University – Now vs Then

University life across generations

We found clear generational differences in how students approach studying, too. Older generations spent far longer on assignments, with 22% of over-65s spending 2-3 days per task, compared to just 6% of those aged 18-24.

But why is this? Well, many older students said that they simply didn’t have access to time-saving tools when they were at university (78%), compared to just 5% of those aged 18-24. Students aged 25-34 also mentioned the importance of tools like Grammarly for streamlining their writing.

But speed isn’t necessarily the main goal. Among those aged 35-44, 39% said that they feel more satisfied with a piece of work that has taken months of manual research and development.

Interestingly, younger students are far more likely to see technology as a creative advantage. Over a quarter (28%) say that AI tools have completely transformed their creative output for the better, whether that’s brainstorming, refining writing, or generating content.

Perhaps because of this increased efficiency, 27% of this same age group now believe tuition fees are too high, given the availability of self-directed learning.

From organising roles to delivering polished presentations, technology has also impacted how students collaborate across different generations. Here’s a look at what we found:

• Face-to-face group work has declined in recent years, with only 4% of 18–24s and 5% of 25-34s regularly meeting up for in-person work, compared to 31% of those aged 55-64.
• Those aged 18-24 are most likely to prefer that group work can be done remotely to save time (33%).
• 46% of 25-34s believe technology makes it easy to share files in group work.

New tools are also allowing younger students to more flexibly balance their work and study. Around a third of 18-24s said that AI has given them more time to make money at their job, compared to just 3% of 55-64s.

Similarly, 26% of this younger age group have used this extra time to start side hustles.

How students across the UK use technology

In London, students are the most likely to see AI as the biggest time-saver when it comes to completing university work (29%), compared to just 10% of students in eastern England. And when it comes to the most used tools, Grammarly is the most popular in the West Midlands (42%).

Satisfaction levels also vary regionally, with those in the Northwest being the most likely to feel happy with a piece of work after months of research (47%).

But what about the impact of tech on creativity and overall engagement in a field of study? Well, 44% of students and alumni in Wales said that there have been times when technology has stumped their creativity, and 20% of those in the Northeast also mentioned that they have become lazier with research.

In contrast, 31% of students and graduates in the West Midlands feel that technology has transformed their creativity for the better.

Collaboration styles are shifting, too, with half of those we surveyed in Ireland saying that remote work helps them save time. 50% of those from Wales also mentioned that online aspects of university, like remote presentations, help them perform much better.

Finally, technology is also affecting life beyond studying in many areas. In the Southwest and West Midlands, 31% said that AI has given them more time to earn money on the side while studying. In Scotland, however, 40% mention that technology hasn’t had a direct impact on their finances, potentially reflecting access to free university tuition.