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All students should complete the census for their term-time accommodation

To start your census online, you will need your 16‑character access code

Start census

Need a new access code?

You can request a new access code for your term-time accommodation if you’re not currently staying there.

Warning:

You must complete the census by law or you could be fined up to £1,000

Complete the census for your term-time accommodation

Wherever you’re currently staying, from halls to your old bedroom at home, you should fill in a census for your term-time accommodation.

If you return to a permanent home address out of term-time, you should also be included on the census for that household.

Warning:

You may be staying at home temporarily due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. You should still complete the census for your term-time accommodation.

If you’re not going to return to your term-time accommodation, you only need to be included on the census for your permanent home address.

Why students should take part in the census

The census is a survey that happens every 10 years and gives us a picture of all the people and households in England and Wales.

The information you give in the census makes sure your student community gets the services it needs. This includes things like university campus bus links and bike lanes, jobs and training.

Your answers to the census will only be used for statistical purposes and personal census information cannot be used by government.

You must complete the census by law or you could be fined up to £1,000.

Find out more about the census

How to start your census

We sent a letter with an access code to your term-time accommodation. The code allows you to complete the census online.

If you’re not currently staying there, you can request a new access code for your term-time accommodation, which we can send to you by text.

Students living at home or elsewhere due to the pandemic

You may not be staying at your term-time accommodation due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. You should still complete the census for your term-time accommodation as well as being included on the census for your current household address.

You can request a new access code for your term-time accommodation, which we can send to you by text.

    Students permanently living at home with no term-time accommodation

    You need be included on the household questionnaire for your home address if you live there permanently while at university.

    If you need to answer separately from the people you live with, you can complete your own census.

      Students living in a shared house or flat

      It’s your joint responsibility to complete the census for your household, not your landlord’s.

      One person needs to take responsibility for answering the questions about the household accommodation and the people who live there. You can then share the household access code so that each person can complete their own individual questions.

      If you need to answer separately from the people you live with, you can complete your own census.

        Students living in halls of residence

        We sent a letter to you at your halls of residence with an individual access code for you to complete your census.

        If you’re not currently staying there, you should still complete the census for your halls of residence address. You can request a new access code for your term-time accommodation, which we can send to you by text.

        To request a new code, you must enter the postcode for your hall of residence. You can then select your room or unit address from the list.

        If your unit address is not listed, select the main hall address to get an access code.

        If this is not possible, you can get in touch with the contact centre, and they will be able to help you.


          International students

          You should complete the census for your term-time accommodation in England or Wales if you are:

          • not currently staying there, but attended university during the 2020/21 academic year, and still have a formal agreement to stay at your term-time accommodation
          • staying in the UK now and have stayed here, or intend to stay, for at least three months

          If you’re not currently staying there, you should still complete the census for your term-time accommodation. You can request a new access code for your term-time accommodation, which we can send to you by text.

          You can read translations of information about the census in different languages.

          If you need to speak to us in another language, call our free language helpline on 0800 587 2021.

            There’s more guidance to help students complete the census.

            Ready to start your census online?

            Start census

            Get in touch

            If you need further help with your census, contact us.

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