7 things you need to know about 2025’s university applicants

The Applicant Index 2025, now in its fourth year, is our annual research into each year’s university applicants – helping universities  track how applicant needs are evolving over time.

Covering nine core themes such as finance, wellbeing, community and learning, as well as topical issues like AI and motivations for applying to university, it will help you understand how to align your services and strategies so that applicants have a great transition to university – both now and in future.

Pressed for time and need a quick summary? We’ve compiled seven key findings.

1. This is the most independent cohort since the Index launched

We added ‘independence’ as an Index theme in 2023, and this year’s scores are the highest yet. 73% of applicants say they feel confident about independently addressing issues related to their studies or living situation, up 6 points on last year, while 74% say they feel confident about living independently at university (up from 67%).

Additionally, ‘gaining independence’ was a top 3 key motivator for going to university for 29% of applicants – the fifth most significant reason – while ‘moving away from home’ was cited by 16%.

2. Financial confidence is growing

Applicants’ confidence in their ability to budget has jumped from 58% last year to 62% this year. And the proportion of applicants saying they have enough money to cover their costs at university is the highest since the Index launched.

Our all-inclusive rents and flexible payment options make it easier for our residents to manage their money. We’ve also partnered with financial wellbeing platform Blackbullion since 2022 – helping our residents develop their financial skills, knowledge and confidence.

3. Applicants expect to work at university alongside their studies

Perhaps due to the above findings, a whopping 89% of applicants plan to work alongside their studies. This is the first time we’ve asked this question, but it corresponds with data in HEPI’s Student Academic Experience Survey showing that the number of students who work during termtime has risen 12 points year-on-year.

But that’s not at the expense of their studies – 83% are confident they’ll complete their courses. Our 24/7 staff support and mix of study and social spaces help our residents balance study, work and downtime, while our partnership with Shepper supports residents to find part-time work at university.

4. Employability confidence continues to jump

Last year, we were pleased to see that applicants were more confident in their employability, and this is up again. This year, 7 in 10 applicants are confident of getting the job they want after university while 71% are confident in their employment skills. Our buildings include plenty of study space to help residents achieve the grades they need for future success.

5. Wellbeing is stabilising – but still a priority

The proportion of applicants with a mental health condition remains steady, but there’s been a drop in the proportion who say they’ve experienced anxiety – down from 38% to 35% year-on-year.

For those who need extra support, we have our innovative Support to Stay framework as well as signposting through our resident app and access to the Wisdom wellbeing app, which includes a 24/7 helpline and live chat staffed by clinical professionals.

6. Loneliness is a continuing challenge

24% of applicants say they feel lonely most or all of the time. Though this represents a small drop from last year, it’s still concerning that almost a quarter of applicants feel this way. Our on-site support, programme of student events and student app keep residents connected in our buildings.

7. Being an active part of the student community has never been more appealing

Since launching the Applicant Index in 2022, the amount of applicants who want to be an active part of the student community grown each year. This year, it stands at 72% – a nine-point jump in three years. We’ve also seen an increased expectation of welcome and belonging from applicants, with both scores increasing by 6 points to 64% and 74% respectively.

Our inclusive events, Resident Ambassadors and CARE principles for our employees help build community in our buildings. That’s why we’ve seen a 9-point increase in the number of our residents who said there’s a strong sense of community in their accommodation in the Global Student Living Index this year.

Read the full report here: 2025 Applicant Index.