A Level results day: Students seek more than a degree

As thousands of students across the UK receive their A Level results and many prepare for university life, new research reveals what today’s university applicants really want – and it’s not just academic success. 

Our 2025 Applicant Index, in partnership with the Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI), shows a shift in priorities, with students placing greater value on independence, community and wellbeing.  

The findings are backed by real student voices, highlighting a generation eager to thrive both personally and professionally. 

Independence and career confidence 

For 29% of applicants, gaining independence is a key motivator for going to university, while 70% feel confident about securing the job they want after university. 

Ruby, a first-year student at Central Saint Martins in London, shared how her accommodation helped her feel empowered: 

“I loved being able to decorate my room and make it feel like home. It gave me a sense of control and independence – something I really needed in my first year.”

We support this drive with study-friendly homes, reliable Wi-Fi, and 24/7 teams that help students focus on their goals. 

Financial readiness and support 

Confidence in budgeting is growing, with 62% of students feeling ready to manage their money – a 5% increase year-on-year. Our all-inclusive rents and partnerships, with platforms like Blackbullion, make financial wellbeing more accessible. 

Yashasvi, an international student at Manchester University, highlighted the importance of financial planning, particularly as international students pay higher tuition fees: 

“Having a clear plan and support made all the difference. I think besides just the fees and accommodation, just everyday living expenses are a lot different. Dealing with that has been kind of a challenge.”

Balancing work, study and wellbeing 

A striking 89% of students plan to work alongside their studies, but 83% are confident they’ll stay on track and complete their courses. 

Melyce, a psychology and marketing student at Aston University in Birmingham, balanced her studies with a part-time job and dance commitments: 

“I’d go back home in Rugby every weekend to do that job and then come back to uni for the week. I liked having things to do and keeping myself busy. I was able to balance going to lectures and doing all my work outside of lectures.”

While anxiety levels have dipped slightly to 35%, wellbeing remains a priority. Our Support to Stay framework provides the right level of help when residents need it.  We offer on-site support and signpost residents to student mental health charity, Student Minds. We also mentor Student Minds staff, helping them to develop their professional support for students.  

Combatting loneliness and building community 

Despite progress, 25% of students still report feeling lonely most or all of the time. That’s why community-building is central to our approach to creating a great place to live. 

Ruby reflected on the importance of finding her tribe: 

“Joining a sports team changed everything. It gave me a support network and helped me feel at home.”

Yashasvi, now a Resident Ambassador, helps create a community by organising events to bring students together: 

“Seeing students from different cultures come together – that’s what makes it feel like home. The kinds of events that I enjoyed the most were things like Chinese New Year and Diwali, where we really like embrace different cultures.”

Looking ahead 

With 81% of applicants excited to make friends from diverse backgrounds, and 74% expecting to feel welcome at university, the message is clear: students want more than just a place to stay – they want to be part of a community. We’re proud to support them on that journey by creating a home where success and community go hand in hand. 

To all students receiving results – good luck, and welcome to the next chapter. We’re here for you every step of the way. To find out more, visit www.unitestudents.com