Paid work Slightly more applicants have undertaken paid work this year (70%) compared to last year (68%). They worked a range of weekly hours with the most common being 10-19 hours per week (44%), however 9% were working more than 40 hours. Age is the most significant driver of higher levels of paid work, with no real independent demographic effect. The lower level of paid work seen among LGBTQ+ applicants last year was not replicated, with LGBTQ+ applicants being just as likely to have carried out part time work this year. Applicants who have worked are more likely to think they will have enough money to cover their costs in higher education, though there is no effect on the other three questions within the Finance theme. Cost concerns The cost of living while at university is the greatest single financial concern among applicants (42%) though one in five are concerned about all the costs associated with university. Female applicants are more concerned than male applicants when it comes to living costs, and 9% of male applicants are not concerned about any of the costs compared with 5% of female applicants. International applicants pay a higher tuition fee, so it is unsurprising to find that they are more concerned about this cost (23%) and around a quarter (24%) are concerned about all areas of cost. However, compared to UK applicants they are less likely to have living costs as their primary concern. There are no significant differences in the profile of cost concern by socioeconomic group, but those who have qualified for free school meals are more likely to be concerned about all costs. Cost of living while at university Cost of learning resources All of these None of these Cost of your tuition fees Figure 2: When thinking about the cost of going to university, which of the following is of greatest concern to you? 20% 14% 17% 42% 6% Unite S tudents | Applicant Index Report 14 INTRODUCTION THEMATIC ANALYSIS FINANCE METHODOLOGY TOPICAL ISSUES BACK TO THEMES