Price of dwelling ‘shaping different experience’ for college students, says Ucas chief
T
he cost-of-living disaster is “shaping a different experience” for college college students, however it’s unclear whether or not it’s going to result in extra deferrals this yr, the chief government of Ucas stated.
It comes after the variety of college students accepted on to UK diploma programs fell this yr, with 414,940 candidates (of all ages and domiciles) gaining a spot at college or school.
This determine is down 2.6% on the identical level final yr, based on information revealed by Ucas, the admissions service.
The proportion of A-level entries awarded high grades is down 9.2 proportion factors on final yr however nonetheless stays above pre-pandemic ranges, nationwide figures present.
It will not be but identified if grading or the price of dwelling will have an effect on college deferrals this yr, however it’s “one to watch”, Clare Marchant, chief government of Ucas, stated.
Ms Marchant, who will depart the function later this yr to turn out to be the vice-chancellor of the University of Gloucestershire, stated the price of dwelling is affecting college students as two-thirds are excited about taking over a part-time job.
She added about deferrals: “I think it’s one to keep an eye on because it’s not just about grading, it’s also about the cost of living.
There’s no evidence at the moment that either grading or cost of living is leading to increased deferrals. But we will only know that in the middle of October in terms of when we see people who are requesting deferrals come through
“I think most students who we survey, I’m told, are very aware that the cost of living isn’t a one-year thing. It could be over repeated years and so that’s not a reason to necessarily defer, it’s more… two-thirds of them are thinking about taking on a part-time job, so it’s sort of shaping a different experience.
“There’s no evidence at the moment that either grading or cost of living is leading to increased deferrals. But we will only know that in the middle of October in terms of when we see people who are requesting deferrals come through.
“So… not at the moment, but one to watch.”
Jennifer Coupland, chief government of the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE), stated the price of dwelling would “definitely” be an element within the determination of some college students to take up apprenticeships if they didn’t get their first college selection.
I feel you will in all probability see extra college students going to school however staying at residence for instance, folks excited about taking jobs whereas they’re learning at college, however doing an apprenticeship helps you out of that state of affairs since you’re incomes as you are studying
She stated: “I think it is definitely going to be a factor, particularly for disadvantaged students.
“I think you’ll probably see more students going to university but staying at home for example, people thinking about taking jobs while they’re studying at university, but doing an apprenticeship helps you out of that situation because you’re earning as you’re learning.
“So if you are a student and you are concerned about the costs of studying, this is a great way to kind of get your education, get your degree whilst you’re being paid to do it.”
Overall, 19,010 18-year-old candidates missed the situations of their college supply and are actually eligible to seek out locations in clearing, in contrast with 15,090 final yr and 17,270 in 2019.
Nearly one in 10 (9%) haven’t been positioned at their first or insurance coverage selection and are actually in clearing, Ucas stated, in contrast with 7% final yr and 12% in 2019.
Everything means that this will probably be a busy clearing
Ms Marchant stated she expects clearing to be “very busy”, however extra data on the variety of college students going via clearing will probably be identified on Friday.
She added: “The fact that there are 29,000 courses as of this morning in clearing suggests that there’s going to be lots of activity post 1pm when students are able to add that clearing choice.
“Everything suggests that this will be a busy clearing. We will know more tomorrow because those course numbers could have changed from 29,000. And that’ll give us a really good indication about the levels of interest in clearing.
“Our teams upstairs in this building are still very busy until they close at 6pm tonight, handling clearing-related calls as well as all universities around the country.”
Ms Marchant additionally admitted there’s a “difficulty” with college lodging when requested if there may be sufficient for college students this yr.
She stated: “It really varies, city to city it varies, and that varies for young professionals as much as it does [students].
“I’m sitting here in Cheltenham and Gloucester, there is plenty of accommodation. If you go to a bigger, more urban area, they might have more issues.
“I think it’s about how much you’re prepared to spend on it and how far away from the campus you want to be. It will vary city to city.
“Some universities are campus-based, some are more integrated into their city centres, so it’s not a blanket.
“There is a difficulty with accommodation. There are hotspots with accommodation and students are aware of that and just need to research the options as they do their course research.”