The census is a national survey that occurs once every 10 years, giving the government a snapshot of the people and households in England and Wales. The data is used to make decisions about things like healthcare, transport and the environment.

A critical part of this is getting an accurate count of the country’s student population. This is used to allocate funding for things like campus bus links, cycle lanes, jobs and training. It is in your interest to complete the census - it will benefit you but it also gives you the opportunity to leave a legacy for future students.

Who needs to complete the census?

All students must complete the census, whether you’re living in halls, in private accommodation in Nottingham or at home or elsewhere with relatives/friends.

The only students who do not need to complete the census are international students who are not currently living in England or Wales and do not have a term-time address here. If you do usually have a term-time address but have not been here due to the pandemic, you still need to complete the census.

When should I complete the census?

The census is available to complete now and you should aim to do so by Sunday 21 March.

How do I take part?

That will depend on your individual situation. Scroll down to the section below that best describes you. If you can’t find yourself below, or need further help with the census, contact the Office for National Statistics.

I live at home permanently and do not have a university address

If you live at home permanently during term time, you need to be included on the household questionnaire for that address (unless your home is outside of England and Wales). The registered occupant(s) of your address should receive a letter via post with an access code and you will be able to fill it in online together. You can answer separately if you want to keep your answers private – if this is the case then you can request an access code.

I am currently at home or elsewhere, but only due to the pandemic

If you usually live in student accommodation during term time but are currently at home or elsewhere due to the pandemic, you will need to complete the census both for your university address AND your current location (provided that is usually in England or Wales).

The registered occupant(s) of your current address should receive a letter via post with an access code, and you will be able to fill the census in online together.

However, you will still need to complete the census for your university address. You can do this by requesting a new access code.

I live in a shared house or flat

You should receive a letter to your address containing the access code you need to complete the census online. If you have not received this letter, you need to request a new access code.

It is your responsibility to complete the census and NOT your landlord’s. If a member of your household receives the letter they should:

• Include you on the household form
• Share the code with you so you can fill in your own answers

• Request a new access code for you, should you wish to answer privately

I live in halls of residence

You should have received a letter from your accommodation manager containing the access code you need to complete the census online. If you have not received the letter, please contact your Welcome Point in the first instance. If you still cannot access the letter, you need to request a new access code.

I am an international student

If you are an international student currently living in your term-time accommodation, or who usually lives in term-time accommodation, you should complete the census for your term-time address. If you have not received a letter, you can request a new access code.

You can get help to fill in your questionnaire if you need it, and support is available in multiple languages.

The only case in which you would not need to complete the census would be if you are not currently in England or Wales, and you do not have a normal term-time address in England and Wales.

More information about the census is available on the census website, and you can get assistance by contacting the Office for National Statistics.