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Following this month's A level results, thousands of students will be flocking to Birmingham to begin their degrees. What’s life like now for the typical student? What does the 21st century student really look like and how do they behave?

As part of its Live and Learn student campaign Marketing Birmingham has set out to challenge perpetuated pre-conceptions by asking current and ex-students how things have changed over the last 15 years.

Times have changed; the research shows that students of 15 years ago were twice as likely to spend all of their time socialising than their modern counterparts.

Often apathy is a criticism levelled at today’s student. In fact all charities have seen an increase in donations from students, apart from political parties which are only a third of those 15 years ago.

Tellingly the most popular activity identified by the modern student as most likely to spend their time doing is recycling and protecting the environment compared with students of over 15 years ago who were mostly concerned with staying up all night.

Dave Hodgson, marketing director at Marketing Birmingham, said:

“The research shows students are far removed from how they’re often portrayed. It’s no longer a case of living like the Young Ones and retuning home three years later with a BA and a bill.

“Today’s students are more caring and responsible. Birmingham’s certainly a good place to nurture this talent and can provide with them with plenty of opportunities to relax in between studies as well as career prospects once they graduate.”

The modern student is more likely to work to support themselves financially with 42% of students working part time an increase of almost 10% on 15 years ago. When it comes to the majority however it would appear that students have consistently relied upon their parents.

Over half of all students surveyed felt that a university education should be free for everyone, interestingly almost 20% more older students (aged 45-54) than younger students (18-20) year olds felt that a free education was a must.

The typical student stereotype of messy run-down accommodation can also be laid to rest with 63% of students claiming that their accommodation is modern, well maintained and tidy! However more women admitted to being dirty and untidy than men!

Books are still a ‘must have’ item for students when they are off to uni along with internet access and a laptop; proving that work is certainly uppermost in their minds. A mobile phone and microwave were also in the top five.

To find out more about student life in Birmingham visit www.studentbirmingham.com. It has a guide to Birmingham’s student offering as well as special offers, blogs and videos.

For further information or interviews, please contact Emma Ward, Marketing Birmingham:
T: 0121 202 5075
E: emma.ward@marketingbirmingham.com