On Thursday 13 April, we will be publishing a blog with HEPI on ‘The influence of cost of living on student decision making’ by Jo Richards, Senior Insight Lead, here at UCAS.
UCAS has spoken to prospective applicants through a survey and focus groups, alongside our regular tracking, to understand the impact of rising costs on their decisions about their futures. Here are some of the key findings:
- Open day attendance is being affected due to rising living costs - 39% have cut down the number of open days attended. This rises to 42% for those from POLAR Quintiles 1 and 2.
- Expectations about the student experience are being impacted: Over a half of prospective applicants domiciled in the UK say they have lowered their expectations of student life (51%), and almost three in five (58%) are considering getting part-time work considering the rising cost-of-living.
- There is an opportunity to fill an information gap – back in November only 11% of prospective applicants domiciled in the UK recalled receiving information and advice about the cost-of-living, and prospective applicants would welcome more information about the financial support available whilst in study.
Click here to view our useful infographic on some of these findings.
Research shows that there is a need for improved communications to minimise the influence that the cost of living is having on those making their decisions. Information providers, including universities and colleges, could enhance communications to improve understanding and confidence about how to manage costs as a student.
You can explore more about these findings and reccomendations here.
For more information or to discuss further please contact your Customer Success Director or email educationservices@ucas.ac.uk
Please note this information is under embargo until 00:01 thursday 13 April.