Independence 35 I feel confident about living independently at university Figure 30: Breakdown of responses to Independence theme questions 4% 8% 16% 27% 45% Strongly disagree Moderately disagree Neutral Moderately agree Strongly agree I know where to go to access external support (healthcare etc) if I need it 3% 8% 18% 29% 42% I feel confident about addressing issues related to my studies and living situation independently 3% 7% 20% 30% 40% I feel confident in making decisions for myself 3% 7% 15% 28% 47% This year’s applicants are slightly less confident in their independence. This mostly reflects weaker agreement rather than stronger disagreement with the four statements. However, there has been a overall fall in the proportion who feel confident addressing issues independently. UK applicants are less likely than international applicants to know how to access support such as healthcare (69% vs 82%), and less confident about addressing issues independently (67% vs 85%). This is likely to reflect the research and preparation undertaken by international applicants, but it does suggest that information about university and healthcare services, routinely shared with incoming international students, should also be shared more consistently, and earlier, with UK applicants. Independence remains relatively strong, but confidence in managing issues and accessing support has eased. Appendices Introduction Independence Thematic analysis Applicant Index Report 2026 Belonging, equity and inclusion The Independence score measures confidence in self-efficacy skills relevant to starting university, including the ability to access support. 70 Down 1 from 2025 Back to contents