Complete the Census: what it means for students

Published: 11/03/2021

The Census is a national survey hosted every ten years by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Taking place on Sunday 21 March 2021, it helps give a snapshot of the people and households in England and Wales.

By taking part you’ll be helping to make sure you, and future student communities, get the services that you need now, and in the future. It helps to ensure things like jobs and training and more practical elements such as university campus bus links and bike lanes are provided and planned for adequately. It also helps local authorities with decision making on things like healthcare, transport and the environment.

How to complete the Census

The Census is simple to complete and takes about 10 minutes.

Advice from the ONS is for all students to complete the Census for their university term time address; if you are currently away from your term time home, your details should also be included on the Census response for where you are currently staying.

This includes all international students who have a UK term time address.

If you are currently living at your university address, you will receive a letter containing instructions and a unique code. This code will allow you to complete the Census online.

If you are not currently living at your term time address, due to the coronavirus pandemic, you should complete the Census for your university address and be included on the Census for where you are currently staying. You can request a new access code for your university address, which can be sent to you by text.

Support

If English is not your first language, Census will be running a dedicated language helpline to assist you. You can also ask family and friends for help with completing the census.

Find out more about how to start your census on the Census website, plus there’s extra guidance available on how to complete it, depending on your current living arrangements.