Clearing 2021 tips

What have we learnt for Clearing this year? Brand awareness is key

With continued uncertainty around grading this summer, Clearing 2021 could be the biggest we’ve seen. In this blog, we’ll look at a mixture of quantitative student data (polls, market research and onsite behaviour) and qualitative data (student comments) to give you a holistic view of what to expect this year.

We’ll also include key brand building strategies based on these learnings to help your university prepare for a successful Clearing cycle.

Covid-19 and demand for postgraduate courses

History tells us that when the economy goes down, postgraduate applications go up. After the 2008 financial crisis, postgraduate student numbers grew by an average of 4.4% per cycle between 2007/8 and 2010/11 (HESA).  Between the 2011/12 to 2019/20 cycles numbers adjusted back down, then returned to a trend growth rate of around 2% a year. So can we expect a surge in postgraduate applications in our current economic climate? This blog will look at some of the key factors affecting postgraduate demand, postgraduate funding and the competitor landscape, reasons that applicants are drawn to postgraduate study, and the trends we are seeing in students’ postgraduate course and career choices.

student in lockdown

The impact of lockdown measures on students in 2021

As we head into the second month of 2021, we’re mindful that students have been in and out of lockdowns for almost a year.

Covid-19 has impacted every aspect of their learning, social lives and futures, and record numbers are seeking support on The Student Room.

So what do young people think about how their education is being handled? We’ve been keeping a close eye on student behaviour and sentiment throughout January to find out.*

covid-19 masks students

The financial fallout of covid-19 and what it means for your student recruitment

Nearly half of students are currently experiencing financial difficulties due to Covid-19, according to our latest poll.

The poll also revealed significant inequality in what students are experiencing, as over 13% said they have better financial opportunities as a result of the pandemic.

We’ve taken a look at some of the comments on The Student Room to find out how covid-19 is impacting young people financially today. We found three key themes across those who are struggling: graduate careers, accommodation, and finding part-time work while studying.