Pre-Arrival Questionnaires: A Lifeline for Universities in the Cost-of-Living Crisis?

By Dr Helena Lim, Academic Lead and Head of Opportunities

Sunday Blake’s Wonkhe article on The Unite Students Applicant Index paints a complex picture of today’s university applicants. Yes, they’re driven, but they’re also increasingly anxious about finances, belonging, and their ability to succeed. It’s a far cry from the carefree, purely academic pursuit of higher education that some might imagine.

Dr Helena Lim evasys head of opportunities

Dr Helena Lim, Academic Lead and Head of Opportunities

The cost-of-living crisis looms large. Applicants are strategically choosing universities based on affordability, with London often being deliberately avoided. Yet, the desire for a “university experience” persists, as the move towards commuter student life remains relatively small.

This financial pressure, coupled with the complex emotional landscape of today’s students, creates a unique opportunity for universities to step in with pre-arrival questionnaires. These questionnaires aren’t just about collecting data – they’re about building relationships and trust before students even set foot on campus.

As highlighted by Sunday, the report

“shows us that disadvantaged students now feel disadvantaged before they even start their course. It also shows that understanding how students feel is as important as understanding where they have come from and what they need in terms of practical support.”

Recent posts by Dr Helena Lim

Beyond the Score: What This Year’s NSS Reveals About the Power of Closing the Feedback Loop

Beyond the Score: What This Year’s NSS Reveals About the Power of Closing the Feedback Loop

By |Published On: 17 July 2026|
6.6 min read|
Beyond the Numbers: Using Sentiment Analysis for Student Retention

Beyond the Numbers: Using Sentiment Analysis for Student Retention

By |Published On: 9 December 2025|
4.2 min read|
Survey Ecosystem and Student Engagement: Lessons from UK Universities

Survey Ecosystem and Student Engagement: Lessons from UK Universities

By |Published On: 13 November 2025|
3.9 min read|

The impact of pre-arrival surveys in UK universities

Middlesex University, for instance, has recognised the value of pre-arrival questionnaires in gathering valuable insights and feedback from incoming students. By understanding students’ expectations, concerns and needs before they arrive on campus, Middlesex can better tailor its support services and improve the overall student experience.

Here’s how pre-arrival questionnaires, like those used by Middlesex University, can make a difference:

  • Identifying hidden struggles: The Index highlights concerns around mental health, disability, and social disadvantage. Pre-arrival surveys can act as an early warning system, flagging students who might need extra support or a more tailored induction. Middlesex has used survey data to proactively identify students who may need additional support in areas such as academic skills or mental health, leading to the development of targeted programmes and initiatives.

  • Personalising the welcome: Imagine a care-experienced student receiving a warm welcome message highlighting specific bursaries or support groups they’re eligible for. This kind of targeted communication, like that used by Middlesex, can make all the difference in fostering a sense of belonging.

  • Managing expectations: Pre-arrival questionnaires can reveal anxieties about academic ability and fitting in. These concerns can be addressed head-on, offering study skills resources, social events, and peer mentoring programmes. Middlesex uses feedback from students to ensure their induction programmes are relevant and informative.

  • Building a community: The power of early engagement so that students can start forming connections and feeling part of the university community before they even arrive cannot be overstated. Middlesex’s efforts to increase student engagement from the moment of acceptance have led to greater satisfaction and a smoother transition to university life.

Pre-arrival surveys should be part of a broad, institutional approach

A word of caution: While pre-arrival questionnaires offer immense potential, they’re not a silver bullet. They must be part of a broader, holistic approach to student support. Additionally, universities need to be transparent about how they use the data and ensure students feel their voices are genuinely valued, not just to tick off a box.

The flexible evasys survey platform, which Middlesex University uses, can help universities tailor their pre-arrival questionnaires to their specific context. By gathering and analysing data effectively, institutions can gain the insights needed to create a truly supportive environment where all students can thrive.

As Sunday points out,

“Institutions working towards an inclusive environment where students can excel, and attainment gaps could close, need to pay heed to these insights and the psychological levers shown to be at play.”

Sunday Blake Sunday Blake is associate editor at WonkheSunday Blake , Associate editor at Wonkhe

To conclude; in these challenging times, pre-arrival questionnaires aren’t just a nice-to-have; they’re a necessity. By understanding and addressing the complex needs of today’s students, universities like Middlesex University can pave the way for a more successful, inclusive and fulfilling higher education experience.

To discover more about Middlesex University’s approach to pre-arrival surveys, and the impact that they have made, view a recent presentation with Lia Lawson from Middlesex, or read our summary blog of the presentation content. Both can be found here.

Share This Post!

To discover more about Middlesex University’s approach to pre-arrival surveys, and the impact that they have made, view a recent presentation with Lia Lawson from Middlesex, or read our summary blog of the presentation content. Both can be found here.

Share This Case Study!

The pre arrival process that enhanced institutional and student success Middlesex university