2024-2025 Student Lifestyle Survey
Since 2004, the Sodexo Student Lifestyle Survey has been a resource for understanding generational changes, identifying students’ evolving needs, and discovering the drivers of student engagement and how they relate to recruitment and retention. Sodexo gathers firsthand data from current undergraduate students about the many factors influencing their decisions, behaviors, expectations, and satisfaction with the campus experience.
Download the reportA Guide to Understanding Today’s Students
We surveyed more than 630 U.S.-based undergraduate students. This year, we also surveyed parents for the first time to understand their views regarding higher education. This report serves as a resource for campus leaders who want to make data-informed decisions regarding student engagement and retention and as a guide for anyone looking to understand the perspectives of students and parents.
This report examines students’ and parents’ perceptions and expectations at every point along the academic journey. As we analyzed the reasons students choose to pursue higher education, what factors they consider when choosing a campus to enroll in, and what helps them find the sense of belonging that’s so crucial to their ultimate success, a few key themes emerged:
- Forging Their Path
- Finding Their Connection
- Focusing on the Future
In 2024, we discovered that there’s a lot to celebrate in higher education. Campuses have made great strides in helping students overcome challenges related to mental health and overall well-being. Students feel more engaged in campus life and more supported by their campuses when additional opportunities for connection are provided, such as, campus events, clubs and activities. However, now is not the time to become complacent, as there are still many opportunities to improve the student experience and ensure the long-term success of students and campuses.
Support Students on Their Journey to Becoming Who They Want to Be
Students are most likely to succeed when they feel like they belong on campus, are engaged in college life, and are empowered to prioritize their mental and physical well-being. Download the Student Lifestyle Survey Report to discover what today’s students need and learn more about how you can bring your campus community together and support each student’s individual journey.
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