University students shun summer breaks to chase careers and independence

Students are choosing to stay in their university cities over the summer, prioritising career-building opportunities and a growing sense of independence, a recent survey¹ by Unite Students, the UK’s leading student accommodation provider, has revealed.

Top five reasons cited for staying (multiple choice):

• Work experience or internship (42%)
• Greater independence (32%)
• Avoid moving belongings (28%)
• Spend more time with friends (28%)
• Travel and explore (27%)

Amy Round, Group People Director

Amy Round, group people director, said: “Our survey findings highlight just how career-focused today’s students are. They’re making strategic decisions about how to spend their time this summer – boosting employability.

“Work experience is no longer a ‘nice to have’, it’s essential. Employers are looking for work-ready graduates who bring real-world skill, as well as academic knowledge.”

Backed by wider research which revealed more than a third (37%) of ‘entry-level jobs’ require prior work experience, with 2.5 years being the average request².

“By choosing to remain in their university cities over the summer to work, students will gain hands-on experience and build independence – critical differentiators in an increasingly competitive graduate labour market.”

Students are staying in their university cities over the summer

The findings also echo Unite Students’ last annual Applicant Index report³, which revealed 70% of students who applied for university in 2024 had already taken on paid work prior to applying for university – up 2% on the previous year (2023).

“As more young people prioritise paid work, balanced with their academic studies, our focus is on creating a home for success where they can truly thrive – academically, socially and professionally.”

Unites Students offers up to 51-week rental contracts, as well as short-term summer lets to students. For the summer of 2025, Unite Students has seen an increase of residents choosing to extend their bookings over the summer – up 40% year-on-year. A further indicator that students are looking to maximise their break by staying in their university city.

For more information on Unite Students, visit unitestudents.com and unitegroup.com

Notes to Editors

¹A survey of 500 students, of which 73% currently studying for a Bachelor degree/Honours and 27% a Master’s degree or Postgraduate diploma.

²According to research by StandOut CV which analysed 17,815 job adverts for 43 popular entry-level jobs, using LinkedIn’s job board ‘entry-level’ filtering, across various industries to find out which jobs are the hardest to break into – and where Brits should look to get a foot on the ladder.

³Launched in 2022 in partnership with HEPI, the Applicant Index is the only research to systematically track university applicants’ attitudes each year, offering UK universities an indicator of what to expect when students arrive in the autumn.

Contact:

For enquiries about Unite Students, please contact the press office on 0117 4506300 or email: press.office@unitestudents.com

About Unite Students

Unite Students is the UK’s largest purpose-built student accommodation provider (PBSA), with around 70,000 residents living in 150 properties across 23 vibrant UK cities.

Unite Students creates safe, high-quality homes with space for residents to grow, thrive, belong and create community.

Offering modern studios, cosy en-suites and access to welcoming social areas, quiet study rooms and student support services, Unite Students creates a Home for Success.

As the UK’s pioneer of PBSA, Unite Students continuously innovates to improve the student experience while leading the sector through insights and research.