What is the 2021 census?

The census is a unique once-in-a-decade survey run by the Office for National Statistics. It informs decisions about student life, including the environment, healthcare, transport, and sports & leisure.

The information you give also helps to build an accurate picture of the student community and informs decisions that affect student life, such as university campus bus links and bike lanes, jobs and training. By taking part, students can make sure they get the services needed now and in the future. 

All students (including international students) need to take part in the census, using either your home or term-time address. 

How can students access the census?

Census Day is 21 March, but you can fill in yours before then. We understand your circumstances may have changed during the Covid-19 pandemic. So, although you might not be living where you normally would be when at University, you must complete the form with your normal university address. Please see how to complete the census depending on where you are currently living below:

If you are currently living at home but also have a university address

If you’re currently living at home in England or Wales, you need to be included on your household census questionnaire as well as completing one for your university address. See more information on how to complete the census.

You can request a new access code for your university address, which can be sent to you by text.

If you are current living at home with no university address

You need be included on the household questionnaire for your home address if you live there permanently while at university.

If you need to answer separately from the people you live with, you can complete your own census.

If you are living on campus in halls of residence

The Residential Life Team (RLT) will arrange for delivery of letters containing a unique access code to enable you to complete the census online. Letters will be distributed over the next few days so look out for yours. If you do not receive the letter or lose your code, you can request a new access code for your university address, which can be sent to you by text.

If you’re not currently staying there, you should still complete the census for your halls of residence address.

If you are living off-campus in a shared house or flat

You should receive a letter with a code in the post for your household. It’s your joint responsibility to complete the census for your household, not your landlord’s.

One person will need to take responsibility for answering the questions about the household accommodation and the people who live there. You can then share the household access code so that each person can complete their own individual questions.

If you need to answer separately from the people you live with, you can complete your own census.

If you are an international student currently living in your home country

If you are an international student currently living at home, please still complete the census for your university address. Request a new access code for your university address, which can be sent to you by text.

Request a code to complete yours now at www.census.gov.uk.

Individual access code for completing your own census

If you're LGBTQ+ and not 'out' to the people you live with or have a part of you that you would like recorded in the 2021 census and not declare it to your household, you can request an individual access code for the census. This will allow you to over-write any responses made to the online form your household will fill in collectively. To request an individual access code, go to this page. No one in your household will be notified of your changes.

Support

For more information on how to complete the census based on where you live, visit the census website. You’ll also find a wide range of services including translations and accessible guidance.