Student Happiness Index 2024

Download the full report

About the Student Happiness Index 2024

We’re pleased to share the fourth annual Student Happiness Index report in which we explore college, undergraduate and postgraduate students' happiness and mental health, the challenges they’re facing, and their outlook on life after education.

What did student happiness look like in 2024?

The Student Happiness Index score rose from 36% in 2023 to 44% in 2024, but our findings indicate that many students are not as happy as they could be. 43% report their mental health has worsened in the past 12 months, and 77% of the LGBTQ+ community say they struggled with their mental health in 2024.

The continuing high cost of living is still a key concern, with many students facing the real challenge of trying to focus on their studies while working part-time to alleviate their financial stress. 

This year’s report also looks at students’ enjoyment versus expectation of life at college/university, how students feel about safety on their campus and in their accommodation, their key concerns, what’s motivating them to study and how they feel about their future.  

Four people walking up steps outdoors, carrying books and documents, with parked cars and trees in the background.

You can preview the report’s executive summary here:

Three people standing outside a modern building, smiling and talking. One holds a yellow folder, another has a backpack.

Download the Student Happiness Index 2024 report

Download the report
Person wearing glasses and an orange beanie, laughing while holding a book outside, with a backpack on their shoulders.

Listen to the Student Happiness Index 2024 report

Listen here

In their own words

We had the privilege of talking to three students during the compilation of this report who told us about their life at university, the difficulties they’re facing, and what they’re doing to overcome these challenges.
A person with glasses works on a laptop at a coffee table in a living room, with colourful cushions on a sofa and a plant nearby.

Anna, third-year undergraduate student

Anna is studying Creative Writing. She tells us about the significant financial hardship and mental health challenges she’s currently facing during her time at university.  You can listen to Anna's report here.

Read more here
A person in a green shirt is sitting at a desk, holding a sheet of paper and using a calculator. Bookshelves are in the background.

David, first-year undergraduate student

David doesn’t need to work part-time as he’s receiving support from his parents, but he’s still navigating the difficulties of budgeting and staying in control of his finances. You can listen to David's report here.

Read more here
A woman with glasses sits on a couch reading a document, with a mug and open binder on the table in front of her.

Helena, first-year postgraduate student

Helena’s financial struggles as an undergraduate had a significant impact on her mental health. She is now meticulous about her finances and uses budgeting apps to track her spending. You can listen to Helena's report here.

Read more here
Student sat in a chair reading a book next to a monstera houseplant

Read our 2023 report

Have students’ challenges, concerns and optimism for the future changed since 2023?

Download 2023 report