Report 2010:20 R

Eurostudent

- Swedish students in a European survey in the autumn of 2009

This report presents the findings of a questionnaire survey of Swedish students in the autumn of 2009 under the aegis of the Eurostudent Project, which focuses on the social dimension of higher education from a student perspective.

The survey shows that the total amount of time devoted by students to their studies varies from subject area to subject area. The allocation of time to classroom instruction and to individual and group study also varies. Almost one-third of all the full-time students state that they devote at least 40 hours each week to their studies. This is frequent above all in medicine and dentistry, whereas the corresponding figures are lowest in the humanities and theology. About 40 per cent of the full-time students receive 9 hours or less of classroom teaching.

There seem to be no direct links between how many hours students spend in the classroom and the time devoted to individual and group study. The same applies to the relationship between how much time they devote to their studies and the number of hours spent in gainful employment. Where satisfaction is concerned, it seems that somewhat more are satisfied than dissatisfied with their workloads. Dissatisfaction is higher among those who have a regular job alongside their studies during the semester.

The responses to the questionnaire show that the students consider it more important for their programmes to offer a sound preparation for their careers rather than personal development. More students also feel that their programmes meet the requirement of offering good career preparation rather than personal development.

Just under 12 per cent of the students state that their studies are complicated by chronic illness, physical disabilities, mental disease or other health problems. Mental disease is more often cited than any other reason. Many feel that not enough consideration is given to health problems or physical disabilities in their programmes.

One in ten of the respondents to the questionnaire say that they have studied abroad at a level corresponding to higher education. About half of those who have studied abroad arranged everything themselves and were not therefore involved in any exchange programme. The most important motives for studying abroad were “living and studying in another environment" and “personal development". “Acquiring language skills" was also considered important. The obstacle to studying abroad cited by the largest proportion was “having to leave a partner, children, friends". “Greater financial burden" was also considered a major obstacle.

There are differences between men and women when it comes to accommodation and how it is shared. Men are more likely to live on their own, at home with their parents or together with someone other than their parents, partner or children. Women on the other hand more often live with a partner and children. Women are also more often single parents. About one-third of all students live in student housing. This is particularly frequent for men. The students living in student housing are least satisfied with their accommodation.

It is difficult to draw any far-reaching conclusions from the information the students have given about their financial circumstances. It is however clear that student aid is the most important source of income for many of the students who responded to the questionnaire. Earned income is also important for many. Students who live with their parents, mainly young men, less frequently take study loans and say that they spend less than those living on their own or with families.  About half of them also receive substantial financial support from their parents. Students with their own accommodation say that they receive less financial support from their parents than those still living at home. Those who say that they spend most are students living with children and partners, but they also state that on average their partners pay for about half of what is spent. Single parents, especially women, generally state that they receive no financial support from anybody. More or less the same proportions of students living with their parents, on their own or with children say that they have jobs and also declare similar incomes. Students with children state, however, that they spend rather more hours at work each week than the other two groups.

Just under one-quarter of the students agree with the statement “I have enough money to cover my expenditure each month" while one-fifth do not agree at all. Those who are least satisfied with their financial situation, i.e. those who find it most difficult to make both ends meet, are single parents. Women who live with partners and their children are also less likely to agree that they have enough money to cover their monthly expenditure.