There are a lot of negative stereotypes about the first generation to not know a time before the internet. However, a number of recent surveys have demonstrated that many of these stereotypes and assumptions simple are not true. In the most recent student survey, it seems that as university students go, they break even the student stereotype so widely believed of past generations.

Early to Bed, Early to Rise

The student stereotype is to stay awake all night consuming energy drinks and get up early with barely enough sleep. 14% wake up around 7am and 40% rise within an hour after that. The majority (66%) are up and about before 9am. The remainder are awake and active before 10am. Increasingly, they are studying in bed where they are comfortable, often with breakfast before they get up, shower, and head into lectures or to the library.

Health Conscious

Gone is the stereotype that students have hot pizza for dinner and cold pizza for breakfast the following morning washed down with energy drinks. This generation of students is far more likely to eat meals that they or housemates/friends prepared (38% responded positively to this) and choose healthy snacks when peckish. However, some admitted to snacking in crisps and chocolate; some things are timeless. Microwave meals are out of fashion and so are takeaways.

Studying in Public

Modern students, like most modern self-employed people, like public places such as coffee shops to solitude. However, only 23% prefer this type of workspace. Most work from home (82%) while the library is still a popular choice. Around 2/3 still head into the library as a first port of call for revision and study. In the warmer weather, a reported 10% of students visit an open space such as a park, garden, or beach. Most prefer some kind of background noise such as film/TV streaming services, music, and talk radio.

Lectures and Study

Over 80% say they attended every or almost every lecture, missing only when sick or other things prevent them from doing so. Most students also spend over 5 hours in the library every week while around 12% (that’s 1 in every 8) are there more than 10 hours. A similar number spending around 10 hours of non-lecture/seminar time reading each week, either at home or in the library. It seems they are an incredibly studious bunch.

Some Things Haven’t Changed

It’s generally believed that students tend to leave coursework to the last minute. This is true; most start within the last week of the deadline while some start the night before. However, the reasoning is slightly different. Lack of organisation used to be the issue, but some say they work better when under pressure for short periods of time.