31 BACK TO THEMES U NITE STUDENTS | APPLICANT INDEX REPORT | 2023 Applicants from fee paying schools and those from more affluent households feel more confident about living independently and addressing issues than other applicants. Male applicants score two points higher than female applicants on this theme. Although they have more confidence, they are less likely to know where to go for support. Applicants who have undertaken paid work over the last year score 69 on this theme compared to 63 for those who have not, and there are significant differences in score on each of the four questions. It is difficult to know whether work experience has led to greater confidence or if those who work do so because they are more independent. It may be a combination of the two, and age may play a role – older applicants are more likely to have worked than younger ones. We also asked applicants whether they agreed with the statement “I will find it easy to take care of myself at university.” Over two-thirds (69%) agree and only one in ten disagree. LGBTQ+ applicants and applicants with a disability or health condition are less likely to agree. Almost a quarter (23%) of Trans applicants disagree. THEMATIC ANALYSIS - INDEPENDENCE