Survey suggests that ‘Class of 2014’ expect to own a home by 30

A survey published by Endsleigh on 24 November of 1,423 university graduates from across the country has revealed the ‘Class of 2014’s’ future expectations.

They include achieving major life milestones such having a house, being married and established in their careers and having their first child by the age of 30.

The survey was conducted online by the NUS Services Research Department this summer and surveyed a sample age of 18-31 years old, with 57 percent being aged between 21 and 22 years old.

It showed that graduates expect to be married by the average age of 29, established in their careers by the average age of 27, and to have had a child by the average age of 30.

Meda Psibilskyte, a first-year student of Politics and International Studies, stated: “I guess that 30 is the age when you have everything or nothing. I believe that I will pursue my career until the age of 30, and later work on my family life.”

The research found that 38 percent consider moving back home after finishing university, 24 percent hope to live with a partner and eight percent think they will move in with friends. Another eight percent think they will live with people they do not know, and 11 percent plan to live on their own.

Also, according to the findings, university-leavers expect to pay on average £499 in monthly rent for privately rented accommodation after they graduate.

While 35 percent plan to pay for rent themselves, 20 percent expect to split the cost with a partner and 21 percent expect to receive some help from their parents, a relative or a guardian. 18 percent however expect not to have to pay for their accommodation at all because a parent, relative or guardian has agreed to do so for them.

Hayeon Park, a second-year international student studying Economics wondered: “By now, the UK has a significant number of international students occupied in universities. I am curious to know what the differences are in wages, marriages and settlement between local graduates and international graduates who choose to stay in the UK.”

When it comes to spending their money, 52 percent of respondents said that they would probably only just be able to afford to keep up their social lives, while 16 percent said that it would be a luxury they would no longer be able to afford.

51 percent of the ‘Class of 2014’ anticipate their rent, bills and food to be only just affordable while six percent said they would struggle to even make ends meet.

Endsleigh, a specialist insurance company which has provided support for students, graduates and young professionals since 1965, gives out information and ideas about careers on its website: http://hub.endsleigh.co.uk/campaigns/employability/.