Others talked about moving away to university but living closer to home so that travel back would be cheaper. Comments about choosing more budget-friendly cities – or sometimes cheaper locations within a city – were also common. A number of applicants were specifically avoiding London due to cost of living there, and some were purposely focusing their choices on towns and cities in the North of England. Some wrote of their disappointment at not being able to apply to their preferred choice, and concerns about their future student experience. As this is the first time we have asked this question of applicants, we don’t know how much this differs from the usual choice-making process that applicants experience, but it is an area that would benefit from further research. I chose more northern cities in hopes it would be a bit cheaper. I did not apply to London universities even though one had a course I liked. There was one university that I loved but I can’t afford accommodation which meant I had to go for a university closer to home rather than moving away. Chosen universities that are closer to home to minimise transport costs. The uni that is currently my first choice I feel is definitely more on the expensive side in terms of living and currently with everything getting more expensive I may have to decide to choose a city which is definitely cheaper. Unite Students | Applicant Index Report 18 INTRODUCTION THEMATIC ANALYSIS FINANCE METHODOLOGY TOPICAL ISSUES BACK TO THEMES