• The importance of university academic rankings has doubled over the last 25 years

• Over half of current students would like more scholarship and grant opportunities (58%)

• AUDE’s 25^th anniversary research compared the experiences of current university students and students from 25 years ago

New research from the Association of University Directors of Estates (AUDE) has found the importance of university academic rankings has doubled over the last 25 years.

Nearly a third (30%) of current university students say the academic ranking of their university was a key factor in influencing their choice, compared to half the number of students who attended university 25 years ago (15%).

The research compared the values of today’s university students and of those 25 years ago. The university course came out on top as the number one reason for choosing an institution, (50% now vs 62% 25 years ago), with distance from home second (27% now vs 38% 25 years ago).

However, when it comes to overseas students, academic ranking has an even bigger influence, with a third stating it affected their choice (33%). With limited open day opportunities for international students, reputation plays a strong role, polling at second (29%), even more important than cost (18%) and the standard of technology (11%).

Given today’s financial pressures, it’s unsurprising the research also revealed present students say they would like more financial support. When asked what they would like to enhance the student experience, today’s students stated scholarship and grant opportunities (58%). Students from 25 years ago, in an age where maintenance grants were more frequent, opted for well-structured courses (59%).

Mike Clark, AUDE’s Chair, and Director of Estate & Facilities Management at the University of Brighton said; “We commissioned this survey to help us better understand what it is students want from their university experience and how this has changed over the last two decades. The university estate is evolving and as directors of estates it is our job to make sure we meet the demands of current and future students. Improving 24-hour access and digital connectivity is clearly an area we should be focusing on.”

The library (55%) and accommodation (36%) are the most valued facilities by both generations, however today’s scholars place nearly the same amount of importance on 24-hour access to facilities (38% now vs 22% past). Digital connectivity is expanding, having improved by 14% over the last 25 years (73% of current students say they have good digital connectivity vs 59% from those 25 years ago).

 Mike Clark continued: “This year AUDE celebrates its 25^th anniversary. Over the decades we’ve seen the higher education sector change dramatically, from the introduction of tuition fees, the growth of staff and students to the expansion of the estate size. However, 2018 is set to evoke even more challenges and it is our role to ensure the facilities we are responsible for continue to be world class.”

In addition, the research found, when it comes to the look and feel of buildings, nearly half (45%) of students favour a mix of the old and new. Over a third (38%) favour the advanced technology in new buildings, but over half (50%) prefer the look of heritage buildings because of the beautiful architecture.

 Ends.

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For more information please contact Jennifer Ames on 020 7010 0817.

Notes to editors:

*Survey carried out by Censuswide in December 2017. 502 current University students, 500 adults who attended university approximately 25 years ago (±2 years).

About AUDE

AUDE promotes excellence in the strategic planning, management, operation and development of Higher Education estates and facilities. AUDE offers membership to publicly funded UK bodies whose primary remit is higher education teaching and/or research.  There are no membership categories for commercial bodies.

AUDE is a not-for-profit organisation.   Any funds generated through the activities of the Association are used to fulfil its objectives and mission. 

AUDE's members are generally represented by the most senior member of staff responsible for managing, planning, constructing and maintaining all types of accommodation for Higher Education Institutions. Though arrangements vary, most Directors of Estates are also involved in managing a wider range of capital projects and services including cleaning, security, grounds maintenance, space planning and management, car parking and traffic and, in some institutions, additional services such as catering, conference and sports facilities, insurance, furniture and equipment and printing.