Social Compared to last year, 2024 applicants are a little less Down 1 from 2023 likely to have good relationships with family and friends (77% v 80%), and to have people they can turn to in a The Social score measures the strength of existing social crisis (67% v 70%). This year there is a 25 percentage 64relationships and social confidence point difference in having good relationships with family in the context of going to university. and friends between socioeconomic group A (83%) and group E (58%). Over two thirds (67%) of applicants This effect is likely to compound existing agree that they have people they disadvantage unless strategies are in Figure 5: Breakdown of responses to Social theme ques琀椀ons could turn to in a crisis, though place to normalise the use of university On the whole, I have good relationships with family and friends female applicants show a stronger support channels among applicants level of agreement compared to from these groups. 3 6% 13% 25% 52% male applicants. Care experienced In line with last year’s results, about and estranged applicants are, half (49%) of this year’s applicants are understandably, less likely to agree. anxious that they won’t fit in. Female I have people I can turn to in a crisis There is also a socioeconomic effect, applicants are more anxious that they with applicants from the DE groups won’t fit in (54%) than male applicants 6% 8% 18% 25% 42% significantly less likely to have people (41%). they could turn to in a crisis. I get on well with other students at my school/college 4% 6% 17% 28% 44% *I’m anxious that I won’t fit in at university 15% 15% 21% 22% 27% Strongly disagree Moderately disagree Neutral Moderately agree Strongly agree *For this question, agreement indicates a negative response; the score for this question was reversed when calculating the index score Unite Students | Applicant Index Report 19