Executive summary 7 Thematic analysis Appendices Introduction Applicant Index Report 2026 Executive summary (Continued) Belonging is a central theme in this year’s findings. Most applicants still expect to feel welcome and to belong when they arrive, underlining how important connection, community and relationships are to the student experience. At the same time, a significant proportion report feeling lonely or less confident in their existing support networks. This highlights a clear opportunity: environments that help students build connections and feel part of a community will play a critical role in supporting a successful transition into university life. Taken together, the findings point to a cohort that is both resilient and realistic — students who are adapting their expectations and behaviours while remaining committed to their goals. They are thinking carefully about how to balance study, work and everyday life, and are looking for support that helps them manage those competing demands and succeed. Supportive and inclusive environments therefore matter more than ever. This is particularly important for groups who face greater barriers to confidence, connection and belonging, including LGBTQ+ applicants, disabled and neurodivergent applicants, and those who are care ‑ experienced or estranged. Across the five years of the Index, these differences have remained persistent, reinforcing the importance of designing support, communication and community ‑ building in ways that work for all students. Some aspects of readiness remain comparatively strong. Independence scores are still relatively high, and there is no evidence of a shift away from the residential experience. Students continue to want the benefits of living and learning independently, while recognising the support that may help them make the most of that transition. Overall, the 2026 Applicant Index presents a cohort whose ambitions remain intact, even as they navigate a more complex set of practical considerations. The central story is not one of decline, but of adaptation: students remain committed to higher education and the opportunities it offers, while looking for the right conditions, support and sense of belonging to help them succeed from the moment they arrive. Belonging, equity and inclusion Back to contents