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University students think their lives ‘will be harder than their parents’

Survey finds that students prize financial stability over wealth and fame

Students believe their lives will be harder than their parents and prize financial security over wealth, a survey has found. Sixty-eight per cent of university students think they will face more challenges than their parents when it comes to being successful in life, according to a poll by the Higher Education Policy Institute and the accommodation provider Unite Students.

As a result, more students want to achieve future financial stability (59 per cent) than great wealth (13 per cent) or fame (9 per cent).

The research shows that students are holding faith with the idea of higher education, with over two thirds (69 per cent) believing that going to university is the only way to get the life they want.

The survey also shows mental ill health to be a growing problem – 17 per cent of first year students reported having a mental health condition in 2019, up from 12 per cent in 2016.

Challenge to provide support

Sir Norman Lamb wants a legally binding charter to make universities accountable for mental health support
Sir Norman Lamb wants a legally binding charter to make universities accountable for mental health support (Photo: Christopher Furlong/Getty)

However, just 53 per cent of students with a mental health condition have told their university, which could challenge their university’s ability to provide support.

The issue of loneliness was also highlighted by the survey, with 26 per cent of students saying they often or always feel lonely.

‘Thin-skinned caricature’

Max Guiton, a Philosophy student who was involved in the research, said: “My generation knows we have our work cut out for us, but I do think that my time at university will give me the tools I need to help me achieve security and happiness in my future.”

Nick Hillman, director of HEPI, said: “Over a million undergraduates, including hundreds of thousands of freshers, are on the cusp of the new academic year. They are more diverse than ever before.

“But this new research shows the caricature of students as lazy, irresponsible and thin-skinned is completely wrong”.

He added: “Students want to prepare themselves for the changing world.

“They know the world is a chaotic place and they see education as an insurance policy against the vagaries of life, and as a route to a fulfilling career and a secure home.”

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