* Download the report: The Benefits of Hindsight – Reconsidering Higher Education Choices (2025)
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‘The Benefits of Hindsight’ research project explores the views of current and former students at UK universities about their university choices, and whether with hindsight they would have made different decisions about what and where to study.
The research project, led by Professor Nicola Dandridge and Professor Richard Watermeyer, involved two surveys of over 2,000 undergraduates and 2,000 graduates, and follow-up focus groups and interviews. The research was funded and supported by HEPI, Advance HE and Policy Bristol from the Research England QR Policy Support Fund 2024/25.
Main Findings
Overall, the majority (65%) of the undergraduates and nearly half (48%) of the graduates surveyed said that knowing what they know now they would still make the same decision again. Only 2-3% thought higher education was not the right for them. Nonetheless, the proportions saying that with hindsight they would have done things differently were substantial – 35% of undergraduates and 52% of graduates.
The reasons given for thinking they would have made different decisions varied. The most common reason given by the undergraduate respondents was that they would have been happier or fitted in better, whereas for graduates it was that they believed a different choice would have led to more career options.
A consistent theme that emerged strongly from focus group discussions, particularly among graduates and undergraduates in their later years of study, was the importance of choosing a subject that prepared them for getting a job in a highly competitive labour market.
Around six in 10 undergraduates and graduates (59% and 63%) who doubted their decisions said that with hindsight they would have wanted to transfer course or institution. Many explained that the reason they had not done so was that they were unaware this was possible. Significant numbers (49% of undergraduates and 30% of graduates) felt it would be too difficult and disruptive to switch.
Recommendations
Based on the findings, the report sets out a number of recommendations for, careers services, universities, colleges and sixth forms, and government to help UK students make a better choice first time round and to enhance the availability of course or university transfers once they are at university.
Contact the Researcher
Professor Nicola Dandridge, nicola.dandridge@bristol.ac.uk