With the second highest ever number of UK 18-year-olds applying to university or college last January, universities are preparing to welcome a new cohort of students, an estimated 600,000 freshers, according to UCAS data.
There are strong variations by subject, with robust growth in courses such as computing (+9.6%) and law (+2.1%) but a fall in courses such as nursing (- 18.6%) and education teaching (-15.6%) – although the number of applications for these courses exceeds the number of acceptances seen in last year’s cycle, showing there is still plenty of demand for places.
A new report by London Economics has revealed that higher education makes a £116 billion contribution to the UK economy – £130 billion including the spending of international students, since the UK has long been a top destination for international studies.
International demand continues to grow, with a +3.1% increase in applicants of all ages – the uplift driven by countries such as Nigeria (+23.1%), India (+5.4%) and the United States (+9.8%), cementing our place as one of the leading destinations for international students.
The report reveals that the intake of international students in the 2021/22 academic year contributed a huge £41.9 billion to the UK economy, an increase of 34% yoy.
International students in Glasgow, London, Sheffield, Nottingham and Newcastle are among those to deliver the greatest financial contributions.
University freshers are eager consumers without established brand loyalties, so gaining their love at a formative time can lead to lifelong relationships.
As students form habits and allegiances for the rest of their lives, university students are often perceived as an undervalued marketing audience. Creating brand connections with #genZ, starts starts at university freshers’ week.
Freshers’ week is prime time, with fairs and events providing the biggest arena for brands to target thousands of students at one time, with no audience wastage.
The fabulous freshers experience will give students fantastic opportunities to meet new people, socialise and join a vibrant student community. Freshers are eager consumers without established brand loyalties, so gaining their love at a formative time can lead to lifelong relationships.
Did you know that digital advertising screens are also the most recalled form of advertising in the Students’ Union?
Students’ Unions are the the beating heart of the campus hosting a variety of fun, engaging, and inclusive events at freshers week. Did you know that digital advertising screens are also the most recalled form of advertising in the Students’ Union? We have over two decades of experience partnering with the UK’s leading universities and colleges to empower brands to reach this important audience. We ensure all of our full motion advertising digital screens are located in high footfall, high dwell time locations in Students Unions’ for maximum impact.
Students arrive at university as a brand-new consumer, having not yet formed meaningful brand relationships. It’s time to win their custom early and reach them before your competitors!
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Source: UUKi, London Economics, Kaplan International Pathways, HEPI
