Understanding the student interest
Published 13 February 2025
Students' short- and long-term interests
Summary
When talking to students about their experiences, expectations and rights, themes relating to the short and the longer term emerged.
Short-term aspects of the student interest tended to refer to students’ day to day experiences and included things such as academic support, academic success and progression, costs of living and mental wellbeing support.
Students' long-term interests extend beyond graduation. These interests typically revolved around career preparation and progression, developing skills for future employment, and building networks and connections that will be valuable beyond university.
Students tended to think that universities and colleges should prioritise their students' long-term interests (60 per cent) over short-term student interests (40 per cent, YouGov poll).
Focus groups
'I think in the short-term, academic and pastoral support with exams and coursework deadlines is most important, as well as general support with aspects of student life such as managing finances, finding accommodation etc.' (Female, 20, higher education student, YouGov focus group)
'For me long-term encompasses the whole of the time I spend at university and then the years after where my degree affects my career progression etc.' (Female, 23, higher education student, YouGov focus group)
'Long-term to me refers to the period of the beginning of a steady employment to retirement of the career related to the degree.' (Male, 22, higher education student, YouGov focus group)
'For me, long-term encompasses maybe the first five years after I leave university. I would like the university to support me to a point I feel confident to start work.' (Female, 20, higher education student, YouGov focus group)
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