Well-being among students preparing to enter UK higher education has reached its highest level since the pandemic but improvements have mostly been witnessed among those from overseas, with domestic counterparts lagging behind

In a bustling café at a London university, Sarah, a first-year psychology student from China, engages in animated conversation with her peers. Laughter fills the air as she shares stories of her transition to life in the UK. “I feel so welcome here,” she says, “it’s as if I’ve found a second home.” Yet, contrastingly, a group of UK students huddles in the corner, glancing at their phones, shrouded in a palpable sense of unease. Their laughter is scarce, replaced by hushed tones about looming assignments and internal struggles. This divide in student well-being underscored by the Unite Student Applicant Index reveals a stark reality: while international students flourish, their domestic counterparts are grappling with deep-seated mental health challenges.

The Stark Divide in Well-being

The latest annual report, produced in collaboration with the Higher Education Policy Institute (Hepi), indicates a significant shift in the landscape of student well-being leading up to the 2025-26 academic year. The data reveals an “overall return to – and improvement on – pre-pandemic levels of well-being” for those preparing to enter higher education. However, this recovery is predominantly skewed towards international applicants.

Statistics That Speak Volumes

While nearly two-thirds (62 percent) of international students report no mental health issues, only 38 percent of UK applicants say the same. The statistics lay bare the disparities:

• **Anxiety:** 40% of UK students vs. 23% of international students
• **Depression:** 24% of home students vs. 15% of their overseas peers
• **Eating Disorders:** 14% of UK applicants vs. 7% of international students
• **Feelings of Worthwhile Life:** 16% of home students vs. 23% of all applicants
• **Loneliness:** 28% of UK applicants feel lonely “all or most of the time”

These figures paint a troubling picture for home applicants who are less likely to report positive mental health and social conditions compared to their international counterparts. Nick Hillman, director of Hepi, suggests that this trend may reflect larger societal pressures that domestic students face. “The increase in mental health issues among UK applicants points to deeper-rooted challenges,” he states. “It’s imperative that we tackle these issues and provide effective support.”

Impact of Cultural Factors

Interestingly, the report also notes cultural nuances that influence students’ perceptions of well-being. For example, 34 percent of Chinese students reported never feeling lonely, a stark difference from the British counterparts. Dr. Emily Chen, a cultural anthropologist, posits that communal ties and strong familial support in many Asian cultures can contribute to a sense of belonging that alleviates loneliness. “Cultural expectations and community support systems play a vital role in how students assimilate and feel secure in their environments,” she explains.

Financial Security Plays a Key Role

Financial well-being emerges as another critical factor, with international students demonstrating remarkable confidence regarding their finances. The report highlights that 89 percent of Chinese applicants felt they had adequate resources for university life, compared to a mere 48 percent of all students. Jenny Shaw, HE external engagement director at Unite Students, parses this phenomenon as indicative of the positive outlook international students have about their education investment. “This disparity underlines the importance of financial resources in shaping students’ university experiences,” she suggests.

Furthermore, with inflation and a cost-of-living crisis straining the budgets of many domestic students, the mental burden can exacerbate feelings of anxiety and depression.

A Glimmer of Hope Amidst Challenges

Despite these disparities, the report reveals some encouraging trends for both demographics. Students report increasing confidence in social integration; 74 percent of all applicants now expect to feel a sense of belonging at university, up from 68 percent last year. Additionally, 64 percent anticipate feeling welcome, an improvement from previous years.

“The index highlights a persistent gap between UK and international applicants, pointing to where we need to focus our engagement strategies,” notes Shaw. It seems imperative to create an inclusive environment that supports all students, utilizing the insights drawn from international applicants’ experiences.

Moving Forward: Strategies for Inclusivity

To cultivate a more supportive environment, institutions could consider implementing the following strategies:

• Enhanced mental health services targeted at domestic students
• Workshops on financial literacy and stress management
• Cultural exchange programmes that foster community between domestic and international students
• Peer support networks that encourage open dialogue about mental health

Hepi’s Hillman calls for urgent action: “We now have to hope that the indicators that brighten this year continue on their upward trajectory. Institutions must adjust their resources in accordance with these metrics if they hope to support every student effectively.”

As Sarah continues to share her experiences of belonging and success, a question hovers in the air for UK students: how can they navigate their university journey to ensure they, too, feel welcomed and supported? Ultimately, enriching the student experience for all applicants is not merely an academic goal; it’s an essential step towards fostering a thriving educational community.

Source: www.timeshighereducation.com