgraduate study.

A fifth of undergraduates expressed a desire to be in postgraduate study soon after their graduation. Given the statements above, their time may be well spent on gaining a deep understanding of their current subject, while ensuring the ability to work with others both within their study groups and elsewhere. The importance of social communication could be just as valuable as a degree when

considering future success.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, postgraduates predominantly intend to be in qualification-related employment six months after graduating. As one focus group student said,

70% of respondents see themselves in a job that

“[Being a postgraduate] is almost like being in the real world but without a job.”

“I feel I have to get a good job after [the course], or I have wasted eight years of studying”.

requires their specific degree. Another 9% see themselves in employment, but in a role that doesn’t specifically need their new qualification.

Of the 8% who say they would likely be doing further study, more than half were international students from outside the EU, compared to a third of UK citizens and a tenth of international students within the EU.

Attitudes mirror those of undergraduatesOpinions on finding a job after graduation are roughly in line with the responses of our undergraduate answers. 53% believe they should be able to secure the job they want, while nearly a third imagine the task will be challenging. At the extremes, 6% say they will find the process almost impossible and another 6% say it will be very easy. The latter could be due to some respondents already being in work or being sponsored by employers.

Undergraduate responses to job attitudes are similar, which could point toward postgraduates studying more for the subject itself than for improved employment prospects. Alternatively, it could suggest a more general societal attitude toward jobs that seems to be unchanging, regardless of the level of academic achievement.

39

THE FUTUREMATTERSThe theme of this year’s survey is that students matter. Whether or not you place them at the heart of the system or as one important aspect of many within higher education, students’ overall experiences go significantly beyond the acquisition of a degree and make a huge impact on individual students during their time at university and beyond.

From applicant uncertainties to postgraduate frustrations, we have noticed a number of key trends concerning those who undertook our student survey this year. It is also clear to see that while there is no single way to define the student experience, it is nevertheless possible to identify common themes that have an impact on a considerable proportion of those studying.

Take finance, for example. We have found that applicants are often unprepared when figuring out how to fund their experience. Undergraduates, on the other hand, usually know where the money will come from, but are resigned to further debt. When it comes to postgraduates, many desire a complete change to the current funding system. They also wish for their aims and actions to be better understood by the government, as well as the wider public, in order to allow better application of funding policy.

We also discovered that payday loans and similar high interest cash schemes were being used or considered by one to two percent of respondents across the board. Our survey not only highlights a

potential area that needs serious attention, but also allows us to analyse changing trends over the years. By highlighting issues like this, we can use findings to help address issues affecting students and to understand which groups encounter the biggest impact in these areas.

The difference between male and female students’ confidence surprised us. Male students appear to show greater confidence in many areas of university life. On one hand, this is worrying if females are feeling held back due to lack of confidence. On the other hand, as female students currently tend to outperform males in terms of degree pass levels, it could suggest an over-confidence among male students. Moving forward, it will be useful to see if this stems from a long standing difference in attitudes, or if this is a new phenomenon that could have repercussions if not addressed soon.

Undergraduates appear keen to continue their education and move into postgraduate study once they graduate. However, this positive data should also serve as a warning. Official proportions of university leavers going on to postgraduate study within six months of graduating are not as high as the level of ambition expressed by students in our survey. We understand that situations change and that our ideas for the future do not always reflect the reality. However, we must at least attempt to examine why more students appear interested in obtaining higher qualifications compared to the proportion who actually do so. We cannot ignore the potential link with funding that could prevent

40

some people from pursuing the path they wish. Changes in attitude may also become apparent once students under the new fees regime begin to graduate. Will graduating with a much bigger debt put people off of further study, or might they feel more at ease and consider such debts as a normal part of life? Neither situation would be perfect.

If postgraduates get their way and see changes to the way postgraduate education is funded, the ‘postgraduate experience’ may develop fast. Through our survey and focus groups, it appears that some postgraduates are looking for universities to provide more to help construct a holistic experience that takes into account more than just the academic side of higher education. In much the same way as undergraduates are sold an all-encompassing idea of student life, much can be done to provide postgraduates with a similar level of expectation.

Seemingly minor issues have the potential to have a serious impact on the student experience. For instance, where satisfaction with Wi-Fi is low this may cause a level of disruption for the relatively small number of students affected which could nonetheless have a serious impact upon the overall quality of daily life and ability to study. Our survey shows just how much digital communications are used on a regular daily basis. Students rely on access to these tools and expect uninterrupted access.

Moreover, a combination of many small issues like this is more likely to cause an impact than a single major problem. Any issues affecting students, big or small, can be enough to change attitudes in seemingly unrelated areas. It would serve everyone in the sector well if we each look beyond our individual specialties to consider a holistic view of the student experience. Last year, we concluded that the student experience is viewed as a ‘seamless whole’ by students and applicants, and this survey adds a much deeper level of detail. Universities and other organisations working with students have an opportunity to demonstrate that students matter, whatever level they are studying at, and whatever their personal circumstances. If we can achieve that, we can help students recognise the value they bring themselves. Armed with this, they will in turn recognise the value of their experience, the value it will provide for their future, and the value of all those who made it possible.

41

CHART INDEX

Base: 28441084 Applicant1760 Undergraduate

Base: 1760

Base: 1760Base: 1084

Base: 1084

UNDERGRADUATEAPPLICANT

1. Which of the following best describes your current level of study?

DEMOGRAPHICS

2. How old are you?

UNDERGRADUATEAPPLICANT

3. What year of study are you in?

16-17

18-22

23-25

26-30

31-40

41-50

51-60

61+

YEAR 1

YEAR 2

YEAR 3

YEAR 4

YEAR 5

YEAR 6+

A-Levels, Advanced apprenticeships or similar

Undergraduate degree

6%

6%

8%

7%

35%69%56%

3% 1%2%

2% 3% 2%

62%

38%

55%

19%

20%

4%

48%

4%

45%

1% 1%2% 1%

Base: 1760

Base: 1760

UNDERGRADUATE

4. Which of the following best describes how you think about yourself? (Gender)

5. Which of the following statements best describes you? (Domicile)

UNDERGRADUATE

6. Please can you give us your term time postcode? / Please can you give us your ‘holiday’ time postcode (if different to your term time postcode)?

POLAR 1

POLAR 2

POLAR 3

POLAR 4

POLAR 5

N/A

I am a UK citizen studying in the UK

I am an international student fromwithin the EU studying in the UK

I am an international student fromoutside the EU studying in the UK

Base: 1760

UNDERGRADUATE

Male

Female

Rather not say

54% 46%

91%

4% 5%

13%

16%

17%22%

24%

8%

Base: 1084

Base: 1084

APPLICANT

APPLICANT

Base: 1084

APPLICANT

77%

22%

1%

96%

3% 1%

12%

15%

21%20%

25%

7%

42

Base: 1760

Base: 1760

UNDERGRADUATE

4. Which of the following best describes how you think about yourself? (Gender)

5. Which of the following statements best describes you? (Domicile)

UNDERGRADUATE

6. Please can you give us your term time postcode? / Please can you give us your ‘holiday’ time postcode (if different to your term time postcode)?

POLAR 1

POLAR 2

POLAR 3

POLAR 4

POLAR 5

N/A

I am a UK citizen studying in the UK

I am an international student fromwithin the EU studying in the UK

I am an international student fromoutside the EU studying in the UK

Base: 1760

UNDERGRADUATE

Male

Female

Rather not say

54% 46%

91%

4% 5%

13%

16%

17%22%

24%

8%

Base: 1084

Base: 1084

APPLICANT

APPLICANT

Base: 1084

APPLICANT

77%

22%

1%

96%

3% 1%

12%

15%

21%20%

25%

7%

43

White

Asian/Asian British

Black/Black British

Mixed

Chinese

Prefer not to say

Other

Base: 1760

UNDERGRADUATE

7. Is your study full or part-time? Please select one

8. To which of the following ethnic groups do you belong?

Base: 1760

UNDERGRADUATE

Full-time

Part-time

Rather not say

3%

86%

14%

1%2% 1%

82%

6%

4%4%

Base: 1084

APPLICANT

Base: 1084

APPLICANT

1%

1%1% 1%

95%

4%

83%

6%

4%

4%

Applicant

Applicant

9. Which of the following best describes the subject you are studying?

10. Which university do you attend / Which educational establishment do you attend?(Shown by region - Applicant & Undergraduate)

Base: 28441084 Applicant1760 Undergraduate

Base: 28441084 Applicant1760 Undergraduate

Language, literature, linguistics,classics and related subjects

0% 20% 40% 60 % 80% 100%

33%

8%

7%

7%

7%

Business and administrative studies

Social studies

Creative arts and design

6%Biological sciences

3%Mathematical and computer sciences

4%Historical and philosophical studies

4%Physical sciences

Combination of subjects

South West

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

14%

16%

12%

11%

10%

10%

10%

5%

7%

4%

1%

North West

East of England

South East

Yorkshire & Humberside

West Midlands

Wales

East Midlands

Greater London

North East

Scotland

Northern Ireland

#N/A

Undergraduate

5%

11%

8%

7%

7%

7%

5%

5%

5%

Undergraduate

14%

11%

14%

11%

9%

9%

9%

7%

6%

5%

3%

1%

1%

44

Applicant

Applicant

9. Which of the following best describes the subject you are studying?

10. Which university do you attend / Which educational establishment do you attend?(Shown by region - Applicant & Undergraduate)

Base: 28441084 Applicant1760 Undergraduate

Base: 28441084 Applicant1760 Undergraduate

Language, literature, linguistics,classics and related subjects

0% 20% 40% 60 % 80% 100%

33%

8%

7%

7%

7%

Business and administrative studies

Social studies

Creative arts and design

6%Biological sciences

3%Mathematical and computer sciences

4%Historical and philosophical studies

4%Physical sciences

Combination of subjects

South West

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

14%

16%

12%

11%

10%

10%

10%

5%

7%

4%

1%

North West

East of England

South East

Yorkshire & Humberside

West Midlands

Wales

East Midlands

Greater London

North East

Scotland

Northern Ireland

#N/A

Undergraduate

5%

11%

8%

7%

7%

7%

5%

5%

5%

Undergraduate

14%

11%

14%

11%

9%

9%

9%

7%

6%

5%

3%

1%

1%

45

Applicant

Base: 2844 1760 Undergraduate1084 Applicant

Applicant

Base: 1544850 Applicant, Balance those intending to live at home694 Undergraduate, Balance: 2nd year and above in undergrads and those living at home

Living in halls

Not living in halls

Base: 1760 Undergraduate

11.Where do you intend to / did you live in your first year at university?

12. Where do you intend to / did you live in your first year at university?

13. Which university do you attend / Which educational establishment do you attend?(Shown by region - Undergraduate)

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

3%Private halls

5%Privately rented

house or flat

22%Own home / parents’ home

70%University halls

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

3%Private halls

8%Privately rented

house or flat

89%University halls

South WestBase: 191

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

35%

65%

52%

48%

48%

52%

54%

46%

52%

48%

63%

37%

53%

47%

68%

32%

56%

44%

52%

48%

37%

63%

40%

60%

100%

East of EnglandBase: 195

North WestBase: 247

South EastBase: 169

Yorkshire & HumbersideBase: 154

West MidlandsBase: 152

WalesBase: 117

East MidlandsBase: 106

Greater LondonBase: 249

North EastBase: 93

ScotlandBase: 62

Northern IrelandBase: 10

UnknownBase: 15

ACCOMMODATION MATTERS

Undergraduate

Undergraduate

6%

17%

33%

44%

10%

17%

73%

Living in halls

Not living in halls

Base: 1084 Applicant

16. Where do you intend to / did you live in your first year at university? (Shown by region - Applicant)

South WestBase: 191

East of EnglandBase: 195

North WestBase: 247

South EastBase: 169

Yorkshire & HumbersideBase: 154

West MidlandsBase: 152

WalesBase: 117

East MidlandsBase: 106

Greater LondonBase: 249

North EastBase: 93

ScotlandBase: 62

Northern IrelandBase: 10

UnknownBase: 15

Undergraduate 2013

Undergraduate 2014

Base: 993299 Undergraduate 2013694 Undergraduate 2014Balance: 2nd year and above in undergrads and those living at home

Applicant 2013

Applicant 2014

Base: 1549699 Applicant 2013850 Applicant 2014 Balance: those intending to live at home

14. Where do you intend to / did you live in your first year at university? (Year on Year comparison - Undergraduate)

15. Where do you intend to / did you live in your first year at university? (Year on Year comparison - Applicant)

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

7%10%

Private halls

16%

17%Privately rented

house or flat

73%77%

University halls

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

3%3%

Private halls

8%

8%Privately rented

house or flat

89%

89%University halls

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

35%

65%

52%

48%

48%

52%

54%

46%

52%

48%

63%

37%

53%

47%

68%

32%

56%

44%

52%

48%

37%

63%

40%

60%

100%

46

Living in halls

Not living in halls

Base: 1084 Applicant

16. Where do you intend to / did you live in your first year at university? (Shown by region - Applicant)

South WestBase: 191

East of EnglandBase: 195

North WestBase: 247

South EastBase: 169

Yorkshire & HumbersideBase: 154

West MidlandsBase: 152

WalesBase: 117

East MidlandsBase: 106

Greater LondonBase: 249

North EastBase: 93

ScotlandBase: 62

Northern IrelandBase: 10

UnknownBase: 15

Undergraduate 2013

Undergraduate 2014

Base: 993299 Undergraduate 2013694 Undergraduate 2014Balance: 2nd year and above in undergrads and those living at home

Applicant 2013

Applicant 2014

Base: 1549699 Applicant 2013850 Applicant 2014 Balance: those intending to live at home

14. Where do you intend to / did you live in your first year at university? (Year on Year comparison - Undergraduate)

15. Where do you intend to / did you live in your first year at university? (Year on Year comparison - Applicant)

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

7%10%

Private halls

16%

17%Privately rented

house or flat

73%77%

University halls

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

3%3%

Private halls

8%

8%Privately rented

house or flat

89%

89%University halls

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

35%

65%

52%

48%

48%

52%

54%

46%

52%

48%

63%

37%

53%

47%

68%

32%

56%

44%

52%

48%

37%

63%

40%

60%

100%

47

Applicant

Base: 811 233 Applicant 578 UndergraduateBalance: Those not living / intending to live at home

17. Why did you / will you choose to live at home?(Applicant & Undergraduate)

Close to place of study

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

55%

32%

47%

34%

To continue living with family / partner

More affordable

Works well with other commitments

31%Convenience

8%Don’t like the idea of living in halls ofresidences

7%Don’t like the idea of sharing a house

6%Other

Undergraduate

Applicant

Base: 2019 848 Applicant1171 UndergraduateBalance: Those not currently living / have not lived in student accommodation / don’t know / not applicable

18. Which of the following features are most important to you in student accommodation?(Applicant & Undergraduate)

To be clean

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

77%

74%

65%

63%

Wi-Fi

Reasonably priced

Location within walking distance to campus

49%To be fully inclusive of bills

49%To be able to make the room my own

56%To have my own bathroom

48%Secure entry

34%To be modern and high quality

30%Security staff on site

26%To have temperature controllable heaters

Undergraduate

45%

37%

32%

36%

28%

8%

5%

14%

80%

70%

66%

64%

59%

51%

45%

52%

36%

33%

35%

Undergraduate 2013

Undergraduate 2014

Base: 993690 Undergraduate 2014 296 Undergraduate 2013Balance: Those not currently living / have not lived in student accommodation / don’t know / not applicable, 2nd year and above in undergrads and those living at home

*Not asked in previous year

Base: 1549848 Applicant 2014 668 Applicant 2013Balance: Those not currently living / have not lived in student accommodation / don’t know / not applicable

* Not asked in previous wave

19. Which of the following features are most important to you in student accommodation?(Undergraduate)

Location within walking distance to campus

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

40%

81%

55%

73%

63%

69%

20%

67%

Wi-Fi

Reasonably priced

To be clean

10%

65%To be fully inclusive of bills

19%55%

Secure entry

15%

51%To be able to make the room my

own

31%

48%To have my own bathroom

16%38%

To be modern and high quality

19%

38%Security staff on site

36%To have temperature controllable heaters*

Applicant 2013

Applicant 2014

20. Which of the following features are most important to you in student accommodation?(Applicant)

To be clean

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

42%

77%

66%

74%

30%

65%

48%

63%

Wi-Fi

Reasonably priced

Location within walking distance to campus

29%

56%To have my own bathroom

49%To be fully inclusive of bills*

17%

49%To be able to make the room my

own

20%

48%Secure entry

12%34%

To be modern and high quality

20%

30%Security staff on site

26%To have temperature controllable heaters*

48

Undergraduate 2013

Undergraduate 2014

Base: 993690 Undergraduate 2014 296 Undergraduate 2013Balance: Those not currently living / have not lived in student accommodation / don’t know / not applicable, 2nd year and above in undergrads and those living at home

*Not asked in previous year

Base: 1549848 Applicant 2014 668 Applicant 2013Balance: Those not currently living / have not lived in student accommodation / don’t know / not applicable

* Not asked in previous wave

19. Which of the following features are most important to you in student accommodation?(Undergraduate)

Location within walking distance to campus

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

40%

81%

55%

73%

63%

69%

20%

67%

Wi-Fi

Reasonably priced

To be clean

10%

65%To be fully inclusive of bills

19%55%

Secure entry

15%

51%To be able to make the room my

own

31%

48%To have my own bathroom

16%38%

To be modern and high quality

19%

38%Security staff on site

36%To have temperature controllable heaters*

Applicant 2013

Applicant 2014

20. Which of the following features are most important to you in student accommodation?(Applicant)

To be clean

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

42%

77%

66%

74%

30%

65%

48%

63%

Wi-Fi

Reasonably priced

Location within walking distance to campus

29%

56%To have my own bathroom

49%To be fully inclusive of bills*

17%

49%To be able to make the room my

own

20%

48%Secure entry

12%34%

To be modern and high quality

20%

30%Security staff on site

26%To have temperature controllable heaters*

49

Undergraduate

Applicant

Base: 1946 809 Applicant1137 UndergraduateBalance: Those not currently living / have not lived in student accommodation / don’t know / not applicable

Base: in bracketsBalance: Those not currently living / have not lived in student accommodation / don’t know / not applicable

22. How satisfied are you with the features you currently receive in student accommodation?(Undergraduate)

To be fully inclusive of bills

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

76%

74%

63%

56%

60%

66%

46%

40%

49%

29%

Location within walking distance to campus

To be clean

Secure entry

Reasonably priced

To be able to make the room my own

Security staff on site

To have my own bathroom

Wi-Fi

To have temperature controllable heaters

To be modern and high quality

22%-2%-2%-1%

To have my own bathroom(Base: 504)

73%

22%-5%-2%-1%To be fully inclusive of bills

(Base: 773)

70%

25%-3%-3%-1%Location within walking distance to campus

(Base: 751)

68%

40%-7%-2%-1%Secure entry

(Base: 728)

50%

38%-8%-3%-1%

To be able to make the room my own (Base: 633)

50%

45%-10%-4%-1%To be clean(Base: 752)

40%

42%-12%-4%-1%To be modern and high quality

(Base: 434)

41%

34%

-13%-5%-1%Reasonably priced

(Base: 662)

47%

48%

-13%-5%-1%Security staff on site

(Base: 591)

33%

38%-9%-9%-4%Wi-Fi

(Base: 815)

40%

38%-13%-6%-2%To have temperature controllable heaters

(Base: 619)

41%

100% 0% 100%

21. Which of the following features do you currently receive / expect to receive in student accommodation?(Applicant & Undergraduate)

Very Satisfied

Somewhat Satisfied

Neither

Somewhat Dissatisfied

Very Dissatisfied

76%

70%

69%

71%

68%

62%

59%

55%

47%

57%

40%

36%

Applicant

Base: 1881 809 Applicant1072 Undergraduate Balance: Those who haven’t lived or don’t intend to live with other students

Undergraduate 2013

Undergraduate 2014

Base: 13641072 Undergraduate 2014, 292 Undergraduate 2013. Balance: Those who haven’t lived or don’t intend to live with other students

Mixing with people from different cultures

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

90%

88%

70%

60%

54%

40%

33%

24%

2%

0%

Life lessons / experience

Socialising

Learning from others

Sharing chores / meals

Help with my studies

Security

None

Making friends

24. What do you think will be / are the main benefits of living with other students?(Applicant & Undergraduate)

Applicant

Base: 28441760 Undergraduate 1084 Applicant

23. Do you or have you lived with other students during your time at university, or do you expect to live with other students when you attend university? (Applicant & Undergraduate)

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

25%No

75%Yes

25. What do you think will be / are the main benefits of living with other students?(Year on Year comparison - Undergraduate)

Mixing with people from differentcultures

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

78%

88%

75%

86%

54%

68%

57%

56%

42%

52%

21%

34%

26%

29%

22%

22%

5%

2%

Life lessons / experience

Socialising

Learning from others

Sharing chores / meals

Help with my studies

Security

None

Making friends

Undergraduate

88%

86%

68%

56%

52%

34%

29%

22%

Undergraduate

39%

61%

COMMUNITY MATTERS

50

Applicant

Base: 1881 809 Applicant1072 Undergraduate Balance: Those who haven’t lived or don’t intend to live with other students

Undergraduate 2013

Undergraduate 2014

Base: 13641072 Undergraduate 2014, 292 Undergraduate 2013. Balance: Those who haven’t lived or don’t intend to live with other students

Mixing with people from different cultures

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

90%

88%

70%

60%

54%

40%

33%

24%

2%

0%

Life lessons / experience

Socialising

Learning from others

Sharing chores / meals

Help with my studies

Security

None

Making friends

24. What do you think will be / are the main benefits of living with other students?(Applicant & Undergraduate)

Applicant

Base: 28441760 Undergraduate 1084 Applicant

23. Do you or have you lived with other students during your time at university, or do you expect to live with other students when you attend university? (Applicant & Undergraduate)

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

25%No

75%Yes

25. What do you think will be / are the main benefits of living with other students?(Year on Year comparison - Undergraduate)

Mixing with people from differentcultures

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

78%

88%

75%

86%

54%

68%

57%

56%

42%

52%

21%

34%

26%

29%

22%

22%

5%

2%

Life lessons / experience

Socialising

Learning from others

Sharing chores / meals

Help with my studies

Security

None

Making friends

Undergraduate

88%

86%

68%

56%

52%

34%

29%

22%

Undergraduate

39%

61%

COMMUNITY MATTERS

51

0%

Undergraduate

Base: 1830796 Applicant1034 Undergraduate Balance: Those who haven’t lived or don’t intend to live with other students

Applicant 2013

Applicant 2014

Base: 1475666 Applicant 2013809 Applicant 2014Balance: Those who haven’t lived or don’t intend to live with other students

26. What do you think will be / are the main benefits of living with other students?(Applicant)

Mixing with people from differentcultures

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

86%

90%

76%

88%

60%

70%

63%

60%

60%

54%

30%

40%

37%

33%

28%

24%

3%

Life lessons / experience

Socialising

Learning from others

Sharing chores / meals

Help with my studies

Security

None

Making friends

27. What do you think will be / are your biggest challenges within your student accommodation?(Applicant & Undergraduate)

Living with people who have differentinterests

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

62%

42%

34%

27%

Getting on with housemates / flatmates

Noise from other students

The accommodation not being up tostandard

27%Having to cook / clean for yourself

23%Poor service from accommodation provider

14%Making friends

14%Living with people from different

backgrounds

Applicant

42%

45%

38%

38%

38%

27%

27%

14%

Undergraduate 2013

Undergraduate 2014

Base: 1152688 Undergraduate 2014464 Undergraduate 2013Balance: Don’t know / no response

*Not asked in previous wave

1st Choice

2nd Choice

3rd Choice

Base: 2813Balance: Don’t know / no response

28. What are / were your motivations for going to university?(Applicant & Undergraduate)

29. What are / were your motivations for going to university? (Year on Year comparison - Undergraduate)

To become more independent

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

75%

79%

68%

74%

53%

47%

29%

39%

26%

30%

14%

8%

14%

8%

3%

2%

2%

To improve the standard of my education

To get a better job

To have a good time

Seems like the thing to do

My family expects it

To study in the UK*

I can’t get / don’t want to get a job

3%

2%Most of my friends are going

Interest in my chosen subject

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Interest in my chosen subject11% 21% 47%

To get a better job13% 27% 33%

To improve the standard of my education21% 22% 11%

To become more independent21% 12% 3%

To have a good time14% 8% 2%

Seems like the thing to do

My family expects it4% 2%1%

4% 2%1%

To study in the UK2%1%1%

I can’t get / don’t want to get a job1%1%

Most of my friends are going2%

STUDENT EXPERIENCE MATTERS

52

Undergraduate 2013

Undergraduate 2014

Base: 1152688 Undergraduate 2014464 Undergraduate 2013Balance: Don’t know / no response

*Not asked in previous wave

1st Choice

2nd Choice

3rd Choice

Base: 2813Balance: Don’t know / no response

28. What are / were your motivations for going to university?(Applicant & Undergraduate)

29. What are / were your motivations for going to university? (Year on Year comparison - Undergraduate)

To become more independent

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

75%

79%

68%

74%

53%

47%

29%

39%

26%

30%

14%

8%

14%

8%

3%

2%

2%

To improve the standard of my education

To get a better job

To have a good time

Seems like the thing to do

My family expects it

To study in the UK*

I can’t get / don’t want to get a job

3%

2%Most of my friends are going

Interest in my chosen subject

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Interest in my chosen subject11% 21% 47%

To get a better job13% 27% 33%

To improve the standard of my education21% 22% 11%

To become more independent21% 12% 3%

To have a good time14% 8% 2%

Seems like the thing to do

My family expects it4% 2%1%

4% 2%1%

To study in the UK2%1%1%

I can’t get / don’t want to get a job1%1%

Most of my friends are going2%

STUDENT EXPERIENCE MATTERS

53

Applicant 2013

Applicant 2014

Base: 1775842 Applicant 2014933 Applicant 2013 Balance: Those intending to live at home

*Not asked in previous wave

1st Choice

2nd Choice

3rd Choice

Base:1073 Balance: Don’t know / no response

30. What are / were your motivations for going to university?(Year on Year comparison - Applicant)

To become more independent

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

84%

79%

60%

67%

56%

45%

39%

46%

26%

34%

6%

6%

7%

9%

2%

2%

2%

To improve the standard of my education

To get a better job

To have a good time

Seems like the thing to do

My family expects it

To study in the UK*

I can’t get / don’t want to get a job

1%

2% Most of my friends are going

Interest in my chosen subject

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

31. What are / were your motivations for going to university? (Applicant)

Interest in my chosen subject9% 20% 49%

To get a better job13% 25% 31%

To improve the standard of my education19% 19% 10%

To become more independent23% 16% 4%

To have a good time17% 10% 3%

Seems like the thing to do

My family expects it5% 2%1%

3% 2%1%

To study in the UK1%1%

I can’t get / don’t want to get a job1%1%

1%

Most of my friends are going2%

32.What is most important to you in your university experience?(Applicant & Undergraduate)

1st Choice

2nd Choice

3rd Choice

4th Choice

5th Choice

6th Choice

Base: 2844

1st Choice

2nd Choice

3rd Choice

4th Choice

5th Choice

6th Choice

12%9%7%New knowledge and skills

17%

The specific course you want

Advice and support in preparing you for your career

Personal confidence, growth and development

A strong academic reputation

30%

9%7%7% 11% 21%

16%13%9% 15% 11%

9%9%9% 9% 14%

11%9%8%7% 8%

8%7%10% 7% 6%

11%10%10%

Good graduate employment rates

10%Opportunities to make new

friends

Excellent support from university staff

Special interest clubs and societies

Part time work opportunities

4%

11%10%8%

5%

5%

7%

10%

7%

9%

10%

6% 9% 4%

2%4%4% 1%1%

3%5%6% 2%1%

2%4%5%A safe environment

2%

Good quality accommodation

Modern sports facilities

3%4%5% 2 %

2%3%3% 2%

6%

6%

7%

5%

3%

Friends going to the same university / city

1%1% 1%3%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Base: 2844

54

32.What is most important to you in your university experience?(Applicant & Undergraduate)

1st Choice

2nd Choice

3rd Choice

4th Choice

5th Choice

6th Choice

Base: 2844

1st Choice

2nd Choice

3rd Choice

4th Choice

5th Choice

6th Choice

12%9%7%New knowledge and skills

17%

The specific course you want

Advice and support in preparing you for your career

Personal confidence, growth and development

A strong academic reputation

30%

9%7%7% 11% 21%

16%13%9% 15% 11%

9%9%9% 9% 14%

11%9%8%7% 8%

8%7%10% 7% 6%

11%10%10%

Good graduate employment rates

10%Opportunities to make new

friends

Excellent support from university staff

Special interest clubs and societies

Part time work opportunities

4%

11%10%8%

5%

5%

7%

10%

7%

9%

10%

6% 9% 4%

2%4%4% 1%1%

3%5%6% 2%1%

2%4%5%A safe environment

2%

Good quality accommodation

Modern sports facilities

3%4%5% 2 %

2%3%3% 2%

6%

6%

7%

5%

3%

Friends going to the same university / city

1%1% 1%3%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Base: 2844

55

33.What is most important to you in your university experience?(Applicant)

1st Choice

2nd Choice

3rd Choice

4th Choice

5th Choice

6th Choice

1st Choice

2nd Choice

3rd Choice

4th Choice

5th Choice

6th Choice

13%8%7%New knowledge and skills

16%

The specific course you want

Advice and support in preparing you for your career

Personal confidence, growth and development

A strong academic reputation

26%

8%7%7% 10% 22%

14%15%8% 15% 11%

9%7%8% 9% 14%

10%7%6%6% 9%

7%7%10% 7% 6%

11%13%11%

Good graduate employment rates

12%Opportunities to make new

friends

Excellent support from university staff

Part time work opportunities

Good quality accommodation

5%

11%9%7%

5%

6%

8%

9%

6%

10%

10%

6% 8% 4%

3%5%6% 2%1%

4%5%6% 2%

2%4%5%A safe environment

2%

Special interest clubs and societies

Modern sports facilities

4%6%7% 3 %

2%3%3% 2%

7%

7%

6%

6%

4%

Friends going to the same university / city

1%1% 1%3%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Base: 1068

34. What is most important to you in your university experience? (Undergraduate)

1st Choice

2nd Choice

3rd Choice

4th Choice

5th Choice

6th Choice

12%9%7%New knowledge and skills

18%

The specific course you want

Advice and support in preparing you for your career

Personal confidence, growth and development

A strong academic reputation

32%

10%8%7% 12% 20%

17%12%9% 15% 11%

8%10%9% 9% 14%

11%10%9%7% 7%

9%8%9% 6% 6%

10%9%10%

Good graduate employment rates

9%Opportunities to make new

friends

Excellent support from university staff

Special interest clubs and societies

Part time work opportunities

4%

10%11%9%

5%

5%

7%

10%

8%

8%

10%

6% 10% 3%

2%4%5% 2%1%

1%3%3% 1%1%

2%4%5%A safe environment

1%

Good quality accommodation

Modern sports facilities

1%

2%4%4% 1 %

1%3%3% 1%

6%

5%

7%

4%

2%

Friends going to the same university / city

1%1%1%3%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Base:1721Balance: Don’t know / no response

56

34. What is most important to you in your university experience? (Undergraduate)

1st Choice

2nd Choice

3rd Choice

4th Choice

5th Choice

6th Choice

12%9%7%New knowledge and skills

18%

The specific course you want

Advice and support in preparing you for your career

Personal confidence, growth and development

A strong academic reputation

32%

10%8%7% 12% 20%

17%12%9% 15% 11%

8%10%9% 9% 14%

11%10%9%7% 7%

9%8%9% 6% 6%

10%9%10%

Good graduate employment rates

9%Opportunities to make new

friends

Excellent support from university staff

Special interest clubs and societies

Part time work opportunities

4%

10%11%9%

5%

5%

7%

10%

8%

8%

10%

6% 10% 3%

2%4%5% 2%1%

1%3%3% 1%1%

2%4%5%A safe environment

1%

Good quality accommodation

Modern sports facilities

1%

2%4%4% 1 %

1%3%3% 1%

6%

5%

7%

4%

2%

Friends going to the same university / city

1%1%1%3%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Base:1721Balance: Don’t know / no response

57

35. Using the list below, please tell us the top five things that are on your mind whilst at university? (Ranked by 1st Choice - Applicant & Undergraduate)

1st Choice

2nd Choice

3rd Choice

4th Choice

5th Choice

6th Choice

Base: 2805Balance: Don’t know / no response

15%11%8%Money / finances

16%

Your course

Job / career / future employment

Exams

Family

35%

13%10%8% 15% 29%

13%12%9% 14% 6%

16%12%9% 20% 15%

7%7%7%9% 4%

11%11%12% 12% 4%

7%7%8%

Social life

4%Relationships

Your health / wellbeing

Fashion

Travel

2%

4%9%12% 3% 2%

1%1%2% 1%1%

3%5%5% 2%1%

2%2%2%Politics

2%

Your safety / security

Housing

Other

1%

2%4%4% 1%1%

4%6%6% 2%

1%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

36. Using the list below, please tell us the top five things that are on your mind whilst at university? (Ranked by 1st Choice - Applicant)

1st Choice

2nd Choice

3rd Choice

4th Choice

5th Choice

6th Choice

Base: 1066 Applicant

Balance: Don’t know / no response

18%11%9%Money / finances

18%

Your course

Job / career / future employment

Exams

Social life

35%

15%9%7% 15% 27%

20%12%7% 20% 17%

14%13%11% 14% 7%

15%15%13%13% 5%

5%7%9% 5%2%

3%7%8%

Family

3%Relationships

Your health / wellbeing

Fashion

Politics

2%

2%7%10% 2%1%

1%1%2% 1%1%

2%2%2% 2%1%

1%5%5%Your safety / security

1%

Travel

Housing

Other

1%

1%5%5% 1%1%

2%6%6% 2%

1%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

58

36. Using the list below, please tell us the top five things that are on your mind whilst at university? (Ranked by 1st Choice - Applicant)

1st Choice

2nd Choice

3rd Choice

4th Choice

5th Choice

6th Choice

Base: 1066 Applicant

Balance: Don’t know / no response

18%11%9%Money / finances

18%

Your course

Job / career / future employment

Exams

Social life

35%

15%9%7% 15% 27%

20%12%7% 20% 17%

14%13%11% 14% 7%

15%15%13%13% 5%

5%7%9% 5%2%

3%7%8%

Family

3%Relationships

Your health / wellbeing

Fashion

Politics

2%

2%7%10% 2%1%

1%1%2% 1%1%

2%2%2% 2%1%

1%5%5%Your safety / security

1%

Travel

Housing

Other

1%

1%5%5% 1%1%

2%6%6% 2%

1%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

59

37. Using the list below, please tell us the top five things that are on your mind whilst at university? (Ranked by 1st Choice - Undergraduate )

1st Choice

2nd Choice

3rd Choice

4th Choice

5th Choice

6th Choice

Base: 1739 Undergraduate

5%

14%11%8%Money / finances

15%

Your course

Job / career / future employment

Family

Exams

35%

14%11%8% 16% 31%

7%8%9% 8% 6%

15%12%10% 21% 13%

14%13%11%7% 5%

10%10%11% 10% 4%

7%8%8%

Social life

4%

Relationships

Your health / wellbeing

Travel

Fashion

2%

4%4% 2%1%

2%2%2% 2%

1%1%2% 1%1%

Politics

Your safety / security

Housing

Other1%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

1%3%3% 1%

4%5%5% 2%

5%10%13% 4%2%

60

Base: in brackets

38. How integrated do you / will you hope to feel at university in the following areas?(Applicant & Undergraduate)

INTEGRATION MATTERS

38%-7%-2%

Students on my course(Base: 2791)

53%

50%-9%-4%The institution itself

(Base: 2747)

37%

53%-14%-8%The wider world around me

(Base: 2735)

24%

54%-20%-6%Students at my university overall

(Base: 2736)

20%

15%-4%-26%

Students that I live with(Base: 2764)

55%

49%-24%-9%The wider academic community

(Base: 2724)

19%

100% 0% 100%

Well Integrated

Somewhat Integrated

Not IntegratedDon’t know

Base: in brackets

39. How integrated do you / will you hope to feel at university in the following areas?(Applicant)

25%-2%-2%

Students on my course(Base: 1059)

71%

47%-3%-4%The institution itself

(Base: 1037)

45%

61%-7%-6%Students at my university overall

(Base: 1039)

25%

10%-1%-13%Students that I live with

(Base: 1056)

76%

56%-8%-9%

The wider world around me (Base: 1037)

27%

56%-10%-9%The wider academic community

(Base: 1024)

25%

100% 0% 100%

Well Integrated

Somewhat Integrated

Not IntegratedDon’t know

Base: in brackets

40. How integrated do you / will you hope to feel at university in the following areas?(Undergraduate)

46%-10%-2%

Students on my course(Base: 1732)

41%

51%-13%-4%The institution itself

(Base: 1710)

32%

51%-18%-8%The wider world around me

(Base: 1698)

23%

49%-28%-6%Students at my university overall

(Base: 1697)

17%

19%-5%-34%

Students that I live with(Base: 2764)

42%

44%-32%-9%The wider academic community

(Base: 1700)

15%

100% 0% 100%

Well Integrated

Somewhat Integrated

Not IntegratedDon’t know

61

SUCCESS MATTERS41. Which, if any, of the following do you think it is important for you to achieve by the time you graduate from university? (Applicant & Undergraduate)

Undergraduate

Applicant

Base: 2830 1075 Applicant1755 Undergraduate Balance: No response

The things I have learned on my course will stay with me for life

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

A degree classification that is the best that I can manage

I will be able to apply the knowledge from my course to the career I want

I am able to manage my money

I am confident in meeting new people

I know what to do to find and apply for jobs

I have gained some work experience

I can work well with people with backgrounds which are different to my own

I am comfortable in my own skin

I am able to keep myself in good health

I am confident that I can make friends

I feel confident that I can manage household bills and upkeep

I have learned how to work academically with my course mates

I feel confident leading on group projects

I have been able to participate in clubs and societies

I feel confident that I can manage to choose safe living accommodation

I have volunteered

Other

76%

81%

72%

66%

65%

69%

61%

75%

62%

69%

58%

69%

55%

69%

55%

58%

54%

54%

48%

64%

49%

55%

49%

49%

48%

48%

46%

49%

30%

46%

30%

40%

26%

28%

1%1%

42. Thinking of this list, which one thing is it most important that you achieve by the time you graduate from university?(Applicant & Undergraduate)

Undergraduate

Applicant

Base: 2823 1071 Applicant1752 Undergraduate Balance: No response

The things I have learned on my course will stay with me for life

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

A degree classification that is the best that I can manage

I will be able to apply the knowledge from my course to the career I want

I am comfortable in my own skin

I know what to do to find and apply for jobs

I have gained some work experience

I am confident in meeting new people

I am able to manage my money

I can work well with people with backgrounds which are different to my own

I am able to keep myself in good health

I feel confident leading on group projects

I feel confident that I can manage household bills and upkeep

I am confident that I can make friends

I have been able to participate in clubs and societies

I have learned how to work academically with my course mates

I feel confident that I can manage to choose safe living accommodation

I have volunteered

28%

36%

33%

24%

9%

10%

7%

7%

5%

6%

4%

3%

2%

3%

4%

3%

2%

2%

1%

2%

1%

1%

1%

1%

1%

1%

1%

1%

1%

62

42. Thinking of this list, which one thing is it most important that you achieve by the time you graduate from university?(Applicant & Undergraduate)

Undergraduate

Applicant

Base: 2823 1071 Applicant1752 Undergraduate Balance: No response

The things I have learned on my course will stay with me for life

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

A degree classification that is the best that I can manage

I will be able to apply the knowledge from my course to the career I want

I am comfortable in my own skin

I know what to do to find and apply for jobs

I have gained some work experience

I am confident in meeting new people

I am able to manage my money

I can work well with people with backgrounds which are different to my own

I am able to keep myself in good health

I feel confident leading on group projects

I feel confident that I can manage household bills and upkeep

I am confident that I can make friends

I have been able to participate in clubs and societies

I have learned how to work academically with my course mates

I feel confident that I can manage to choose safe living accommodation

I have volunteered

28%

36%

33%

24%

9%

10%

7%

7%

5%

6%

4%

3%

2%

3%

4%

3%

2%

2%

1%

2%

1%

1%

1%

1%

1%

1%

1%

1%

1%

63

Base: 2534Balance: No response

43. To what extent if at all do you agree with the following statements currently? (Agreement with statements - Applicant & Undergraduate)

46%-9%-2%-2%

100% 0% 100%

I can work well with people with backgrounds which are different to my own

41%

39%-14%-4%-3%I will be able to apply the knowledge from my course to the career I want

40%

46%-13%-5%-3%I am confident that I can make friends

33%

51%-15%-4%-3%I have learned how to work academical-

ly with my course mates

27%

42%-16%-5%-3%The things I have learned on my course

will stay with me for life

34%

50%-15%-6%-3%I am able to keep myself in good health

26%

46%-12%-9%-4%I am able to manage my money

29%

45%-17%-6%-3%I am on track to a degree classification

that is the best that I can manage

29%

43%-14%-10%-3%I am confident in meeting new people

30%

46%-21%-6%-3%I feel confident that I can manage to

choose safe living accommodation

24%

39%-20%-11%-4%I am comfortable in my own skin

26%

38%-19%-12%-5%I feel confident that I can manage

household bills and upkeep

26%

35%-17%-16%-8%I have gained some work experience

24%

39%-21%-14%-6%I have been able to participate in clubs

and societies

20%

38%-22%-15%-5%I feel confident leading on group

projects

20%

35%-23%-17%-5%I know what to do to find and apply for

jobs

20%

32%-16%-19%-12%I have volunteered

21%

Strongly Agree

Agree

Neither

Disagree

Strongly Disagree

Base: 930 ApplicantBalance: No response

44. To what extent if at all do you agree with the following statements currently? (Agreement with statements - Applicant)

Strongly Agree

Agree

Neither

Disagree

Strongly Disagree

42%-15%-3%-3%

100% 0% 100%

I can work well with people with backgrounds which are different to my own

37%

48%-10%-2%-2% 38%

53%-17%-3%-2%

I will be able to apply the knowledge from my course to the career I want

I have learned how to work academically with my course mates

25%

50%-10%-8%-4%I have gained some work experience

28%

53%-17%-5%-2%I am able to keep myself in good health

23%

47%-16%-6%-2%I am confident that I can make friends

29%

42%-20%-4%-3%The things I have learned on my course

will stay with me for life

31%

44%-21%-3%-4%I am on track to a degree classification

that is the best that I can manage

28%

52%-13%-11%-5%

I am able to manage my money 20%

40%-13%-12%-6%

I have volunteered29%

41%-17%-13%-3%I am confident in meeting new people 26%

42%-21%-11%-4%I have been able to participate in clubs and societies

22%

37%-24%-13%-5%I am comfortable in my own skin 21%

41%-28%-11%-4%I feel confident that I can manage to choose safe living accommodation

16%

40%-22%-17%-6%I feel confident leading on group

projects

15%

34%-25%-19%-6%I know what to do to find and apply for jobs

16%

30%-24%-23%-7%I feel confident that I can manage

household bills and upkeep

16%

64

Base: 930 ApplicantBalance: No response

44. To what extent if at all do you agree with the following statements currently? (Agreement with statements - Applicant)

Strongly Agree

Agree

Neither

Disagree

Strongly Disagree

42%-15%-3%-3%

100% 0% 100%

I can work well with people with backgrounds which are different to my own

37%

48%-10%-2%-2% 38%

53%-17%-3%-2%

I will be able to apply the knowledge from my course to the career I want

I have learned how to work academically with my course mates

25%

50%-10%-8%-4%I have gained some work experience

28%

53%-17%-5%-2%I am able to keep myself in good health

23%

47%-16%-6%-2%I am confident that I can make friends

29%

42%-20%-4%-3%The things I have learned on my course

will stay with me for life

31%

44%-21%-3%-4%I am on track to a degree classification

that is the best that I can manage

28%

52%-13%-11%-5%

I am able to manage my money 20%

40%-13%-12%-6%

I have volunteered29%

41%-17%-13%-3%I am confident in meeting new people 26%

42%-21%-11%-4%I have been able to participate in clubs and societies

22%

37%-24%-13%-5%I am comfortable in my own skin 21%

41%-28%-11%-4%I feel confident that I can manage to choose safe living accommodation

16%

40%-22%-17%-6%I feel confident leading on group

projects

15%

34%-25%-19%-6%I know what to do to find and apply for jobs

16%

30%-24%-23%-7%I feel confident that I can manage

household bills and upkeep

16%

65

Base: 1615 Undergraduate Balance: No response

45. To what extent if at all do you agree with the following statements currently? (Agreement with statements - Undergraduate )

Strongly Agree

Agree

Neither

Disagree

Strongly Disagree

45%-8%-2%-3%

100% 0% 100%

I can work well with people with backgrounds which are different to my own

42%

46%-11%-4%-3%I am confident that I can make friends

36%

37%-15%-3%-3%I will be able to apply the knowledge from my course to the career I want

42%

42%-14%-5%-3%The things I have learned on my course will stay

with me for life

36%

50%-14%-4%-4%I have learned how to work academical-

ly with my course mates

28%

44%-12%-8%-3%I am confident in meeting new people

33%

42%-12%-7%-4%I am able to manage my money

35%

48%-15%-6%-3%I am able to keep myself in good health

28%

48%-17%-4%-3%I feel confident that I can manage to

choose safe living accommodation

28%

46%-15%-7%-3%I am on track to a degree classification

that is the best that I can manage

29%

43%-16%-7%-3%I feel confident that I can manage

household bills and upkeep

31%

40%-18%-9%-4%I am comfortable in my own skin

29%

36%-21%-14%-5%I feel confident leading on group

projects

24%

36%-23%-15%-5%I know what to do to find and apply for

jobs

21%

37%-21%-15%-8%I have been able to participate in clubs

and societies

19%

26%-20%-21%-11%I have gained some work experience

22%

26%-18%-23%-16%I have volunteered

17%

46. Which statement most closely matches the way you feel about the cost of student accommodation?(Applicant & Undergraduate)

It is worth the cost to have the full student experience

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

34%

42%

28%

11%

19%

20%

10%

24%

It is too expensive

It is expensive but necessary

I’m worried about how I will afford it

9%

3%It is easily affordable

Undergraduate

Applicant

Base: 27451069 Applicant1676 UndergraduateBalance: No response

Undergraduate

Applicant

Base: 26911060 Applicant1631 UndergraduateBalance: No response

47. Where will you find / where have you found the money for your student accommodation? (Applicant & Undergraduate)

Student grant

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

64%79%

42%

42%

34%

34%

34%

35%

From my family

Student loan

My own savings

24%

43%I will need to get a part time job

during term time

23%41%

I will need to get a part time job during holidays

19%

23%Bursary or scholarship

FINANCE MATTERS

66

46. Which statement most closely matches the way you feel about the cost of student accommodation?(Applicant & Undergraduate)

It is worth the cost to have the full student experience

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

34%

42%

28%

11%

19%

20%

10%

24%

It is too expensive

It is expensive but necessary

I’m worried about how I will afford it

9%

3%It is easily affordable

Undergraduate

Applicant

Base: 27451069 Applicant1676 UndergraduateBalance: No response

Undergraduate

Applicant

Base: 26911060 Applicant1631 UndergraduateBalance: No response

47. Where will you find / where have you found the money for your student accommodation? (Applicant & Undergraduate)

Student grant

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

64%79%

42%

42%

34%

34%

34%

35%

From my family

Student loan

My own savings

24%

43%I will need to get a part time job

during term time

23%41%

I will need to get a part time job during holidays

19%

23%Bursary or scholarship

FINANCE MATTERS

67

48. Which, if any, of the following do you use / will you use to finance your time at university?(Applicant & Undergraduate)

Undergraduate

Applicant

Base: 28441084 Applicant 1760 Undergraduate

Undergraduate

Applicant

Base: 27671068 Applicant1699 Undergraduate Balance: No response

Family or friends

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Maintenance loan

Tuition fee loan

Savings

Maintenance grant

Bursary

Bank overdrafts

Scholarship

Credit cards

Other grant

Disabled students allowance

Other

I would rather not say

Payday loan / doorstep cash

Charitable support

None of the above

55%

63%

56%

55%

49%

60%

47%57%

38%

33%

27%

30%

28%

11%

11%

13%

11%

8%

10%

5%

8%

4%

5%

7%

2%

3%

2%

2%

2%

2%

3%

1%

49. And is this package sufficient / will this package be sufficient to meet your living costs?(Applicant & Undergraduate)

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

56%

26%

Yes

24%14%

No

20%

60%

I don’t know

Undergraduate

Applicant

Base: 2348 1081 Applicant1267 Undergraduate Balance; No response

28%

Undergraduate

Base: 1759 UndergraduateBalance; No response

50. Which of the following most applies to you?(Undergraduate)

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

I have not taken on any debt

6%I have taken on less debt than I expected to

41%I have taken on as much debt as I expected to

25%I have taken on more debt than I expected to

51. Which of the following best describes how you feel about student debt?(Applicant & Undergraduate)

Debt is a necessary burden of being at university

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

40%41%

16%

10%

11%14%

10%

11%

10%

10%

It is difficult not to get into debt as a student

Debt is something I wish students could avoid

Debt is an investment for my future

Debt is a normal part of student life

6%4%

My debt is an easy to manage long term loan

3%

5%I want to manage my debt

2%2%

I feel differently about debt

2%3%

I don’t see debt as an issue

Undergraduate

Applicant

Base: 2331 1081 Applicant1750 Undergraduate

52. Where do you intend to be 6 months from the end of graduating from your undergraduate degree?(Applicant & Undergraduate)

I don't know

0% 20% 40% 60%

50%

60%

20%

19%

11%9%

8%

7%

6%

2%

Postgraduate study

In a job where I need my undergraduate degree as

a pre-requisite

Travelling / gap year

In a job that I do not need my undergradu-

ate degree for

3%1%

Other study

1%

1%Volunteering

1%1%

Unemployed

EMPLOYABILTY MATTERS

68

Undergraduate

Applicant

Base: 2348 1081 Applicant1267 Undergraduate Balance; No response

28%

Undergraduate

Base: 1759 UndergraduateBalance; No response

50. Which of the following most applies to you?(Undergraduate)

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

I have not taken on any debt

6%I have taken on less debt than I expected to

41%I have taken on as much debt as I expected to

25%I have taken on more debt than I expected to

51. Which of the following best describes how you feel about student debt?(Applicant & Undergraduate)

Debt is a necessary burden of being at university

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

40%41%

16%

10%

11%14%

10%

11%

10%

10%

It is difficult not to get into debt as a student

Debt is something I wish students could avoid

Debt is an investment for my future

Debt is a normal part of student life

6%4%

My debt is an easy to manage long term loan

3%

5%I want to manage my debt

2%2%

I feel differently about debt

2%3%

I don’t see debt as an issue

Undergraduate

Applicant

Base: 2331 1081 Applicant1750 Undergraduate

52. Where do you intend to be 6 months from the end of graduating from your undergraduate degree?(Applicant & Undergraduate)

I don't know

0% 20% 40% 60%

50%

60%

20%

19%

11%9%

8%

7%

6%

2%

Postgraduate study

In a job where I need my undergraduate degree as

a pre-requisite

Travelling / gap year

In a job that I do not need my undergradu-

ate degree for

3%1%

Other study

1%

1%Volunteering

1%1%

Unemployed

EMPLOYABILTY MATTERS

69

Undergraduate

Applicant

Base: 23311081 Applicant1750 UndergraduateBalance: No response

53. How easy do you think it will be to find the job that you want after graduating(Applicant & Undergraduate)

Almost impossible, but I’ll have a go

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

46%

54%

35%

32%

7%

5%

6%

5%

6%

4%

It’s going to be a challenge

Will need some effort and luck but shouldbe achievable

Very easy

Don’t know

55. How easy do you think it will be to find the job that you want after graduating –(Year on Year Comparison - Undergraduate)

Almost impossible, but I’ll have a go

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

58%50%

23%

33%

2%

7%

12%

5%

5%

5%

It’s going to be a challenge

Will need some effort and luck but shouldbe achievable

Very easy

Don’t know

Undergraduate 2013

Undergraduate 2014

Base: 922693 Undergraduate 2014229 Undergraduate 2013Balance: 2nd year and above undergraduates and those living at home.

54. How easy do you think it will be to find the job that you want after graduating(Year on Year Comparison - Applicant)

Very easy

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

63%55%

20%

32%

11%

4%

4%

5%

2%

4%

It’s going to be a challenge

Will need some effort and luck but shouldbe achievable

Don’t know

Almost impossible, but I’ll have a go

Applicant 2013

Applicant 2014

Base: 1515848 Applicant 2014667 Applicant 2013Balance: Those intending to live at home

COMMUNICATIONS & DIGITAL

Undergraduate

Applicant

Base: 28241081 Applicant1743 Undergraduate

Base: 28241081 Applicant1743 Undergraduate

Base: 28241081 Applicant1743 Undergraduate

Undergraduate

Applicant

56. What, if anything, do you think that you need in order to increase your chances of finding the job that you want, other than your qualification? (Applicant & Undergraduate)

To receive training on job interviews

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

A positive mental attitude

To have gained some work experience e.g.through internships or volunteering

To receive training on job applications

To participate in extracurricular clubs andsocieties

Nothing, I think I have everything I need tohave the best chance of finding the job I want

73%

84%

61%

63%

42%

49%

41%

47%

26%

36%

6%

2%

57. Which if any of the below do you currently use?(Applicant & Undergraduate)

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

90%

93%Social network sites e.g. Facebook, twitter

85%

92%

67%

77%

68%

73%

63%

53%

1%

Apps on a smartphone or tablet computer

Free text message services e.g. whatsapp, snapchat

Video upload sites e.g. YouTube

Intranet at my place of study

None of the above

0-30 minutes a day

31-60 minutes a day

One to two hours

Two to three hours

Over three hours

Don’t know

58. For how long each day do you use the following?(Applicant)

12%20%22%33%Intranet at my place of study

(Base: 565)

9%

Video upload sites e.g.YouTube (Base: 782)

Free text message services e.g. whatsapp, snapchat

(Base: 831)

Social network sites e.g. Facebook, twitter

(Base: 1002)

Apps on a smartphone or tablet computer

(Base: 991)

4%

8%15%19%50% 5% 3%

8%17%19%40% 12% 3%

13%25%24%25% 11% 2%

12%23%22%25% 16% 2%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

70

COMMUNICATIONS & DIGITAL

Undergraduate

Applicant

Base: 28241081 Applicant1743 Undergraduate

Base: 28241081 Applicant1743 Undergraduate

Base: 28241081 Applicant1743 Undergraduate

Undergraduate

Applicant

56. What, if anything, do you think that you need in order to increase your chances of finding the job that you want, other than your qualification? (Applicant & Undergraduate)

To receive training on job interviews

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

A positive mental attitude

To have gained some work experience e.g.through internships or volunteering

To receive training on job applications

To participate in extracurricular clubs andsocieties

Nothing, I think I have everything I need tohave the best chance of finding the job I want

73%

84%

61%

63%

42%

49%

41%

47%

26%

36%

6%

2%

57. Which if any of the below do you currently use?(Applicant & Undergraduate)

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

90%

93%Social network sites e.g. Facebook, twitter

85%

92%

67%

77%

68%

73%

63%

53%

1%

Apps on a smartphone or tablet computer

Free text message services e.g. whatsapp, snapchat

Video upload sites e.g. YouTube

Intranet at my place of study

None of the above

0-30 minutes a day

31-60 minutes a day

One to two hours

Two to three hours

Over three hours

Don’t know

58. For how long each day do you use the following?(Applicant)

12%20%22%33%Intranet at my place of study

(Base: 565)

9%

Video upload sites e.g.YouTube (Base: 782)

Free text message services e.g. whatsapp, snapchat

(Base: 831)

Social network sites e.g. Facebook, twitter

(Base: 1002)

Apps on a smartphone or tablet computer

(Base: 991)

4%

8%15%19%50% 5% 3%

8%17%19%40% 12% 3%

13%25%24%25% 11% 2%

12%23%22%25% 16% 2%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

71

Base: 810

Base: 810

Base: 810

1. Which of the following best describes your current level of study?

2. How old are you?

3. What year of study are you in?

18-22

23-25

26-30

31-40

41-50

51-60

61+

I would prefer not to say

YEAR 1

YEAR 2

YEAR 3

YEAR 4

YEAR 5

YEAR 6+

Postgraduate degree - taught masters

Postgraduate degree - research mastersPostgraduate degree - PhD

Postgraduate degree - Other

0.2% 1%

2% 2%

6%

53%

6%

11%

30%

28%

9%

9%

15% 63%

18%

9%3%

36%

DEMOGRAPHICS

0-30 minutes a day

31-60 minutes a day

One to two hours

Two to three hours

Over three hours

Don’t know

I just read/watch

I just upload/generate contentI read/watch the content and I upload/generate content too

59. For how long each day do you use the following?(Undergraduate )

12%20%20%29%Intranet at my place of study

(Base: 1083)

14%

Video upload sites e.g. YouTube (Base: 1169)

Free text message services e.g.

whatsapp, snapchat (Base: 1151)

Social network sites e.g. Facebook, twitter

(Base: 1567)

Apps on a smartphone or tablet computer

(Base: 1474)

5%

8%15%21%47% 7% 3%

9%16%19%44% 9% 3%

14%26%25%23% 10% 2%

10%23%22%27% 16% 2%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

27%9%64%

60. How would you describe how you use the below?(Applicant)

Intranet at my place of study (Base: 551)

Video upload sites e.g. YouTube (Base: 771)

Free text message services e.g. whatsapp, snapchat

(Base: 820)

Social network sites e.g. Facebook, twitter

(Base: 990)

Apps on a smartphone or tablet computer

(Base: 983)

2% 12%86%

63%19%18%

57%11%32%

26%5%69%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

I just read/watch

I just upload/generate contentI read/watch the content and I upload/generate content too

29%5%66%

61. How would you describe how you use the below?(Undergraduate)

Intranet at my place of study(Base: 1070)

Video upload sites e.g. YouTube (Base: 1168)

Free text message services e.g. whatsapp, snapchat

(Base: 1147)

Social network sites e.g. Facebook, twitter

(Base: 1549)

Apps on a smartphone or tablet computer

(Base: 1458)

14%2%84%

65%16%19%

60%10%31%

28%5%66%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

72

Base: 810

Base: 810

Base: 810

1. Which of the following best describes your current level of study?

2. How old are you?

3. What year of study are you in?

18-22

23-25

26-30

31-40

41-50

51-60

61+

I would prefer not to say

YEAR 1

YEAR 2

YEAR 3

YEAR 4

YEAR 5

YEAR 6+

Postgraduate degree - taught masters

Postgraduate degree - research mastersPostgraduate degree - PhD

Postgraduate degree - Other

0.2% 1%

2% 2%

6%

53%

6%

11%

30%

28%

9%

9%

15% 63%

18%

9%3%

36%

DEMOGRAPHICS

POSTGRADUATE CHART INDEX

73

Base: 810

White

Asian/Asian British

Black/Black British

Mixed

Chinese

Prefer not to say

Other

Base: 810

7. To which of the following ethnic groups do you belong?

64%15%

5%

5%

4%

4% 3%

8. Which university do you attend / Which educational establishment do you attend?

West Midlands

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

36%

21%

9%

5%

5%

5%

4%

4%

3%

2%

2%

2%

South West

South East

Scotland

North West

Wales

East Midlands

Yorkshire and Humber

London

North East

NA

East of England

Northern Ireland

9. And is this the same institution as you studied for you undergraduate degree?

Base: 810

Yes

No

85%

15%

Base: 810

4. Which of the following best describes how you think about yourself? (Gender)

5. Which of the following statements best describes you? (Domicile)

6. Please can you give us your term time postcode? / Please can you give us your ‘holiday’ time postcode (if different to your term time postcode)?

POLAR 1

POLAR 2

POLAR 3

POLAR 4

POLAR 5

N/A

I am a UK citizen studying in the UK

I am an international student from within the EU studying in the UK

I am an international student fromoutside the EU studying in the UKI would prefer fnot to say

Base: 810

Male

Female

Rather not say

1%

28%

15% 7%

14%

35%

10%

53%

1%

65%

34%

19%

17%

74

Base: 810

White

Asian/Asian British

Black/Black British

Mixed

Chinese

Prefer not to say

Other

Base: 810

7. To which of the following ethnic groups do you belong?

64%15%

5%

5%

4%

4% 3%

8. Which university do you attend / Which educational establishment do you attend?

West Midlands

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

36%

21%

9%

5%

5%

5%

4%

4%

3%

2%

2%

2%

South West

South East

Scotland

North West

Wales

East Midlands

Yorkshire and Humber

London

North East

NA

East of England

Northern Ireland

9. And is this the same institution as you studied for you undergraduate degree?

Base: 810

Yes

No

85%

15%

75

Base: 171Balance: Those not currently living in student accommodation

12. Which of the following best describes your current living arrangements?(Shown by region - Postgraduate)

North West

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

21%

79%

22%

78%

23%

77%

25%

75%

21%

79%

21%

79%

17%

83%

9%

91%

33%

67%

6%

94%

29%

29%

71%

100%

71%

South West

South East

West Midlands

Scotland

Wales

East Midlands

Yorkshire and Humber

London

Unknown

East of England

North East

Northern Ireland

Living in halls

Not living in halls

Base: 810

13. Thinking of living in halls of residence, how appealing, if at all, is the idea of postgraduate only accommodation?(Postgraduate)

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

1%Don’t know

2%

Very appealing

35%Appealing

43%

16%

Very unappealing

Neither appealing not unappealing

3%Unappealing

Base: 810

Base: 810

11. Which of the following best describes your current living arrangements?(Postgraduate)

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

53%Privately rented house or flat

Own home / parents’ home

University halls

26%

17%

Private halls 4%

10. Which of the following best describes the subject you are studying?

Biological sciences

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

14%

12%

9%

8%

6%

Education

Social studies

Engineering

5%Language, literature, linguistics, classics and related subjects

4%Subjects allied to medicine

4%Physical sciences

4%Creative arts and design

Business and administrative studies

Technologies

3%

3%

3%

2%

2%

Mathematical and computer

Medicine and dentistry

Mass communications and documentation

2%Law

2%Historical and philosophical studies

2%Architecture, building and planning

1%Veterinary science, agriculture and related subjects

14%Other

Combination of subjects

ACCOMMODATION MATTERS

76

Base: 171Balance: Those not currently living in student accommodation

12. Which of the following best describes your current living arrangements?(Shown by region - Postgraduate)

North West

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

21%

79%

22%

78%

23%

77%

25%

75%

21%

79%

21%

79%

17%

83%

9%

91%

33%

67%

6%

94%

29%

29%

71%

100%

71%

South West

South East

West Midlands

Scotland

Wales

East Midlands

Yorkshire and Humber

London

Unknown

East of England

North East

Northern Ireland

Living in halls

Not living in halls

Base: 810

13. Thinking of living in halls of residence, how appealing, if at all, is the idea of postgraduate only accommodation?(Postgraduate)

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

1%Don’t know

2%

Very appealing

35%Appealing

43%

16%

Very unappealing

Neither appealing not unappealing

3%Unappealing

77

Base: 167Balance: Those not currently living in student accommodation

Base: 809

Base: 240Balance: Those not living with other students

14. Please enter the length of your tenancy in your halls of residence below in weeks

21 to 30 weeks

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

2%

1%

2%

4%

25%

63%

2%

11 to 20 weeks

Six to 10 weeks

31 to 40 weeks

41 to 52 weeks

53 weeks +

Five weeks or less

15. Which of the following best describes your current living situation?(Postgraduate)

I live with people who are not in education

30%

21%

17%

11%

8%

8%

3%

I live on my own

I live with my partner

I live with my parent(s) / guardian(s)

I live with my partner and my children or other dependents

I live with my children or other dependents

I live with other students

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

2%Other

16. What do you think will be / are the main benefits of living with other students?(Postgraduate)

Learning from others

62%

60%

52%

38%

38%

26%

23%

Mixing with people from different cultures

Making friends

Life lessons / experience

Sharing chores / meals

Security

Socialising

18%Help with my studies

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

5%None

78

Base: 594Balance: Those not living at home / parents home

Base: 170Balance: Those not living in student halls

17. Which of the following features are most important to you in student accommodation? (Postgraduate)

Location within walking distance to campus

76%

64%

63%

54%

45%

43%

42%

Wi-Fi

To be clean

To have my own bathroom

To be fully inclusive of bills

To be able to make the room my own

Reasonably priced

42%Secure entry

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

39%To have temperature controllable heaters

29%To be modern and high quality

20%Security staff on site

18. Which of the following features do you currently receive in student accommodation?(Postgraduate)

To have my own bathroom

82%

72%

72%

66%

65%

62%

58%

Location within walking distance to campus

Wi-Fi

Secure entry

To be clean

To have temperature controllable heaters

To be fully inclusive of bills

50%Security staff on site

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

45%To be able to make the room my own

41%Reasonably priced

34%To be modern and high quality

79

21. To what extent, if at all, do you agree with the following reasons for undertaking postgraduate study?(Postgraduate)

100% 0% 100%

31%-3%-1%-3%A postgraduate degree is an investment into my future

Base: 791

-2%

63%

43%-19%A postgraduate degree is of value to wider society

Base: 789

32%

40%-15%-9%-2%A postgraduate degree is essential to differentiate myself in the job market

Base: 794

34%

30%-21%-16%-4%I am undertaking my postgraduate degree

solely to progress my knowledge on a subject I love Base: 792

31%

30%-35%-14%-6%Those who hold postgraduate degrees are of higher economic value to society

Base: 790

16%

23%-25%-26%-9%A postgraduate degree is necessary for employment

Base: 795

19%

-5%

Strongly Agree

Agree

Neither

Disagree

Strongly Disagree

11%9%5%3%

22. What is most important to you in your university experience?(Postgraduate)

New knowledge and skills20%

The specific course you want

A strong academic reputation

Advice and support in preparing you for your career

Personal confidence, growth and development

41%

10%6%6%4% 15% 32%

15%10%7%4% 18% 22%

10%8%10%11% 12% 19%

15%10%10%7% 14% 18%

14%14%8%6%Excellent support from

university staff

17%

Good graduate employment rates

A safe environment

Opportunities to make new friends

Good quality accommodation

13%

8%7%8%8% 10% 10%

6%5%6%6% 7% 9%

10%7%9%9% 7% 6%

6%4%4%6% 4% 4%

7%4%4%7%Part time work opportunities

4%

Modern sports facilities

Friends going to the same university / city

Special interest clubs and societies

3%

5%6%3%9% 4% 3%

4%4%3%9% 2%2%

5%5%5%7% 4%2%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

1st Choice

2nd Choice

3rd Choice

4th Choice

5th Choice

6th Choice

1st Choice

2nd Choice

3rd Choice

4th Choice

5th Choice

6th Choice

Base: 810Please note, these were asked as multiple choice questions

19. How satisfied are you with the features you currently receive in student accommodation?(Postgraduate)

24%-2%-1%

100% 0% 100%

To be fully inclusive of bills (Base: 138)

72%

20%-2%-1%Location within walking distance to campus

(Base: 123)

76%

20%-2%-3%-3%To have my own bathroom

(Base: 112)

75%

37%-5%-2%Secure entry

(Base: 111)

58%

46%-9%-1%-1%To be clean (Base: 105)

44%

44%-8%-1%-3%To be able to make the room my own

(Base: 77)

45%

38%-14%To be modern and high quality

(Base: 58)

48%

34%-9%-5%-1%Security staff on site

(Base: 85)

51%

40%-7%-13%To have temperature controllable heaters

(Base: 99)

39%

54%-17%-4%-3%Reasonably priced

(Base: 70)

21%

34%-11%-6%-6%Wi-Fi

(Base: 123)

41%

Very satisfied

Somewhat satisfied

Neither

Somewhat dissatisfied

Very dissatisfied

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

20. What are / were your motivations for going to university?(Postgraduate)

Interest in my chosen subject8% 22% 58%

To get a better job15% 28% 39%

To improve the standard of my education26% 23% 25%

To become more independent17% 9% 9%

To study in the UK17% 8% 8%

To have a good time

Seems like the thing to do15% 6% 4%

12% 11% 5%

My family expects it16% 5% 3%

3%

2%I can’t get / don’t want to get a job

18% 4%

2%Most of my friends are going

17%

1st Choice

2nd Choice

3rd Choice

Base: 810

POSTGRADUATE EXPERIENCE MATTERS

80

21. To what extent, if at all, do you agree with the following reasons for undertaking postgraduate study?(Postgraduate)

100% 0% 100%

31%-3%-1%-3%A postgraduate degree is an investment into my future

Base: 791

-2%

63%

43%-19%A postgraduate degree is of value to wider society

Base: 789

32%

40%-15%-9%-2%A postgraduate degree is essential to differentiate myself in the job market

Base: 794

34%

30%-21%-16%-4%I am undertaking my postgraduate degree

solely to progress my knowledge on a subject I love Base: 792

31%

30%-35%-14%-6%Those who hold postgraduate degrees are of higher economic value to society

Base: 790

16%

23%-25%-26%-9%A postgraduate degree is necessary for employment

Base: 795

19%

-5%

Strongly Agree

Agree

Neither

Disagree

Strongly Disagree

11%9%5%3%

22. What is most important to you in your university experience?(Postgraduate)

New knowledge and skills20%

The specific course you want

A strong academic reputation

Advice and support in preparing you for your career

Personal confidence, growth and development

41%

10%6%6%4% 15% 32%

15%10%7%4% 18% 22%

10%8%10%11% 12% 19%

15%10%10%7% 14% 18%

14%14%8%6%Excellent support from

university staff

17%

Good graduate employment rates

A safe environment

Opportunities to make new friends

Good quality accommodation

13%

8%7%8%8% 10% 10%

6%5%6%6% 7% 9%

10%7%9%9% 7% 6%

6%4%4%6% 4% 4%

7%4%4%7%Part time work opportunities

4%

Modern sports facilities

Friends going to the same university / city

Special interest clubs and societies

3%

5%6%3%9% 4% 3%

4%4%3%9% 2%2%

5%5%5%7% 4%2%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

1st Choice

2nd Choice

3rd Choice

4th Choice

5th Choice

6th Choice

1st Choice

2nd Choice

3rd Choice

4th Choice

5th Choice

6th Choice

Base: 810Please note, these were asked as multiple choice questions

81

Students at my university overall (Base: 795)

Base: 802

23. How integrated do you / will you hope to feel at university in the following areas?(Postgraduate)

38%-8%-6%Students on my course(Base: 797)

49%

51%-14%-2%The institution itself(Base: 800)

34%

53%-14%-4%The wider world around me(Base: 800)

31%

50%-23%-4%The wider academic community(Base: 794)

24%

46%-35%-4%

Students that I live with(Base: 790)

17%

20%-8%-49% 22%

100% 0% 100%

Well Integrated

Somewhat Integrated

Not IntegratedDon’t know

24. Which, if any, of the following do you think it is important for you to achieve by the time you finish your study?(Postgraduate)

I can work well with people with backgrounds which are different to my own

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

The things I have learned on my course will stay with me for life

I will be able to apply the knowledge from my course to the career I want

I know what to do to find and apply for jobs

A degree classification that is the best that I can manage

I feel confident leading on group projects

I am confident in meeting new people

I have gained some work experience

I have learned how to work academically with my course mates

I am able to manage my money

I am able to keep myself in good health

I am comfortable in my own skin

I am confident that I can make friends

I feel confident that I can manage household bills and upkeep

I have volunteered

I feel confident that I can manage to choose safe living accommodation

I have been able to participate in clubs and societies

Other

82%

64%

58%

52%

51%

49%

47%

45%

44%

40%

38%

33%

30%

27%

20%

19%

16%

2%

SUCCESS MATTERS

82

Base: 801

25. Thinking of this list, which one thing is it most important that you achieve by the time you graduate from university?(Postgraduate)

I can work well with people with backgrounds which are different to my own

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

The things I have learned on my course will stay with me for life

A degree classification that is the best that I can manage

I will be able to apply the knowledge from my course to the career I want

I know what to do to find and apply for jobs

Other

I feel confident leading on group projects

I am confident in meeting new people

I have gained some work experience

I have learned how to work academically with my course mates

I am able to manage my money

I am able to keep myself in good health

I am comfortable in my own skin

I am confident that I can make friends

I feel confident that I can manage household bills and upkeep

I have volunteered

I feel confident that I can manage to choose safe living accommodation

I have been able to participate in clubs and societies

45%

15%

13%

5%

4%

4%

3%

3%

2%

1%

1%

1%

0.5%

0.5%

0.4%

0.2%

0.2%

0.1%

83

Average Base: 746Balance: No answer

47%-6%-1%-1%

26. To what extent if at all do you agree with the following statements currently?(Postgraduate)

I can work well with people with backgrounds which are different to my own

45%

44%-7%-2%-2%The things I have learned on my course

will stay with me for life

45%

44%-8%-2%-2%I have learned how to work academical-

ly with my course mates

44%

52%-11%-3%-3%I am on track to a degree classification

that is the best that I can manage

32%

50%-11%-2%-2%

I am confident that I can make friends34%

48%-12%-2%-2%I feel confident that I can manage to

choose safe living accommodation

36%

49%-12%-4%-2%I am confident in meeting new people

33%

51%-13%-4%-3%I am able to keep myself in good health

29%

44%-14%-4%-2%I feel confident that I can manage

household bills and upkeep

36%

45%-15%-3%-2%I am able to manage my money

35%

47%-14%-4%-3%I am comfortable in my own skin

32%

43%-16%-6%-2%

My experiences in this study match my expectations

32%

45%-16%-4%-3% 33%

49%-15%-10%-4%

I feel confident leading on group projects

23%

46%-19%-7%-2%

I will be able to apply the knowledge from my course to the career I want

25%

36%-15%-13%-4%

I know what to do to find and apply for jobs

32%

36%-24%-17%-10%

I have gained some work experience

13%

34%-17%-18%-9%

I have been able to participate in clubs and societies

2%

100% 0% 100%

I have volunteered

84

Average Base: 789Balance: No answer

27. Thinking back to your undergraduate study, discounting your degree classification, which, if any of the following do you believe contributed to your own success in being able to study at postgraduate level?(Postgraduate)

Being confident in meeting new people

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

The things I have learned on my previous course will stay with me for life

I am able to apply the knowledge from my previous course to the career I want

Having gained some work experience

I learned how to work academically with my previous course mates

Working well with people with backgrounds which are different to my own

A degree classification that was the best that I can manage

Knowing what to do to find and apply for jobs or further study

Being comfortable in my own skin

Being able to manage my money

Being confident that I can make friends

Being confident leading on group projects

Being able to keep myself in good health

Having volunteered

Feeling confident that I can manage household bills and upkeep

Feeling confident that I can manage to choose safe living accommodation

Being able to participate in clubs and societies

Other

56%

49%

48%

47%

46%

46%

44%

39%

33%

33%

30%

27%

22%

20%

16%

13%

11%

3%

Base: 810

Base: 809Balance: No answer

28. Where do you intend to be 6 months from the end of graduating from your postgraduate degree?(Postgraduate)

In a job that I do not need my postgradu-ate degree for

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

In a job where I need my postgraduate degree as a pre-requisite

Further study

I don’t know

Travelling / gap year

Volunteering

Other study

Unemployed

70%

9%

8%

7%

3%

1%

1%

1%

29. How easy do you think it will be to find the job that you want after finishing your postgraduate study?(Postgraduate)

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Almost impossible, but I’ll have a go

Very easy

Don’t know

6%

It’s going to be a challenge 32%

Will need some effort and luck but should be achievable

53%

6%

3%

EMPLOYABILTY MATTERS

85

Base: 791Balance: No answer

Base: 810

33. Is this package sufficient to meet your living costs?(Postgraduate)

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Yes

No

I don’t know

64%

28%

7%

34. Which of the following applies to you?(Postgraduate)

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

I have taken on as much debt as I expected to

I have taken on more debt than I expected to

I have taken on less debt than I expected to

30%

I have not taken on any debt 43%

23%

5%

Base: 810

32. Which, if any, of the following do you use to finance your postgraduate study?(Postgraduate)

Bursary

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Scholarship

Savings

Tuition fee loan

Credit cards

Research grant

Bank overdrafts

Maintenance loan

Other

Other grant

Career development loan

Other bank loan

Disabled students allowance

None of the above

I would rather not say

Charitable support

Payday loan / doorstep cash / Cash-a-cheque

40%

Family or friends 41%

31%

17%

12%

11%

11%

10%

7%

5%

4%

4%

3%

3%

2%

2%

2%

1%

Base: 810

31. Which, if any, of the following are you aware of to finance your time at university?(Postgraduate)

Savings

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Scholarship

Family or friends

Bursary

Tuition fee loan

Research grant

Bank overdrafts

Credit cards

Maintenance loan

Other grant

Career development loan

Other bank loan

Disabled students allowance

Charitable support

Payday loan / doorstep cash / Cash-a-cheque

None of the above

Other

50%

48%

47%

36%

30%

29%

25%

22%

18%

15%

15%

13%

10%

9%

8%

4%

3%

Base: 809Balance: No answer

30. To the best of your knowledge, please enter how much you pay in tuition fees for the course that you are currently undertaking, in pounds.(Postgraduate)

£10001 - £15000

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

£15001 - £20000

£20001 +

£7001 - £10000

£5001 - £7000

£1001 - £5000

up to £1000

Nothing

N/A

4%

8%

19%

17%

11%

22%

1%

17%

2%

FINANCE MATTERS

86

Base: 791Balance: No answer

Base: 810

33. Is this package sufficient to meet your living costs?(Postgraduate)

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Yes

No

I don’t know

64%

28%

7%

34. Which of the following applies to you?(Postgraduate)

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

I have taken on as much debt as I expected to

I have taken on more debt than I expected to

I have taken on less debt than I expected to

30%

I have not taken on any debt 43%

23%

5%

Base: 810

32. Which, if any, of the following do you use to finance your postgraduate study?(Postgraduate)

Bursary

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Scholarship

Savings

Tuition fee loan

Credit cards

Research grant

Bank overdrafts

Maintenance loan

Other

Other grant

Career development loan

Other bank loan

Disabled students allowance

None of the above

I would rather not say

Charitable support

Payday loan / doorstep cash / Cash-a-cheque

40%

Family or friends 41%

31%

17%

12%

11%

11%

10%

7%

5%

4%

4%

3%

3%

2%

2%

2%

1%

87

Base: 382

Base: 461Balance: Those with no debt

Base: 449Balance: Those not accessing debt

35. Which of the following best describes how you feel about student debt?(Postgraduate)

Debt is a normal part of student life

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

It is difficult not to get into debt as a student

Debt is something I wish students could avoid

I want to manage my debt

Debt is an investment for my future

Debt is a necessary burden of being at university

My debt is an easy to manage long term loan

I don’t see debt as an issue

I feel differently about debt

67%

47%

34%

27%

26%

26%

11%

6%

2%

36. How easy do you think it was to access this debt?(Postgraduate)

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Quite difficult

Very difficult

Don’t know

12%

Quite easy 32%

Very easy 36%

4%

16%

45%-10%-2%-1%

37. To what extent, if at all, do you agree with the following statements about funding study at a postgraduate level?(Postgraduate)

100% 0% 100%

I think that there should be a tuition fee loan system for postgraduate taught

students

42%

46%-13%-2%-2%I think that alternative funding models for postgraduate taught students will increase the numbers of students

applying for postgraduate study

38%

47%-14%-2%-3%I think that alternative funding models for postgraduate taught students will widen the demographic spread of

those who undertake postgraduate study

34%

45%-15%-5%-1%I think that there should be an option for delayed payments for postgraduate taught students

34%

26%-27%-26%-14%I think that UK society understands the needs of taught postgraduate students

7%

19%-26%-26%-25%I think that the current government understands

the needs of taught postgraduate students

5%

20%-33%-27%-18%I think that the current postgraduate

funding system works

2%

Strongly Agree

Agree

Neither

Disagree

Strongly Disagree

88

Base: 382

Base: 461Balance: Those with no debt

Base: 449Balance: Those not accessing debt

35. Which of the following best describes how you feel about student debt?(Postgraduate)

Debt is a normal part of student life

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

It is difficult not to get into debt as a student

Debt is something I wish students could avoid

I want to manage my debt

Debt is an investment for my future

Debt is a necessary burden of being at university

My debt is an easy to manage long term loan

I don’t see debt as an issue

I feel differently about debt

67%

47%

34%

27%

26%

26%

11%

6%

2%

36. How easy do you think it was to access this debt?(Postgraduate)

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Quite difficult

Very difficult

Don’t know

12%

Quite easy 32%

Very easy 36%

4%

16%

45%-10%-2%-1%

37. To what extent, if at all, do you agree with the following statements about funding study at a postgraduate level?(Postgraduate)

100% 0% 100%

I think that there should be a tuition fee loan system for postgraduate taught

students

42%

46%-13%-2%-2%I think that alternative funding models for postgraduate taught students will increase the numbers of students

applying for postgraduate study

38%

47%-14%-2%-3%I think that alternative funding models for postgraduate taught students will widen the demographic spread of

those who undertake postgraduate study

34%

45%-15%-5%-1%I think that there should be an option for delayed payments for postgraduate taught students

34%

26%-27%-26%-14%I think that UK society understands the needs of taught postgraduate students

7%

19%-26%-26%-25%I think that the current government understands

the needs of taught postgraduate students

5%

20%-33%-27%-18%I think that the current postgraduate

funding system works

2%

Strongly Agree

Agree

Neither

Disagree

Strongly Disagree

89

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