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Census 2021: What you need to know

Posted on 12 March 2021

Whether you're in campus accommodation, in a shared house, with your parents, or are an international student – you must complete the census for your normal university address.

Census 2021

The census is taking place on Sunday 21 March and you must complete it by law. It's an important survey that happens once every 10 years and gives a snapshot of all the people and households in England and Wales. It takes around 10 minutes per person to complete. All students are an important part of the census and must be included.

What do you need to do?

Are you living on campus or in student accommodation?
You will receive a letter containing an access code made up of numbers and letters to complete the census online. If you return to a permanent home address out of term-time, you should also be included on the census for that household.

Are you currently living remotely from the University (ie with parents)?
You may be staying at a permanent home address due to the pandemic but you should still complete the census for your university address. You will need to be included on both a census questionnaire for your 'home' household and one for your university address - request a code online for your university address.

Are you an international student?
International students need to complete information for your university address. You will receive a letter containing an access code made up of numbers and letters to complete the census online. Additional support and translated guidance is available.

By taking part, you’ll be helping make sure you and your student community get the services needed now and in the future. The information you give informs decisions that affect student life, such as university campus bus links and bike lanes, jobs and training. Therefore, it is key that you complete the form for your university address.

Complete the census

Census Day is Sunday 21 March but you can complete it online now - visit the Census 2021 website for full information.

Census information for students