It is no secret that elite universities favour the wealthy. From higher proportions of upper class students to the intrinsic benefits of coming from a private-educated household, these differences in upbringing drastically affect one’s university career. However, what is not always discussed is how these class differences are intrinsic to the university system as a whole; and not just at high ranking universities such as Oxford and Cambridge. Discrepancies in the student experience resulting from one’s background affect future relationships, networking, as well as career prospects.
On average students from less-advantaged backgrounds report lower student satisfaction at university, and they have been found less likely to continue to higher education. This can be attributed mostly to cost: as going to university means prolonging the time before earning a full-time salary, making it an intimidating and riskier option for those without a family financial safety net (and/or those in debt). While 80% of graduates from affluent backgrounds progress to higher education, only 3% of those from disadvantaged areas do the same. For students of different upbringing, the university environment can be less familiar and less comfortable, as sometimes they aren’t as conditioned for such an environment as their higher class peers. But why does this occur?
However, the benefits of attending university should not be forgotten. In fact, higher education appears to have has a more profound effect on social mobility for disadvantaged students than middle class ones. In the UK, there has been a large governmental push to increase this movement toward higher education beyond the university classroom, often manifested in the form of higher student loans and accessibility to scholarships. On paper, these are great measures to increase equality in university. But do they truly and fully close the gap of socioeconomic difference?
What is harder to pin down through statistics is the social differences resulting from one’s background.Most universities can be classified as predominantly middle class environments. It is naturally easier to fit into the environment when it is one of familiarity; as a middle class student, the majority of students will have similar budgets and life experiences (be it holidays, sports, or family dynamics) as yourself. On average, working-class students are less likely to be as socially integrated in the university as their middle-class peers. The further a student gets from their average upbringing, the harder it may be for them to relate to the status quo. Therefore, students from working class environments may only obtain the education that they are qualified for at the cost of a comfortable social life at university.
The contrast is particularly evident in elite universities. While the vast majority of UK institutions have a dominance of state-school students and a diversity of socioeconomic backgrounds, those at the top of league tables are less likely to come from the same environment. This contrast presents itself not only in social events, but also in the costs of living. Top London universities (namely the London School of Economics, Imperial College London, and University College London) are located in the most expensive districts of the country. Despite the fact that living in Scotland is considered relatively cheaper than in England, the University of St Andrews is nearly on par with cost of living in London.
The social aspect of university creates more nuanced differences as well. It is often small instances that may create ostracization amongst social classes. Whilst one student may be able to afford a £90 fashion show ticket, a popular style of charity and art expression to students at St Andrews, this is clearly unattainable for those with lower monthly budgets.
High cost events are by no means a deal breaker to a university experience, nor do they form one’s future career and success – but the high contrast of budgeting in relation to social events causes those of similar social backgrounds to stick together. This is reasonable; many people will make friends at events of all kinds, no matter the cost. However, it is an issue to be aware of when discussing class differences at a university. Social cohesion has been increasing in higher education since the turn of the century, but it is important to take into account that they are still large differences in student’ social experience of the university life resulting from their social backgrounds.