9 in 10 students expect to work during term time – new HEPI report shows paid jobs are now the norm
|
87% of higher education applicants expect to work during term time,
with a third expecting to work over 16 hours a week Most applicants
still want the full university experience and independence
most applicants still plan to live away from home, rather than
commute Applicants remain optimistic, but confidence has softened
across wellbeing, learning and resilience Nearly half say more
opportunities...Request free trial
Nine in ten applicants now expect to work during term time while at university, according to the newApplicant Index 2026 from Unite Students and the Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI), showing that paid work has become part of the student experience. Working during term time is now part of student life The fifth annual Applicant Index shows 87% of applicants expect to work during term time, while a third (32%) expect to work more than 16 hours a week. For today's students, paid work is increasingly seen as a normal part of university life alongside studying, building independence and preparing for future careers. Most still want the full university experience The report points to a cohort that still values the full university experience. Most applicants continue to plan to live away from home rather than commute. Independence remains a strong driver too, with applicants continuing to place high value on living independently, building confidence and making decisions for themselves. Welcome remains high, but confidence has softened The findings also show that students still approach university with optimism. Nearly three quarters (74%) expect to feel welcome and 65% expect to feel like they belong. But confidence has softened across several areas that affect whether students can thrive day to day, including wellbeing, learning, resilience and employment. Despite this softer confidence, applicants remain focused on the wider university experience and what it offers beyond the lecture theatre. Nearly half (49%) say opportunities to socialise and build connections would improve their experience, highlighting the importance of environments that help students build confidence, independence and a sense of belonging. Support matters more than ever The report found that as well as opportunities to socialise, applicants believe access to services such as counselling and occupational therapy (48%) and 24/7 support (46%) improve the university experience. The findings underline the importance of helping students feel supported from day one. Across its properties, Unite Students offers support designed to help residents settle in, build friendships and feel safe, including social events and shared spaces that bring students together, 24/7 staff presence and security and access to wellbeing support. Targeted support for care-experienced and estranged students The report highlights that some groups are more likely to need additional support, including care-experienced and estranged applicants, who report higher financial stress, greater loneliness and lower confidence in being welcomed and treated fairly. Through the Unite Foundation an independent national charity founded by Unite Students in 2012 care-experienced and estranged students can access a unique scholarship offering a safe and stable home at university, with accommodation and bills covered for up to three full years of study. Student case studies Drama, Film and Television joint honours applicant, Henry, 18, from Sussex, said: "I've always wanted to do a degree to gain experience in my chosen subjects, and I'm confident it will give me a boost in the job market. "I plan to work part-time once I've settled in at university, most of my friends do too. Having a job will give me experience and help improve my quality of life, like going out socialising and buying things I need for my studies." Elena, 20, a first-year Geography student at the University of Bristol, said: Working while studying has given me more financial freedom, has made my life richer, and has shown me what a privilege having access to higher education is. I work up to 17 hours a week during term time, which is manageable with my uni schedule. My job has given me purpose, helped me grow in confidence, and improved my communication skills and I know I'll be in a stronger position going into work after university. Joe Lister, the CEO of Unite Students, said: "It's encouraging to see this year's applicants making clear, pragmatic decisions about university life balancing study with part-time work reflecting the reality that maintenance support has not kept pace with the rising living costs. The softening in applicants' confidence around wellbeing and resilience is a reminder that the transition to university can feel challenging, which is why we focus on providing safe, supportive homes where students can thrive. Nick Hillman, the CEO of HEPI, said: Those on the cusp of higher education are increasingly well prepared for the realities of undergraduate life and are ambitious about their own futures. But they also face real wellbeing challenges, given it is such a hard time to be young. Our hope is the new survey results help everyone ensure the next wave of freshers are able to meet their full potential.
Notes to Editors
|