PRESS RELEASE: Cost of living crisis determining students' attitudes towards clearing

New data from IDP Connect shows that students who are considering Clearing to secure their university placement are concerned about the cost-of-living crisis. These worries are driving attitudinal change towards their final choice.

Clearing is the process by which students who have not achieved the grades expected in their provisional offers for universities can seek out other institutions which would accept them. It is also an opportunity for students who exceeded expectations to change their choice of Higher Education.

The survey found that 1 in 4 students are very anxious about the increase in cost-of-living and 1 in 3 are quite concerned about it. The greatest expense causing concern is study costs like textbooks and laptops (33% being very concerned) this is closely followed by accommodation costs (23% being very concerned).

Females are twice as likely to worry about the cost of going to university than males. Moreover, those who applied pre-UCAS deadline are twice as likely to be worried about the cost of living.

Delving deeper into the data there is a clear difference between those who applied prior to the UCAS deadline and those who applied after. Accommodation is the top worry for pre-UCAS deadline applicants, while other expenses like textbooks and laptops are of more concern to students applying post-deadline. Post-UCAS deadline applicants’ concerns suggest a lower commitment to going to university, with the longer-term worry of paying back loans featuring higher in the list.

Simon Emmett, CEO at IDP Connect, said:

“Students seeking a university degree are very concerned about the cost-of-living crisis and it is changing their attitude towards Clearing. From the cost of study supplies to travel and accommodation, individuals are shopping around for an institution that will help them lower living costs.

“A university education is a great investment and students want to ensure they get value for their money: Clearing ensures they can do just that. Across the UK there are Higher Education institutions who excel in specific subjects whilst helping their students to drive down the cost of living.

“When A-Level students receive their results they will be faced with a plethora of choices. By visiting the independent Complete University Guide and Whatuni websites they can find the course that best fits them and helps unlock their future aspirations.”

Every year the Complete University Guide releases UK university and subject league tables and Whatuni Student Choice Awards offers clearing functions to support prospective students in making informed decisions about their future. Regional league tables are also on The Complete University Guide to offer to help people find the right university for them in their area.

The full report which takes an in-depth look into the mindset of prospective clearing students can be read here: Pre Clearing Survey Report