Higher Education blogs

Helping the next student cohort thrive - what the 2026 Applicant Index tells us about support, belonging and success

Artificial intelligence continues to dominate headlines, with particular attention on how it may shape graduate careers and whether a degree remains a valuable investment.

By Moray Notman, our University Partner Commercial Director

For many young people, the decision to go to university – and whether to move away from home to do it – has never felt more fraught. As ever, the reality is more nuanced than the headlines suggest. Here’s what the data shows.

A year ago, we set out on a bold mission: to transform how we understand, support, and serve the students who live with us. That mission became ResX360, a customer relationship management system which allows us to better support residents. It’s designed to connect people, systems, and data in a way that enhances every stage of our residents’ journey. 

On Thursday 4 September, we hosted a session on values-led partnerships at Universities UK's Annual Members Conference. Jenny Shaw, HE External Engagement Director, shares how themes of innovation and collaboration were not only key to our panel - but to the whole conference.

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.