Endsleigh Insurance, which is the only insurance provider recommended by the NUS, recently conducted a “Housemate Quiz” where it was revealed that students have found the perfect balance between juggling their workload and letting off steam during their time at University.
The results of the survey were positive and encouraging, and seemed to defy the student stereotype that often falls on those who wish to seek further education. Endsleigh’s 2015 Housemate Quiz, which surveyed over 10,500 current and recent students across the UK, found that 44% of respondents would now even prioritize studying for exams over big events, such as going on holiday. The results also showed that students realize the benefits of creating and building a solid and respectable CV whilst at University, such as getting involved within various sections of the students union and participating in departmental events.
When it came to dedication towards degrees nearly half the respondents of the quiz said that if lectures were cancelled they would fill their time productively – with 24% saying they would go to the library to do some extra reading, and 22% saying they would participate in extracurricular activities, including sport– which can also help when getting on the career ladder.
When it came to student accommodation and living situations, the results proved that students are mature when it comes to tackling various issues that can arise from living with your peers. A third (32%) of those surveyed said they would organize a house meeting if tensions started rising at home, whilst one in four (25%) said they would be willing to pay for bills upfront if fellow housemates repaid them at a later date.
Perhaps the only debatable result to come out of the quiz was that only a mere 13% of the students surveyed said that they would eat other housemates’ food if they felt hungry.
Despite being focused on their studies, the results showed that students still recognize when they need to have fun and spend time with their housemates and celebrate events together. Three quarters (73%) of those surveyed said that they had already made plans for housemates’ birthdays, with half (51%) prearranging drinks and 21% organizing a surprise party and tickets to a club in advance.
The quiz also discovered that students were unlikely to let small issues get in the way of a night out or celebration. Over half (57%) admitted that if something was broken at home during a party, they would wait until the next day before dealing with it. Although –perhaps not surprisingly- when it comes to losing or damaging mobile phones, over three quarters (77%) of respondents said they either had an emergency replacement at the ready or would send it off to be repaired almost immediately.
Sara Newell, Head of Student & Graduate Markets at Endsleigh, said:
“It’s extremely positive to see students demonstrating a mature approach to university – particularly when studying at a greater expense and against a backdrop of a fiercely competitive job market. Endsleigh’s quiz reveals just how well students understand what is now required of them – and just how seriously they are taking this challenge! That said, having fun and making friends at university is just as important as obtaining a degree. It is vital to strike a good work-life balance at any stage of life and to learn how to do this early on will undoubtedly benefit students as they embark upon their hopefully long and prosperous career paths.”
