uni of exeter student living index

Exeter University tops the table with crisis communication during the pandemic, new survey finds

Caitlin Mullin
Authored by Caitlin Mullin
Posted Thursday, September 24, 2020 - 10:09am

While the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have been felt by everyone, students have been hit particularly hard. The switch to online learning, plus the impact on finances has left many feeling anxious about their future, as both their academic and career prospects are plunged into uncertainty.

The impact of the lockdown and public health crisis on students’ lives has been huge, with universities struggling to adapt to the change. The NatWest Student Living Index surveyed 2,806 students on spending and budgeting to socialising and mental health – revealing Exeter topped the table when it came to communication during the pandemic.

Impact on students’ degrees

The move to online learning has presented various challenges to students. Combined with the shutting down of offices and businesses during lockdown, resulting in the loss of industry placements, many feel they are not getting value for money. According to NatWest’s survey, only 1 in 10 found value in online education for the amount of money spent on tuition.

“I was considering/looking for a placement option but due to Covid-19 placements have been greatly reduced and there are few suitable options available. It has also restricted what summer/spring employment I can get as new jobs are available.” –    2nd year student at Leicester

While 1 in 4 students feel as though the pandemic has had a negative effect on their ability to achieve their degree qualification, the number of Exeter students who felt this way was only 13%. This is a stark contrast against Plymouth (39%) and Sheffield (35%) students, who felt the most affected.

University communication and support

While less than a third of students in the UK felt supported by their university during Covid-19. Exeter, Aberdeen and Nottingham led the way for their pandemic response. On average, 31% of students rated their university’s communication throughout the pandemic as being an 8, 9 or 10 out of 10 – Exeter outperformed other universities, boasting a 62% approval rate for their crisis communication, putting them in first place.

Aberdeen also did well, with 46% of students feeling quality support from their university – 23% above national average. On the other end of the spectrum, Belfast received the lowest approval rating with Oxford and Manchester not far behind.

The financial impact on students

The results of the Student Living Index revealed that when it came to rent reductions and breaks, only 1 in 3 students on average have been offered a rent break by their landlord. Those in Cambridge were the most likely to receive a rent break/reduction (83%) while on the other end, only 22% of Bristol’s students were offered a break or reduction on their rented accommodation.

On top of that, monthly term-time income for students in the UK has decreased by £50 on average. Even so, fewer students are running out of money before the term ends compared to last year – possibly due to rent costs decreasing by 10 per cent for students over the last year and the costs of household bills almost halving since 2018 (£45 to £24). According to the survey, affordability is still a major decider for university students, with Exeter (11%) and Leeds (8%) universities being more likely than average to be picked for the cost of living.

For more information relating to this study, visit Natwest’s Student Living Index 2020.

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