OfS research
Published 13 February 2025
Understanding the student interest
Published 13 February 2025
The relationship between the student interest and the public interest
Summary
We asked focus group participants about the relationship between the student interest and the public interest. Participants identified a number of perceived conflicts between the student interest and the public interest, including in relation to tuition fees and accommodation.
The participants of our YouGov poll felt that universities and colleges should prioritise delivering benefits for students specifically (66 per cent) over benefits for society in general (34 per cent).
Focus groups
'I think a long-term interest of developing inquisitive, interested graduates who want to continue to learn about and critically analyse the world around them is an incredibly important part of a robust society.' (Female, 33, higher education student, YouGov focus group)
'Student debt is a clear conflict of interest between students and the public interest. It is in the public interest to minimise student debt as a lot of it is not paid off by the students, however an individual student is benefiting by not paying off their student loans.' (Female, 20, higher education student, YouGov focus group)
'Student accommodation is another example. Generally, members of the public don't like having large student accommodation blocks built in city centres, however many students would like to live close to university and of course, in a cheaper accommodation.' (Female, 20, higher education student, YouGov focus group)
Published 13 February 2025
Describe your experience of using this website