Parents most likely to influence students’ university choice

Prospective students are most likely to turn to their parents for help when making choices about university, a survey backed by the Office for Students has revealed.

The polling group YouthSight found that 71 per cent of prospective students polled turned first to their parents for advice on university choices. This is followed by teachers at 68 per cent, friends at 67 per cent and websites at 60 per cent.

The findings were backed up by social research firm CFE Research, which provided the OfS with an updated version of its 2014 report into student information use and behaviour. It highlighted the need for better information on higher education for those who influence student choices, such as parents.