9 in 10 students expect to work during term time – new report shows paid jobs are now the norm

• 87% of 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 to socialise and build connections would improve their university experience

Nine in ten applicants now expect to work during term time while at university, according to the new Applicant Index 2026 from Unite Students and 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 that 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, services such as counselling and occupational therapy (48%), and 24/7 support (46%) would improve their 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.”

Quotes

Joe Lister, CEO, 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, director 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

The 2026 Applicant Index Report is available to download here.

The Applicant Index 2026 is based on a survey of 2,200 respondents planning to start a full-time degree or degree apprenticeship in the 2026/27 academic year. The survey was administered by Savanta between 16 March and 2 April 2026 and was developed by Unite Students in partnership with HEPI. The sample was constructed and weighted to be broadly representative of the applicant population.

For Unite Students’ enquiries, please contact the press office on: press.office@unitestudents.com

About HEPI

HEPI was established in 2002 to influence the higher education debate with evidence. We are UK-wide, independent and non-partisan. We are funded by organisations and higher education institutions that wish to support vibrant policy discussions, as well as through our own events. HEPI is a company limited by guarantee and a registered charity.

About Unite Students

Unite Students is the UK’s leading owner, manager and developer of student accommodation. Part of Unite Group, it provides homes to around 64,000 students in leading university cities. The business works closely with universities to create safe, supportive and socially connected living environments that help students thrive.

About Unite Foundation

The Unite Foundation is an independent charity founded by Unite Students in 2012. It supports care-experienced and estranged students with a safe and stable home at university through accommodation scholarships that cover rent and bills for up to three years, alongside wider work to help students build connection and belonging.