Research

The Student Futures Index 2026.

The Student Futures Index 2026.

The Student Futures Index 2026.

An annual study of how UK students prepare for adult life, from Dig In with We Are Futures. 1,086 university students told us what matters most to them, where they feel ready and where they don’t, and where brands can help. Free to download.

Preparing for an uncertain student future, and where should brands engage?

The Student Futures Index 2026

The Student Futures Index 2026

The Student Futures Index 2026

1,086 UK university students on money, wellbeing, work and AI

We Are Futures & Dig In

We Are Futures

Inside the report.

88%

rate managing money as an important life skill. Only 30% feel confident doing it.

80%

rate finding work as important. Only 16% feel confident about it.

1 in 3

think AI skills matter for their future career, while employers expect AI to reshape graduate jobs.

What you’ll learn.

1

What students prioritise as they head into adult life.

2

Where importance and confidence split, skill by skill.

3

How students spend their time and money.

4

Which career support they value most.

5

Where FMCG, utilities, tech, travel and entertainment brands can play a role.

About the report.

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