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July 2025 - Education

Three in 10 undergraduates believe their course represents poor value for money as the cost-of-living crisis redefines the university experience: The latest Student Academic Experience Survey has revealed a notable shift in how UK undergraduates perceive their university experience.  With financial pressures, growing student employment, declining independent study hours and issues around mental health and wellbeing changing their perceptions of university life, three in 10 (29%) of students now believe their course represents poor value for money.

The Student Academic Experience Survey 2025, published by Advance HE and HEPI, surveyed 10,232 full-time undergraduate students between the 6^th of January and the 18^th of March 2025. The study shows that over two-thirds (68%) of students now work during term time, up from 56% in 2024 and just 45% in 2023 - a notable reflection of the ongoing impact of the cost-of-living crisis. While average paid work hours have dipped slightly to 13.1 per week, overall academic workloads have dropped sharply, with students now averaging just 11.6 hours of independent study, compared to 13.6 hours last year.

These changes have had a direct impact on perceptions of value and experience. Just over a third (37%) of students feel they are receiving good value for money, down from 39% in 2024. And while around a quarter (26%) reported their university experience exceeded expectations, an improvement from 22% last year, the proportion of students who would not choose higher education again has nearly doubled, rising from 6% to 11%.

Mental health and wellbeing also remain a significant concern. Less than a fifth (15%) of students surveyed report high levels of life satisfaction, with anxiety and emotional strain continuing to undermine their student experience.  In response, 40% believe universities should provide comprehensive mental health services, including support for complex conditions, with another 41% calling for in-person therapy and preventative programmes.

Despite these challenges, there are glimmers of progress. The speed and quality of feedback from staff have improved, with six out of 10 (61%) of students now receiving feedback on assignments within two weeks, up from 45% in 2024. Additionally, almost half (49%) of international students, who make up over 16% of the full-time cohort, are more likely to report that their expectations were exceeded.

Nick Hillman, Director of HEPI, commented: “Students are demonstrating remarkable resilience, but their expectations are evolving fast. Universities and policymakers must adapt quickly to deliver a more financially sustainable and emotionally supportive academic experience.”

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