Student View:
A deep dive into the
student experience in
US, Canadian, and UK
higher education
Center for
Digital Learning
Chegg’s Center for Digital Learning was launched to help faculty,
administrators, policymakers, and students nd useful information to
help them navigate the fast-changing world of higher education in the
digital age. It seeks to foster student and educator success by elevating
original research, providing resources, and convening conversations
to support teaching excellence and meet the evolving needs of the
modern student.
Learn more at www.centerfordigitallearning.com
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Table of Contents
CENTER FOR DIGITAL LEARNING TABLE OF CONTENTS | 3
Executive Summary
4
Methodology 5
Key Takeaways 6
Detailed Findings 7
Implications 16
Conclusion 17
Want to know more? 18
Appendix 19
End Notes 89
Canada 20
Key Finding 1 7
United States 43
United Kingdom 66
Key Finding 2 10
Key Finding 3 12
Key Finding 4 14
Key Finding 5 15
CENTER FOR DIGITAL LEARNING EXECUTIVE SUMMARY | 4
Executive Summary
This study examines students’ needs and challenges in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, their
return to in-person classes, and the continuation of hybrid and virtual learning. A collaboration between
Chegg and Hanover Research, the study provides insight into the challenges students face in Canada,
the United Kingdom, and the United States and identies implications for institutions and educators.
Our research nds that students’ college experiences are not meeting their expectations. Students do
not feel fully supported in pursuing their studies. They do not receive the support they expect from
institutions to fulll their basic needs and sustain their mental health, leaving them to rely on family
and friends. They report that their classroom experiences are often boring, and they perceive they do
not receive adequate support from professors to succeed academically, leading them to seek online
resources independently. Students also report concerns that their coursework is not preparing them
well for the job market.
With tuition costs soaring, the job market becoming increasingly competitive, and a signicant gap
between what they expect and get, many students delay their progression through degree programs.
Some drop out with student loan debt and no degree to show for it.
To better serve students, academic institutions and educators must work to identify what their students
need, nd solutions to address their needs, and clarify for students what they should expect and how
to access support.
CENTER FOR DIGITAL LEARNING METHODOLOGY | 5
Methodology
To examine how students are dealing with the pressures of college – and to inform the support
services that institutions provide – Chegg’s Center for Digital Learning commissioned the Student
Behavior study in partnership with Hanover Research.
The survey was administered online in June 2022 to respondents in Canada, the U.K., and the
U.S. recruited via a panel: following data cleaning and quality control, the survey included 2,044
respondents. These ranged in age from 18 to 54; all were current undergraduate or postgraduate
students at a higher education institution.
Our key takeaways from this survey are as follows
CENTER FOR DIGITAL LEARNING
In this study, we sought to gain insight into the challenges university students face, their expectations
of institutional support, and where they seek support.
KEY TAKEAWAYS | 6
Key Takeaways
Institutional and classroom challenges
often lead to academic challenges
A lack of mental health support makes it dicult for
participants to maintain healthy habits and deal with
emotionally draining situations
It is dicult for many participants to aord non-tuition
costs, such as textbooks, food, and housing
Critical gaps exist between what participants expect of
their institutions and what their institution provides
Participants rely signicantly on peers, family, and
online learning resources for support with academic and
non-academic challenges
CENTER FOR DIGITAL LEARNING KEY FINDING 1 | 7
KEY FINDING
1
Negative experiences in the classroom
contribute academic challenges
As students navigate the maze of higher education, they face many academic challenges. The wide
range of academic challenges can be attributed to several factors. Research has shown that individual/
personal challenges primarily drive academic challenges. Some of the most common academic
challenges include struggling to understand course content and nding time to study.
i
Moreover,
this study examines how external factors, such as institutional and classroom factors, impact student
academic experiences. Participants across each country cite that they experience various academic
challenges that negatively impact their educational experiences that stem from institutional (91%) and
classroom (94%) experiences.
The majority of participants are experiencing various institutional challenges, which stem from
diculty managing time, gaps in support, and unclear guidelines.
INSTITUTIONAL CHALLE NGES
I don’t have enough time to study for all my classes
44%
Inconvenient class schedule
38%
Unclear guidelines on required classes
33%
Lack of career development support
25%
Lack of academic support from instructors outside of classroom
25%
Lack of space in required courses
20%
Lack of available support from the institution
18%
Balancing school with work
15%
Poor technology available for student use
14%
I don’t have assistance I’m used to from an IEP or other extra support
10%
None of the above
9%
Other
1%
Figure 1 • Q3.2: Which of the following academic and institutional challenges have you faced as a student in higher education? Select all that apply. (n=2044)
Detailed Findings
Diculty Managing Time: Heavy course loads, work commitments, and other personal obligations can
make it dicult for participants to nd time to study. The greatest institutional challenge participants
face is not having enough time to study. Over one-third (44%) of participants report not having enough
time to study for their classes.
CENTER FOR DIGITAL LEARNING KEY FINDING 1 | 8
Participants’ busy schedules further hinder their ability to nd classes that conveniently t their hectic
schedules. Inconvenient class schedules are challenging for more than a third of participants (38%).
Gaps in Support: A lack of institutional support often hampers university participants’ academic
experiences. Nearly a quarter (18%) of participants report receiving limited support from their
institutions. Participants also report a lack of career development support (25%) and academic support
outside of class (25%). Additionally, participants with unique learning needs report gaps in support,
with 10% not receiving the assistance they are accustomed to receiving from an Individual Education
Plan (IEP) or other extra support. Technology gaps are also challenging for participants, with 14%
citing that the technology available is inadequate.
Unclear Guidelines: Many participants have diculty navigating certain aspects of their academic
experience because of unclear university policies. One-third of participants (33%) report that their
universities do not clearly outline what courses they need to take to fulll their degree requirements.
CL ASSROOM CHALLENGES
Many participants report that their classroom experiences are negative and anxiety-inducing. Specically,
three quarters (74%) of participants feel anxious when thinking about their classes or schoolwork. The
classroom environment elevates their stress levels even further. Notably, two in three (66%) participants
feel ashamed when they feel lost in class, and only half (51%) feel comfortable asking questions. It is
no surprise that few participants strongly agree that they can trust their instructors and that they have
their best interests at heart (22%, 21%, respectively). Participants report various classroom challenges
stemming from course organization, course content, and a lack of academic support.
Figure 2 • Q3.1: Which of the following classroom challenges, if any, have you faced as a student in higher education? Select all that apply. (n=2044)
Instructors are boring/not engaging
47%
Lack of communication about what is expected from instructors
42%
Work assigned outside of class is too much
39%
39%
Exams/tests/quizzes include material we did not discuss in class
Poor quality of instruction
36%
36%
Course is too fast paced
Course materials/textbooks don’t explain content clearly
31%
Courses are not organized in a logical manner
29%
29%
Instructors do not oer study guides or similar assistance
Lack of academic support from instructors outside of classroom
28%
Large class sizes (> 50 students for almost all classes)
26%
Lack of support from the class Teaching Assistant (TA)
16%
Instructors who are not qualied to teach content area
15%
Instructors do not oer access to oce hours
or time outside of the classroom
12%
Other
2%
None of the above
6%
CENTER FOR DIGITAL LEARNING KEY FINDING 1 | 9
Instructional Approaches: Nearly half (47%) of participants report that their instructors are boring or not
engaging. Furthermore, participants also report challenges with the quality of instruction. Over one-
third (36%) of participants voiced that they have experienced poor instructional methods, and 15% have
instructors who are not qualied to teach in their designated content area.
Course Organization: Participants also face challenges in how their professors design and organize
their courses. One in four (29%) participants expressed that their courses are not organized logically
and are too fast-paced (36%). Participants also report challenges with large class sizes of more than
fty students (26%).
Course Content: Participants also cite challenges with course content and materials. Nearly one-third (31%)
of participants say their course materials/textbooks don’t explain course content clearly. Unsurprisingly,
over one-third (39%) of participants report that their exams/tests/quizzes include material not discussed
in class. Participants (29%) also voiced that their professors do not oer study guides or similar assistance
that eectively reviews course content. On top of that, participants say that the work assigned outside
class is too much (39%).
Limited academic support: Our ndings imply that participants are not satised with the level of academic
support provided to them. Over one-third (42%) of participants report a lack of communication about
what is expected from their professors. Our ndings suggest that participants have limited opportunities
to connect with their professors/instructors outside of class. One in four (28%) participants lack academic
support from their professors outside the classroom, while 16% lack support from their teaching assistant
(TA). Some participants (12%) also report that their professors/instructors do not oer hours or time
outside class.
CENTER FOR DIGITAL LEARNING
KEY FINDING
2
Students are struggling with their
mental health — and they feel a lack of
support from their institutions
Social and emotional challenges are prevalent among college students and often include mental
health issues. According to the 2018 World Health Organization International Mental Health Report
for college students, over one-third (35%) screened positive for at least one mental health disorder
during their lifetime.
ii
As the COVID-19 pandemic emerged, the mental health of students deteriorated
further. In the United States, Lipson et al. (2022) found that more than 60% of college students across
373 campuses met the criteria for having at least one mental disorder.
iii
In the U.K., approximately four
in ve students (81%) suered from a mental health disorder in 2022.
iv
Students with poor mental health often struggle to progress academically or graduate from college.
Furthermore, mental health issues can impair motivation and concentration, leading to poor academic
performance. Several research studies have demonstrated the impact mental health has on students’
academic performance. According to the Fall 2020 Healthy Minds Survey, 83% of the students reported
that emotional or mental diculties had a negative impact on their academic performance at least
once during a four-week period.
v
Poor mental health can adversely aect students’ academic experiences, yet universities struggle to
meet the demand for mental health services. In 2019, 87.3% of counseling center directors reported a
rise in the demand for counseling services
vi
. Consequently, several studies have shown that students
are dissatised with the institutionally provided mental health services. In a national survey of 1,500
students in the U.K., more than half (69%) reported that their universities did not provide sucient
emotional support.
vii
In the 2021 Student Voice Survey, American students shared similar opinions.
Students in this study reported that mental health services in schools lacked adequate resources. Only
15% of students rated their school’s mental health services with an A.
viii
Our ndings, in line with previous research, indicate how prevalent social/emotional challenges
are among the college student population. The students in our study face various social/emotional
challenges, including limited mental health support, unhealthy habits, emotional stress, and few
opportunities for positive activities.
KEY FINDING 2 | 10
Not sleeping enough
68%
Not being able to practice healthy habits
57%
Trouble meeting new people/making friends
45%
33%
Trouble accessing mental health support
Trouble nding extracurriculars that interest me
28%
25%
Engaged in unhealthy behaviors
Faced the death of a family member/close contact
23%
Had to provide care for a family member
16%
16%
I feel demeaned or disrespect by instructors
Could not get temporary academic accommodation
9%
Other
1%
None of the above
4%
Figure 3 • Q3.4: Which of the following social/emotional challenges have you faced as a student in higher education? Select up to 5. (n=2044)
CENTER FOR DIGITAL LEARNING KEY FINDING 2 | 11
Limited Mental Health Support: Despite experiencing numerous social and emotional challenges,
some participants nd it dicult to get the help mental health support they need. Nearly one-third of
participants (33%) report diculty accessing mental health support. Many participants (76%) consider
mental health services to be essential to their higher education experiences, yet less than half (49%)
have access to them.
Unhealthy Habits: Participants report engaging in several unhealthy behaviors, and many nd it
challenging to maintain healthy habits. Further, 68% of participants struggle to get enough sleep.
Maintaining healthy habits such as healthy eating and exercising is dicult for 57% of participants. On
the other hand, one in four (25%) participants engage in unhealthy habits such as drinking excessively,
consuming drugs, or hurting themselves.
Emotional stress: Participants report experiencing a range of emotional tolling issues that impede their
academic pursuits, with some occurring in the classroom. Some participants cite feeling demeaned and
disrespected by their professors (16%). Moreover, some participants provide care for family members
(16%) or have experienced the loss of a loved one (23%).
Few Opportunities for Positive Activities: It is dicult for participants to nd activities that promote
healthy mental health. Nearly half (45%) of participants have trouble meeting new people and making
friends. Participants also face challenges nding extracurricular activities that interest them (28%).
Our ndings suggest that participants struggle with limited mental health support while managing
various social/emotional challenges. With limited support, participants may nd it very stressful to
manage these challenges, further compromising their mental health. Furthermore, our ndings indicate
that participants lack institutional resources to cope with the stress of managing these challenges.
Many participants lack access to nancial resources, academic support resources, mental health
resources, and campus-sponsored activities. Regarding nancial support, less than half (44%) of
the participants have access to nancial assistance or scholarships. Academic support, in the form
of free academic tutoring, is even more limited, with only 31% having access. There is also a clear
lack of institutionally provided resources to help participants cope with stress. Less than half (44%) of
participants have access to one-on-one mental health counseling, and even fewer have access to group
counseling (31%) and guided meditation (13%). Additionally, they face a shortage of healthy campus-
organized activities to help them manage stress. Only 40% have access to fun student activities, and
even fewer have access to free giveaways (30%) and free exercise activities (34%).
Access to nancial support or scholarship funding
44%
44%
One-on-one mental health counseling
Fun student activities
40%
34%
Free exercise opportunities
Free academic tutoring
31%
31%
Group counseling / peer support groups
Free giveaways
30%
Guided mediation
13%
1%
Other
None of the above
10%
Figure 4 • Q3.5: What resources does your higher education institution provide you with to help cope with stress
resulting from the academic and non-academic challenges you face? Select all that apply. (n=2044)
CENTER FOR DIGITAL LEARNING
KEY FINDING
3
Students are struggling to aord food,
housing, and other non-tuition costs
Increasing tuition costs have made it increasingly dicult for many college students to pursue higher
education. Students are burdened with expensive fees and course materials, and many face diculties
aording basic necessities such as food and housing. These nancial challenges are often overshadowed
by academic and social/emotional challenges, often regarded as the most pressing concerns among
college students. In spite of this, college students are indeed facing nancial challenges. In 2021, the
Healthy Minds Study revealed that nearly three-quarters (74%) of U.S. students are stressed about
their nancial situations.
ix
A study of U.K. university students revealed similar ndings, with 82% of
students concerned about making ends meet.
x
Food insecurity is one of the most signicant problems facing college students, but it is rarely discussed.
Health Aairs describes food insecurity as an invisible, “largely underrecognized, poorly examined,
and undertreated epidemic.”
xi
A similar view is expressed by Wilcox et al. (2021), who describe food
insecurity as a leading public health problem that is understudied among postsecondary students.
However, research indicates that many college students face food insecurity. Chegg’s 2020 State of
the Student series reported that nearly a third of students in the U.S. reported food insecurity
xii
. The
results also revealed that 29% of students miss meals at least once a week, and 30% use o-campus
food banks at least once per month.
Research has also shown that college students struggle with housing insecurity. In 2021, the Hope
Center revealed that half (52%) of U.S. students at two-year institutions and 43% at four-year institutions
experienced housing insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic.
xiii
In the U.K., students are experiencing
similar patterns of economic hardship. The Student Beans U.K. Housing Insecurity Report revealed that
a third (31%) of U.K. university students face housing insecurity
xiv
.
Consistent with prior research, our study conrms that food and housing insecurity is common among
college students. However, our study sheds light on basic needs insecurity from a global perspective.
Furthermore, our study also reveals that participants have diculty aording expensive academic
tools and have limited institutional nancial support.
KEY FINDING 3 | 12
Textbook/course materials are too expensive
52%
Diculty applying for non-institutional scholarships
30%
Diculty nding a work-study job
43%
34%
Cannot aord to pay housing cost/rent
Diculty applying for nancial support
31%
25%
Cannot aord to pay for food
Cannot aord online learning tools I need
18%
Cannot aord a tutor
17%
None of the above
12%
Other
2%
Figure 5 • Q3.3: Which of the following nancial challenges have you faced as a student in higher education? Select all that apply. (n=2044)
CENTER FOR DIGITAL LEARNING KEY FINDING 3 | 13
Basic Needs Insecurity: Nearly half of the participants (59%) are experiencing basic needs insecurity.
One-fourth (25%) of participants cannot aord food and over one-third (34%) cannot aord housing.
Expensive Academic Tools: The high cost of academic tools such as textbooks and online materials is a
nancial burden for many participants. Over half (52%) of participants say textbooks/course materials
are too expensive. Some participants cannot aord necessary online learning tools (18%) and a tutor
(17%). The ndings revealed that Canadian participants (61%) are more likely to nd course materials
to be too expensive compared to U.K. (39%) and U.S. (56%) participants.
Limited Institutional Financial Support: Participants report several challenges in nding institutional
and non-institutional nancial support. Participants face diculty nding ways to cover expenses
through institutional funding sources such as work-study jobs (43%). This problem is more pronounced
for Canadian (52%) and U.K. (53%) participants compared to U.S. students (34%). Nearly one-third
(31%) face challenges applying for nancial support through nancial aid oces. It is also dicult
to obtain non-institutional support, with 30% of participants reporting diculty applying for non-
institutional scholarships.
CENTER FOR DIGITAL LEARNING
KEY FINDING
4
Students are not getting the career
support they expect from their
institutions
Expectations of Institutions: The participants in our study expect a wide range of academic and career
development support and resources from their institutions. Notably, institutional career support is
highly valued by participants. More specically, three-quarters (75%) of participants say that access
to career services is an important component of their learning experiences. Considering that, 86%
of participants expect to receive multiple forms of career support. Therefore, it is not surprising that
72% of participants attend college to acquire skills to get a job.. Apart from acquiring skills, 61% of
participants are motivated to obtain a prestigious job in the future.
Further, the majority of participants (85%) expect multiple forms of academic support outside the
classroom. Participants expect their institutions to provide online learning resources (75%), free
supplemental resources (74%), one-on-one tutoring, group tutoring sessions (45%), and writing
workshops (41%). Notably, the expectation for one-on-one tutoring sessions was more pronounced
for rst-generation participants (55%) than non-rst-generation participants (49%).
Expectations of Professors: Participants have similar expectations of their professors. Most participants
expect to be provided additional academic materials such as study guides (67%) and customized
resources that support their learning styles (59%). They also expect more opportunities to learn outside
the classroom through organized tutoring sessions with their professor or T.A. (45%) and study groups
(49%). Lastly, they expect more opportunities to connect with their professor or T.A. through more
exible oce hours (62%).
Unmet Expectations: Despite their high expectations, most participants do not feel fully supported
by their institutions. Only one-third (34%) of participants feel fully supported by their institutions. This
suggests that many participants feel unsupported or have unmet needs. Further, our study highlights
several factors contributing to participants not feeling supported, including lack of communication
and poor instruction.
Most participants report inadequate communication within their institution (61%) and among their
professors (56%). Also, inadequate resources and support cause participants to feel unsupported.
Participants say they don’t have enough mental health resources (60%), academic support (54%),
personalized learning resources (50%), and free online learning resources (43%).
Financial concerns also leave participants feeling unsupported. Participants don’t nd the nancial
oce helpful (56%) and lack access to aordable textbooks and course materials (51%). Participants
also feel unsupported based on the quality of instructional methods, which include poor quality
of instruction (61%), too many course assignments (44%), and limited oce hours (23%). Besides
instructional concerns, some participants cite their class sizes are too large (18%). Participants report
a lack of networking events (31%), career center resources (21%), and post-graduation support (38%).
KEY FINDING 4 | 14
CENTER FOR DIGITAL LEARNING
KEY FINDING
5
Students are more likely to seek
help from online support or a peer
than they are from a professor
The higher education experience brings forth various challenges, and many students are left to
navigate these challenges with limited institutional support. Many students lean on external support
sources, including their families, peers, and online learning resources. Research has shown that some
students are less likely to go to faculty and sta members for non-academic or academic challenges.
For example, the 2021 Student Voice survey on COVID-19 mental health challenges found that students
were more likely to go to peers (61%) and immediate family (59%) for help than professors (4%) or
campus health services (4%)
xv
.
Academic Challenges: The ndings of our study conrm previous research, emphasizing that peers and
family are the most vital forms of support for participants when confronted with academic challenges.
The results showed that participants are nearly twice as likely to seek help from peers (65%) than
their professors (38%) to get help with academic challenges. Participants also rely on online support
resources (43%) and social media for academic challenges (33%).
Non-Academic Challenges: Both peer and familial support are critical for tackling non-academic
challenges. Participants are nearly ve times more likely to get help from a family member (63%) than
an in-school counselor (13%) for non-academic challenges. Over half of the participants (61%) rely on
their peers for support with non-academic challenges.
Online Support Resources: The ndings also show that participants rely on online learning resources
for support in response to academic challenges. In 2021, Chegg explored why participants use online
resources and found that most participants (88%) use online learning resources to supplement some
aspect of their learning
xvi
. Further, 80% of participants shared that they used online tools to break
down complex concepts, and almost 90% of respondents stated they used online tools to study for
academic assessments
xvii
.
From the results of our most recent study, it is still clear that participants still rely on online learning
resources. Nearly all participants (92%) use online resources outside the classroom to help with
academic challenges at least once a month. Further, one in four (26%) participants use them daily, and
one in three (38%) use them a few times a week.
Participants report seeking out additional resources for a variety of reasons. Many participants seek
dierent explanations for concepts (27%), and some feel they need to teach themselves the material
(23%). The results also showed that participants feel pressure to succeed academically (20%) and are
uncomfortable asking questions in class (20%).
KEY FINDING 5 | 15
Implications
CENTER FOR DIGITAL LEARNING
Globally, college students face various challenges that impede their academic pursuits. Unlike other
studies, our study examined these challenges simultaneously. Rather than focusing on one aspect of
students’ experiences, we evaluated their experiences holistically.
We found that the most common challenges were related to institutional and classroom challenges.
These challenges were found to have a signicant eect on students’ academic experiences. The
results revealed that students face nancial challenges and cannot aord basic necessities. Social and
emotional challenges were also prevalent. Further, many students are navigating these challenges with
limited institutional support. While students face many challenges with limited institutional support,
they nd support via other avenues, such as peer support and online resources.
Our ndings suggest that more attention should be paid to college students’ unique needs, and
institutions should provide more resources and support to help students navigate these challenges.
Additionally, faculty should be more aware of the obstacles facing their students and be able to oer
tailored solutions. Furthermore, colleges should develop strategies that fully recognize and address
the unique needs of their students.
In order to develop successful strategies, it is crucial to consider the perspectives of students. Along
with identifying the challenges students face and how they navigate them, we also captured how
students wish to be better supported. Several key themes emerged, including enhanced learning
opportunities, classroom engagement, improved lines of communication, and aordable academic
materials.
Enhanced learning opportunities: Participants called for enhanced learning opportunities through
established study groups for each class (34%), established tutors for each course (31%), and review
sessions held outside of class for each exam (44%). Participants also expressed that they would like
more spaces to study (34%) and personalized learning opportunities (44%).
More opportunities for classroom engagement: Participants expressed that more opportunities to
engage in class would make them feel more supported by their institutions. Participants would like
dedicated time in class to ask questions (38%). They would also like professors to encourage them to
ask more questions in class (34%).
Improved lines of communication: The ndings suggest poor communication between participants
and professors often leaves many feeling unsupported. Participants would like the communication
to increase from professors (43%). Specically, participants expressed that they would feel better
supported if professors responded to emails promptly (51%) and had more oce hours and time to
speak with professors or T.A.s (33%). Lastly, participants would like institutions to advertise student
support services (39%).
Aordable academic materials: Three in ve (62%) participants expressed that their institutions could
use free or low-cost books and course materials.
IMPLICATIONS | 16
Conclusion
CENTER FOR DIGITAL LEARNING
This study provided several implications for academic leaders. First, students across all three countries
face various academic, nancial, and social/emotional challenges. These challenges include high
textbook costs, trouble meeting new people, and a lack of clear expectations from faculty.
Furthermore, this study illustrated that almost all students use some form of outside online resources
to supplement their education. Second, the most common reason students reported using online
resources is due to gaps in their academic support.
Finally, this research demonstrates that today’s college students have high expectations for their
higher education institution, particularly regarding academic and career support. While students hold
these expectations, many perceive a signicant lack of support. To better serve the needs of students,
higher education should consider this gap in expectations vs. perceptions and work to provide more
resources for students.
CONCLUSION | 17
CENTER FOR DIGITAL LEARNING 18
Want to know more?
Get ahead and gain valuable understanding of the brave,
new world of higher education in the digital age.
For more information, visit
www.centerfordigitallearning.com
Factors Impacting Students’ Mental Health
Exploring the True Cost of a University Education
Students today are under pressure as never before – from heavy workloads and
spiraling student debt to increased living costs. Read our UK, US and Canada
Student Behavior Studies to understand the impact on their mental health, the
resources they need, and what colleges can do to help.
Students today are under pressure as never before – from heavy workloads and
spiraling student debt to increased living costs. Read our UK, US and Canada
Student Behavior Studies to understand the impact on their mental health, the
resources they need, and what colleges can do to help.
The cost-of-living crisis has made it increasingly dicult for students to meet the basic
conditions of studying and living. Read our UK, US and Canada Student Behavior Studies to
understand the various nancial stressors that students are experiencing since returning to
campus, as well as how universities, administrators and policymakers can better support them.
CENTER FOR DIGITAL LEARNING APPENDIX | 19
Appendix
This report was based on a survey administered online in June 2022 to respondents in Canada,
the U.S., and the U.K. recruited via a panel: following data cleaning and quality control, the survey
included 2,044 respondents. These ranged in age from 18 to 54; all were current undergraduate
or postgraduate students at a higher education institution.
This appendix contains a comprehensive compilation of the results obtained from this survey,
broken down by country as follows:
• Canada (pages 20 to 42)
• U.S. (pages 43 to 65)
• U.K. (pages 66 to 88
)
CENTER FOR DIGITAL LEARNING APPENDIX • CANADA | 20
Q2.2: Which of the following best describes you? Select all that apply.
Sample Size = 422
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Student 422 100%
Employed part-time 85 20%
Employed full-time 22 5%
Unemployed 12 3%
Self-employed 7 2%
Stay-at-home parent/caregiver 2 0%
Unable to work 2 0%
Retired 0 0%
Q2.3: In which country do you currently reside?
Sample Size = 422
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Canada 421 100%
United States 1 0%
United Kingdom 0 0%
Q2.4: In which country are you currently a student?
Sample Size = 422
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Canada 422 100%
United Kingdom 0 0%
United States 0 0%
Sample Size = 422
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
18 to 24 295 70%
25 to 34 99 23%
35 to 44 22 5%
45 to 54 6 1%
55 to 64 0 0%
65 or older 0 0%
Age
CANADA
CENTER FOR DIGITAL LEARNING APPENDIX • CANADA | 21
Q2.6: Which of the following best describes the type of
higher education institution you currently attend?
Sample Size = 422
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Public 319 76%
Private, for prot 83 20%
Private, not for prot 20 5%
Q2.8: Are most of the courses you’re currently taking in-person or online? - Selected Choice
Sample Size = 422
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Hybrid (e.g., in-person and online) 238 56%
In-person only 118 28%
Online only 64 15%
Other (please specify) 2 0%
Q2.7: Which of the following best describes your status as a student at the higher education
institution you are currently attend? - Selected Choice
Sample Size = 422
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Full-time 389 92%
Part-time 33 8%
Other (please specify) 0 0%
Q2.5a: Which of the following best describes the type of education institution you currently attend?
Sample Size = 422
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
4-year college or university 328 78%
2-year college, community college, or university 94 22%
Q2.5b: Which of the following best describes the type of education institution you currently attend?
Sample Size = 422
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Higher education institution (undergraduate study) - -
Higher education institution (postgraduate study) - -
CENTER FOR DIGITAL LEARNING APPENDIX • CANADA | 22
Sample Size = 422
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
I prefer my courses to be delivered mostly in-person
with some online components
148 35%
I prefer my courses to be delivered fully in-person
84 20%
I prefer my courses to be delivered equally in-person and online
77 18%
I prefer my courses to be delivered mostly online
with some in-person components
60 14%
I prefer my courses to be delivered fully online
53 13%
Q2.9: Which format do you prefer for taking courses?
Q3.1: Which of the following classroom challenges, if any, have you faced
as a student in higher education? Select all that apply.
Sample Size = 422
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Work assigned outside of class is too much 218 52%
Instructors are boring/not engaging 217 51%
Lack of communication about what is expected from instructors 214 51%
Exams/tests/quizzes include material we did not discuss in class 184 44%
Course is too fast paced 177 42%
Poor quality of instruction 169 40%
Course materials/textbooks don’t explain content clearly 144 34%
Large class sizes (> 50 students for almost all classes) 140 33%
Instructors do not oer study guides or similar assistance 137 32%
Courses are not organized in a logical manner 131 31%
Lack of academic support from instructors outside of classroom 126 30%
Lack of support from the class Teaching Assistant (TA) 94 22%
Instructors who are not qualied to teach content area 83 20%
Instructors do not oer access to oce hours
or time outside of the classroom
55 13%
None of the above 18 4%
Other (please specify) 8 2%
Q3.2: Which of the following academic and institutional challenges have you faced
as a student in higher education? Select all that apply.
Sample Size = 422
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
I don’t have enough time to study for all my classes 226 54%
Inconvenient class schedule 200 47%
Unclear guidelines on required classes 153 36%
Lack of career development support 126 30%
Lack of space in required courses 118 28%
Lack of academic support from instructors outside of classroom 116 27%
Balancing school with work 75 18%
Lack of available support from the institution
(e.g., writing workshops)
74 18%
Poor technology available for student use 56 13%
I do not have assistance I am used to from an
Individual Education Plan (IEP) or other extra support
48 11%
None of the above 29 7%
Other (please specify) 5 1%
CENTER FOR DIGITAL LEARNING APPENDIX • CANADA | 23
Q3.3: Which of the following nancial challenges have you faced as a student in higher education?
Select all that apply.
Sample Size = 422
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Textbook/course materials are too expensive 259 61%
Diculty nding a work-study job 218 52%
Diculty applying for non-institutional scholarships 147 35%
Cannot aord to pay housing cost/rent 139 33%
Diculty applying for nancial support 133 32%
Cannot aord a tutor 82 19%
Cannot aord to pay for food 79 19%
Cannot aord online learning tools I need 66 16%
None of the above 41 10%
Other (please specify) 9 2%
Q3.4: Which of the following social/emotional challenges have you faced
as a student in higher education? Select up to 5.
Sample Size = 422
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Not sleeping enough 318 75%
Not being able to practice healthy habits
(e.g., exercise, eating healthy)
261 62%
Trouble meeting new people/making friends 215 51%
Trouble accessing mental health support 158 37%
Trouble nding extracurriculars that interest me 135 32%
Engaged in unhealthy behaviors (e.g., drinking excessively;
consuming drugs; hurting myself, other)
113 27%
Faced the death of a family member/close contact 82 19%
I feel demeaned or disrespected by instructors 57 14%
Had to provide care for a family member 55 13%
Could not get temporary academic accommodation 45 11%
None of the above 13 3%
Other (please specify) 7 2%
Q3.5: What resources does your higher education institution provide you with to help cope with
stress resulting from the academic and non-academic challenges you face? Select all that apply.
Sample Size = 422
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
One-on-one mental health counseling 193 46%
Access to nancial support or scholarship funding 192 45%
Fun student activities (e.g., concerts, painting classes) 175 41%
Group counseling/peer support groups 157 37%
Free exercise opportunities (e.g., yoga, gym membership) 149 35%
Free giveaways (e.g., free food) 116 27%
Free academic tutoring 102 24%
Guided mediation 62 15%
None of the above 37 9%
Other (please specify) 4 1%
CENTER FOR DIGITAL LEARNING APPENDIX • CANADA | 24
Q3.6: What resources do you wish your higher education institution provided you with to help cope
with stress resulting from the academic and non-academic challenges you face? Select all that apply.
Sample Size = 411
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Free giveaways (e.g., free food) 153 37%
Free exercise opportunities (e.g., yoga, gym membership) 138 34%
Free academic tutoring 137 33%
Access to nancial support or scholarship funding 136 33%
Fun student activities (e.g., concerts, painting classes) 122 30%
One-on-one mental health counseling 107 26%
Group counseling/peer support groups 72 18%
Guided mediation 72 18%
I have all the resources I need 30 7%
Other (please specify) 15 4%
Other (please specify) 0 0%
None of the above 0 0%
Q3.8: Who, if anyone, do you reach out to in order to help overcome
the non-academic challenges you face? Select all that apply.
Sample Size = 422
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Peers (e.g., classmates, friends, etc.) 271 64%
Family 253 60%
Social media 109 26%
Outside therapist (not employed by the higher education
institution)
106 25%
In-school counselor (employed by the higher education institution) 66 16%
Virtual mental health services (e.g., BetterHelp) 54 13%
Professor/Instructor 47 11%
Student advisor 39 9%
None of the above 22 5%
Other (please specify) 9 2%
Q3.7: What resources do you use to help overcome the academic challenges you face?
Select all that apply.
Sample Size = 422
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Peers (e.g., classmates, friends, etc.) 298 71%
Online support resources 211 50%
Professor/Instructor 177 42%
Social media 153 36%
Teaching Assistant (i.e., TAs) 113 27%
Student advisor 99 23%
Tutor (e.g., personal tutor, supervisor, academic coach) 60 14%
None of the above 19 5%
Other (please specify) 11 3%
CENTER FOR DIGITAL LEARNING APPENDIX • CANADA | 25
Q3.9: How much do you agree or disagree with the following statement?
“I feel motivated to complete my degree at my higher education institute.”
Sample Size = 422
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 301 71%
Strongly agree 146 35%
Somewhat agree 155 37%
Neither agree nor disagree 40 9%
Somewhat disagree 55 13%
Strongly disagree 26 6%
Bottom 2 81 19%
Q3.11: Have you ever done any of the following because of challenges you’ve faced in higher
education? Select all that apply.
Sample Size = 422
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Had to get a part-time job 181 43%
Considered dropping out completely 156 37%
Dropped or withdrew from classes after the add/drop deadline 144 34%
Took fewer credits 142 34%
Took a year or semester o 100 24%
Delayed signing up for classes 88 21%
Take out additional student loans 80 19%
None of the above 62 15%
Transferred schools 44 10%
Other (please specify) 3 1%
Q3.10: What motivates you to complete your higher education degree? Select all that apply.
Sample Size = 301
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
To acquire the skills and knowledge to get a job/career 221 73%
In order to obtain a more prestigious job later on 183 61%
To make my parents/family proud 179 59%
For the satisfaction of accomplishing this goal 179 59%
To show myself that I can succeed in my studies 177 59%
Getting good grades 130 43%
So I can pursue a masters or doctorate degree in the future 109 36%
The enjoyment I get from my courses/program 104 35%
I want to get my education over with as soon as possible 103 34%
So I can graduate with my friends/peers 72 24%
Other (please specify) 5 2%
I don’t know 0 0%
CENTER FOR DIGITAL LEARNING APPENDIX • CANADA | 26
Q3.12_1: How interested would you be in the following if oered by higher education institutions? -
“The ability to pause my degree over an extended period of time (e.g., years) and resume where I left
o as opposed to completing the full degree at once”
Sample Size = 422
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 176 42%
Extremely interested 85 20%
Very interested 91 22%
Moderately interested 97 23%
Slightly interested 66 16%
Not at all interested 83 20%
Q3.12_2: How interested would you be in the following if oered by higher education institutions? -
“The ability to pause my degree over an extended period of time (e.g., years) and resume where I left
o at a dierent university”
Sample Size = 422
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 158 37%
Extremely interested 72 17%
Very interested 86 20%
Moderately interested 104 25%
Slightly interested 77 18%
Not at all interested 83 20%
Q4.1_1: How much do you agree or disagree with the following statements? - “I expect colleges/
universities to oer multiple forms of academic support outside of class to their students”
Sample Size = 422
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 357 85%
Strongly agree 230 55%
Somewhat agree 127 30%
Neither agree nor disagree 43 10%
Somewhat disagree 12 3%
Strongly disagree 10 2%
Bottom 2 22 5%
Q4.1_2: How much do you agree or disagree with the following statements? - “I expect colleges/
universities to oer multiple forms of career support to their students”
Sample Size = 422
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 364 86%
Strongly agree 235 56%
Somewhat agree 129 31%
Neither agree nor disagree 34 8%
Somewhat disagree 17 4%
Strongly disagree 7 2%
Bottom 2 24 6%
CENTER FOR DIGITAL LEARNING APPENDIX • CANADA | 27
Q4.4: Overall, how supported do you feel by your higher education institution?
Sample Size = 422
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 95 23%
Extremely supported 19 5%
Very supported 76 18%
Moderately supported 223 53%
Slightly supported 90 21%
Not at all supported 14 3%
Q4.2: Which of the following types of academic support do you expect to receive from instructors at
your higher education institution? Select all that apply.
Sample Size = 422
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Study guides 289 68%
Flexible oce hours from my professor or teacher’s assistant (TA) 274 65%
Customized resources to help me learn how I learn best (e.g.,
video, audio books, written materials)
248 59%
Study groups 191 45%
One-on-one tutoring sessions from my professor or teacher’s
assistant (TA)
164 39%
Other (please specify) 2 0%
Q4.3: Which of the following types of academic support do you expect to receive from your higher
education institution? Select all that apply.
Sample Size = 422
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Access to free supplemental resources (e.g., video, audio books,
written materials, journal articles)
330 78%
Access to online learning resources 328 78%
One-on-one tutoring sessions from
an institutionally provided tutor
193 46%
Group tutoring sessions 184 44%
Writing workshops 176 42%
Other (please specify) 1 0%
CENTER FOR DIGITAL LEARNING APPENDIX • CANADA | 28
Q4.5: Why do you not feel supported by your higher education institution? Select all that apply.
Sample Size = 14
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Textbooks and course materials are too expensive 12 86%
Lack of communication from professors 10 71%
Lack of communication from institution 10 71%
Poor quality of instruction 9 64%
Not enough mental health resources 9 64%
Lack of post-graduation career support 8 57%
Instructors assign too much work 8 57%
No oering of personalized learning resources
to best t my learning style
8 57%
Student nancial aid oce is not helpful 7 50%
Lack of free online learning resources 6 43%
Lack of networking events 5 36%
Lack of academic support services
(e.g., tutoring, writing workshops, study groups)
4 29%
Class sizes are too large 4 29%
Instructors/TAs lack availability for oce hours 3 21%
Lack of career center resources 2 14%
Other (please specify) 0 0%
Q4.6: In general, how satised are you with the academic support you receive
from your higher education institution?
Sample Size = 422
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 206 49%
Completely satised 31 7%
Somewhat satised 175 41%
Neither satised nor dissatised 128 30%
Somewhat dissatised 71 17%
Completely dissatised 17 4%
Bottom 2 88 21%
Q4.7_1: How much do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements about your
experience at your higher education institution? - “I can trust my academic advisors”
Sample Size = 422
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 246 58%
Strongly agree 63 15%
Somewhat agree 183 43%
Neither agree nor disagree 106 25%
Somewhat disagree 46 11%
Strongly disagree 24 6%
Bottom 2 70 17%
CENTER FOR DIGITAL LEARNING APPENDIX • CANADA | 29
Q4.7_4: How much do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements about your
experience at your higher education institution? - “My institution gives me all the resources I need to
succeed and graduate”
Sample Size = 422
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 195 46%
Strongly agree 33 8%
Somewhat agree 162 38%
Neither agree nor disagree 132 31%
Somewhat disagree 70 17%
Strongly disagree 25 6%
Bottom 2 95 23%
Q4.7_6: How much do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements about your
experience at your higher education institution? - “I feel comfortable directing questions to my
institution when they arise (admissions process, student loans, etc.)”
Sample Size = 422
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 224 53%
Strongly agree 57 14%
Somewhat agree 167 40%
Neither agree nor disagree 90 21%
Somewhat disagree 76 18%
Strongly disagree 32 8%
Bottom 2 108 26%
Q4.7_7: How much do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements about your
experience at your higher education institution? - “My institution has invested in my academic
learning and development”
Sample Size = 422
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 209 50%
Strongly agree 48 11%
Somewhat agree 161 38%
Neither agree nor disagree 125 30%
Somewhat disagree 63 15%
Strongly disagree 25 6%
Bottom 2 88 21%
Q4.7_5: How much do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements about your
experience at your higher education institution? - “My institution has students’ best interests at heart”
Sample Size = 422
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 149 35%
Strongly agree 33 8%
Somewhat agree 116 27%
Neither agree nor disagree 137 32%
Somewhat disagree 95 23%
Strongly disagree 41 10%
Bottom 2 136 32%
CENTER FOR DIGITAL LEARNING APPENDIX • CANADA | 30
Q4.7_8: How much do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements about your experience
at your higher education institution? - “My institution has invested in my career development”
Sample Size = 422
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 152 36%
Strongly agree 29 7%
Somewhat agree 123 29%
Neither agree nor disagree 137 32%
Somewhat disagree 103 24%
Strongly disagree 30 7%
Bottom 2 133 32%
Q4.7_9: How much do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements about your
experience at your higher education institution? - “I can rely on resources such as a school writing
center/tutoring assistance to help me with classes”
Sample Size = 422
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 202 48%
Strongly agree 41 10%
Somewhat agree 161 38%
Neither agree nor disagree 131 31%
Somewhat disagree 65 15%
Strongly disagree 24 6%
Bottom 2 89 21%
Q4.7_10: How much do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements about your
experience at your higher education institution? - “I know where to go when I need additional
academic support”
Sample Size = 422
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 211 50%
Strongly agree 49 12%
Somewhat agree 162 38%
Neither agree nor disagree 92 22%
Somewhat disagree 85 20%
Strongly disagree 34 8%
Bottom 2 119 28%
Q4.8_1: How much do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements about your
classroom experience at your higher education institution? - “I can trust my instructors”
Sample Size = 422
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 269 64%
Strongly agree 75 18%
Somewhat agree 194 46%
Neither agree nor disagree 104 25%
Somewhat disagree 41 10%
Strongly disagree 8 2%
Bottom 2 49 12%
CENTER FOR DIGITAL LEARNING APPENDIX • CANADA | 31
Q4.8_9: How much do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements about your classroom
experience at your higher education institution? - “My instructors have students’ best interests at heart”
Sample Size = 422
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 247 59%
Strongly agree 59 14%
Somewhat agree 188 45%
Neither agree nor disagree 118 28%
Somewhat disagree 42 10%
Strongly disagree 15 4%
Bottom 2 57 14%
Q4.8_10: How much do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements about your
classroom experience at your higher education institution? - “My instructors/teaching assistants
answer emails in a timely manner”
Sample Size = 422
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 269 64%
Strongly agree 72 17%
Somewhat agree 197 47%
Neither agree nor disagree 86 20%
Somewhat disagree 44 10%
Strongly disagree 23 5%
Bottom 2 67 16%
Q4.8_11: How much do you agree or disagree with each of the following
statements about your classroom experience at your higher education institution?
- “I feel comfortable asking questions in class”
Sample Size = 422
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 189 45%
Strongly agree 52 12%
Somewhat agree 137 32%
Neither agree nor disagree 77 18%
Somewhat disagree 104 25%
Strongly disagree 52 12%
Bottom 2 156 37%
Q4.8_12: How much do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements about your
classroom experience at your higher education institution? - “I am motivated to do well because of
support from my instructors/advisors”
Sample Size = 422
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 187 44%
Strongly agree 42 10%
Somewhat agree 145 34%
Neither agree nor disagree 129 31%
Somewhat disagree 72 17%
Strongly disagree 34 8%
Bottom 2 106 25%
CENTER FOR DIGITAL LEARNING APPENDIX • CANADA | 32
Q4.8_13: How much do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements about
your classroom experience at your higher education institution? - “It is embarrassing when
I feel lost during a lesson in class”
Sample Size = 422
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 279 66%
Strongly agree 119 28%
Somewhat agree 160 38%
Neither agree nor disagree 70 17%
Somewhat disagree 54 13%
Strongly disagree 19 5%
Bottom 2 73 17%
Q4.8_14: How much do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements about your classroom
experience at your higher education institution? - “I feel anxious thinking about classes/schoolwork”
Sample Size = 422
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 313 74%
Strongly agree 165 39%
Somewhat agree 148 35%
Neither agree nor disagree 64 15%
Somewhat disagree 34 8%
Strongly disagree 11 3%
Bottom 2 45 11%
Q4.8_15: How much do you agree or disagree with each of the following
statements about your classroom experience at your higher education institution?
- “My instructors direct me towards additional academic supports”
Sample Size = 422
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 198 47%
Strongly agree 41 10%
Somewhat agree 157 37%
Neither agree nor disagree 141 33%
Somewhat disagree 68 16%
Strongly disagree 15 4%
Bottom 2 83 20%
CENTER FOR DIGITAL LEARNING APPENDIX • CANADA | 33
Q4.10_1: How important are the following institutionally provided resources to you as a higher
education student? - Learning tools (e.g., online paid resources such as scholarly articles/news
articles, access to online learning tools)
Sample Size = 422
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 311 74%
Extremely important 143 34%
Very important 168 40%
Moderately important 75 18%
Slightly important 31 7%
Not at all important 5 1%
Sample Size = 422
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 280 66%
Extremely important 130 31%
Very important 150 36%
Moderately important 104 25%
Slightly important 30 7%
Not at all important 8 2%
Q4.10_2: How important are the following institutionally provided resources to
you as a higher education student? - Remote/Online learning support
(e.g., learning strategies, assigned online study groups)
Q4.9: What, if anything, could your higher education institution do to make
students feel more supported? Select all that apply.
Sample Size = 422
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Use free or low-cost books and course materials 303 72%
Be responsive to questions via email 223 53%
Review sessions held outside of class before each exam 207 49%
Increase in communication from instructors 192 45%
Provide more personalized learning resources/instruction 190 45%
Advertise student support services 179 42%
Smaller class sizes 173 41%
Dedicated time in class for students to ask questions 165 39%
Oer dedicated study spaces for students to use 154 36%
Established study group for each course 149 35%
More oce hours/ability to speak with instructors or TAs 146 35%
Professors encourage students to ask questions in class 146 35%
Established tutor for each course 138 33%
Increase the cost of tuition and books 12 3%
There is nothing else my school can do
to increase support for students
5 1%
Other (please specify) 4 1%
CENTER FOR DIGITAL LEARNING APPENDIX • CANADA | 34
Q4.10_3: How important are the following institutionally provided resources to you as a higher
education student? - Career services
Sample Size = 422
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 319 76%
Extremely important 158 37%
Very important 161 38%
Moderately important 79 19%
Slightly important 20 5%
Not at all important 4 1%
Q4.10_4: How important are the following institutionally provided resources to you as a higher
education student? - Access to mental health services
Sample Size = 422
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 335 79%
Extremely important 215 51%
Very important 120 28%
Moderately important 60 14%
Slightly important 23 5%
Not at all important 4 1%
Q4.10_5: How important are the following institutionally provided resources to you as a higher
education student? - Technology (e.g., Google Drive, Dropbox)
Sample Size = 422
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 330 78%
Extremely important 166 39%
Very important 164 39%
Moderately important 63 15%
Slightly important 26 6%
Not at all important 3 1%
Q4.10_6: How important are the following institutionally provided resources to you as a higher
education student? - Access to resources (e.g., study space, computers, printers)
Sample Size = 422
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 341 81%
Extremely important 189 45%
Very important 152 36%
Moderately important 53 13%
Slightly important 21 5%
Not at all important 7 2%
CENTER FOR DIGITAL LEARNING APPENDIX • CANADA | 35
Q5.1: How often do you use resources online outside the classroom
(e.g., googling, tutoring, khan academy) to help with academic challenges?
Sample Size = 422
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
A few times per week 146 35%
Every day 134 32%
Once per week 51 12%
Once every 2 to 3 weeks 33 8%
Less often than once per month 30 7%
Once per month 20 5%
Never 8 2%
Q4.11: Which of the following resources, if any, do you receive from the higher
education institution you attend? Select all that apply.
Sample Size = 422
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Access to resources (e.g., study space, computers, printers) 287 68%
Technology (e.g., Google Drive, Dropbox) 274 65%
Learning tools (e.g., online paid resources such as scholarly
articles/news articles, access to online learning tools)
253 60%
Access to mental health services 229 54%
Career services 170 40%
Remote/Online learning support (e.g., learning strategies,
assigned online study groups)
157 37%
None 17 4%
Other (please specify) 1 0%
Q5.2: Which of the following explains why you do not use online resources
outside the classroom to help with academic challenges? Select all that apply.
Sample Size = 8
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
I do not know where to look for helpful resources outside of class 5 63%
I do not want to look up incorrect information 5 63%
I have good study habits 2 25%
I do not need to use extra resources to understand class material 1 13%
My classes are easy 1 13%
Outside resources are too expensive 1 13%
My textbooks are helpful 1 13%
I found unhelpful resources when I have looked in the past 1 13%
My professors explain things well 0 0%
It feels like cheating 0 0%
It is discouraged by my professors 0 0%
Other (please specify) 0 0%
CENTER FOR DIGITAL LEARNING APPENDIX • CANADA | 36
Q5.4: Which of the following resources from outside of your institution have you
used for help with academic challenges? Select all that apply.
Sample Size = 414
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
YouTube videos 316 76%
Googling information 315 76%
Explanations from a book/textbook found online 260 63%
Quizlet 219 53%
Forums for asking questions (e.g., Yahoo answers, Quora, etc.) 188 45%
Khan academy or other education-focused videos 176 43%
Social media groups for my school or class 164 40%
Social media groups for students in general 117 28%
Chegg 100 24%
Course Hero 93 22%
Wolfram Alpha 78 19%
Other (please specify) 3 1%
Q5.3: Which of the following resources from your institution have you used outside of
class for help with academic challenges? Select all that apply.
Sample Size = 414
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Going to my school library for books related to the dicult
material
167 40%
Information from the website of another higher education
institution
236 57%
Study group with classmates 210 51%
Student writing center 71 17%
Student tutoring center 58 14%
Other (please specify) 12 3%
Q5.5_1: How helpful are each of the following resources you have used outside of
class? - “Going to my school library for books related to the dicult material”
Sample Size = 167
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 70 42%
Extremely helpful 23 14%
Very helpful 47 28%
Moderately helpful 62 37%
Slightly helpful 20 12%
Not at all helpful 15 9%
Q5.5_2: How helpful are each of the following resources you have used outside of
class? - “Information from the website of another higher education institution”
Sample Size = 236
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 122 52%
Extremely helpful 36 15%
Very helpful 86 36%
Moderately helpful 80 34%
Slightly helpful 31 13%
Not at all helpful 3 1%
CENTER FOR DIGITAL LEARNING APPENDIX • CANADA | 37
Q5.5_3: How helpful are each of the following resources you have used outside of class?
- Student tutoring center
Sample Size = 58
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 23 40%
Extremely helpful 6 10%
Very helpful 17 29%
Moderately helpful 26 45%
Slightly helpful 7 12%
Not at all helpful 2 3%
Q5.5_4: How helpful are each of the following resources you have used outside of class?
- Student writing center
Sample Size = 71
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 34 48%
Extremely helpful 8 11%
Very helpful 26 37%
Moderately helpful 27 38%
Slightly helpful 9 13%
Not at all helpful 1 1%
Q5.5_5: How helpful are each of the following resources you have used outside of class?
- Study group with classmates
Sample Size = 210
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 132 63%
Extremely helpful 45 21%
Very helpful 87 41%
Moderately helpful 60 29%
Slightly helpful 17 8%
Not at all helpful 1 0%
Q5.5_6: How helpful are each of the following resources you have used outside of class?
- YouTube videos
Sample Size = 316
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 222 70%
Extremely helpful 89 28%
Very helpful 133 42%
Moderately helpful 76 24%
Slightly helpful 15 5%
Not at all helpful 3 1%
CENTER FOR DIGITAL LEARNING APPENDIX • CANADA | 38
Q5.5_7: How helpful are each of the following resources you have used outside of class?
- Khan academy or other education-focused videos
Sample Size = 176
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 119 68%
Extremely helpful 53 30%
Very helpful 66 38%
Moderately helpful 47 27%
Slightly helpful 10 6%
Not at all helpful 0 0%
Q5.5_8: How helpful are each of the following resources you have used outside of class?
- Googling information
Sample Size = 315
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 246 78%
Extremely helpful 118 37%
Very helpful 128 41%
Moderately helpful 54 17%
Slightly helpful 15 5%
Not at all helpful 0 0%
Q5.5_9: How helpful are each of the following resources you have used outside of class?
- Wolfram Alpha
Sample Size = 78
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 45 58%
Extremely helpful 13 17%
Very helpful 32 41%
Moderately helpful 23 29%
Slightly helpful 10 13%
Not at all helpful 0 0%
Q5.5_10: How helpful are each of the following resources you have used outside of class?
- Social media groups for my school or class
Sample Size = 164
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 98 60%
Extremely helpful 31 19%
Very helpful 67 41%
Moderately helpful 53 32%
Slightly helpful 13 8%
Not at all helpful 0 0%
CENTER FOR DIGITAL LEARNING APPENDIX • CANADA | 39
Q5.5_11: How helpful are each of the following resources you have used outside of class?
- Social media groups for students in general
Sample Size = 117
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 54 46%
Extremely helpful 21 18%
Very helpful 33 28%
Moderately helpful 50 43%
Slightly helpful 10 9%
Not at all helpful 3 3%
Q5.5_12: How helpful are each of the following resources you have used outside of class?
- Forums for asking questions (e.g., Yahoo answers, Quora, etc.)
Sample Size = 188
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 92 49%
Extremely helpful 27 14%
Very helpful 65 35%
Moderately helpful 64 34%
Slightly helpful 25 13%
Not at all helpful 7 4%
Q5.5_13: How helpful are each of the following resources you have used outside of class?
- Explanations from a book/textbook found online
Sample Size = 260
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 157 60%
Extremely helpful 50 19%
Very helpful 107 41%
Moderately helpful 82 32%
Slightly helpful 18 7%
Not at all helpful 3 1%
Q5.5_14: How helpful are each of the following resources you have used outside of class?
- Chegg
Sample Size = 100
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 59 59%
Extremely helpful 22 22%
Very helpful 37 37%
Moderately helpful 32 32%
Slightly helpful 8 8%
Not at all helpful 1 1%
CENTER FOR DIGITAL LEARNING APPENDIX • CANADA | 40
Q5.5_15: How helpful are each of the following resources you have used outside of class?
- Course Hero
Sample Size = 93
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 45 48%
Extremely helpful 15 16%
Very helpful 30 32%
Moderately helpful 30 32%
Slightly helpful 16 17%
Not at all helpful 2 2%
Q5.5_16: How helpful are each of the following resources you have used outside of class?
- Quizlet
Sample Size = 219
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 142 65%
Extremely helpful 53 24%
Very helpful 89 41%
Moderately helpful 49 22%
Slightly helpful 24 11%
Not at all helpful 4 2%
Q5.6: What factors typically motivate you to search for additional education resources beyond
the resources provided by your classes or instructors? Select up to three (3).
Sample Size = 414
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
I wanted to see a dierent explanation of an idea/concept 109 26%
Professors do not explain concepts clearly 108 26%
I feel like I need to teach myself the class material to keep up 105 25%
Confusing or unhelpful textbook 92 22%
I do not like to ask questions in class 87 21%
I feel pressured to achieve a certain level of academic success 81 20%
My grades have been lower than I want 76 18%
Courses are too fast paced 74 18%
The course is important for my major
(e.g., courses that relate directly to my eld of study)
73 18%
I asked the professor questions but still did not understand 66 16%
I feel so lost in class that I have fallen behind 66 16%
I am worried about being embarrassed in class
or group work for not understanding something
62 15%
The class subject is a weak area of mine 60 14%
I want to be competitive with my peers 29 7%
I feel like I don’t t in / belong 26 6%
I asked questions in class before and was embarrassed 16 4%
I feel disrespected by my professor/TA in class 16 4%
Other (please specify) 5 1%
CENTER FOR DIGITAL LEARNING APPENDIX • CANADA | 41
Q6.2: What is your gender identity?
Sample Size = 422
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Female 297 70%
Male 114 27%
Non-binary 8 2%
Not listed/Prefer to self-describe 2 0%
Prefer not to say 1 0%
Q6.3: Which of the following best describes your student status? - Selected Choice
Sample Size = 422
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Undergraduate student 297 70%
Master’s student 63 15%
Other degree/certicate program student (please specify) 27 6%
Professional school program student (e.g., Law, Medicine) 18 4%
PhD student 17 4%
Q6.4: Approximately how many students attend the institution you are currently enrolled at?
Sample Size = 422
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
I don’t know/Prefer not to respond 115 27%
25,000 or more students 108 26%
10,000 to 24,999 students 90 21%
1,000 to 4,999 students 47 11%
5,000 to 9,999 students 47 11%
Less than 1,000 students 15 4%
Q6.5: Which of the following subject areas best describes your major? - Selected Choice
Sample Size = 422
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Social Sciences (e.g., Psychology, Economics) 70 17%
Life Sciences (e.g., Biology, Chemistry) 57 14%
Nursing/Medicine/Kinesiology 45 11%
Business 39 9%
Other (please specify) 38 9%
Liberal Arts (e.g., History, Politics, English) 34 8%
Engineering 32 8%
Computer Science 26 6%
Education 23 5%
Performance arts (e.g., Art, Music) 13 3%
Math/Statistics 12 3%
Prefer not to say 10 2%
Natural Sciences (e.g., Physics, Astronomy) 9 2%
Law/Pre-Law 5 1%
Undecided 5 1%
Communications 4 1%
CENTER FOR DIGITAL LEARNING APPENDIX • CANADA | 42
Q6.6: Do any of your parents have a higher education degree?
Sample Size = 422
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Both of my parents have a degree 163 39%
Neither of my parents have a degree 120 28%
One of my parents has a degree 120 28%
Prefer not to say 19 5%
Q6.7: Do you currently utilize your school’s student accessibility services
or receive any academic accommodations?
Sample Size = 422
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
No 238 56%
Yes 125 30%
Don’t know/not sure 47 11%
Prefer not to say 12 3%
Q6.8a: What is your average annual household income?
Sample Size = 422
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
$0 to $24,999 84 20%
Prefer not to say 81 19%
$25,000 to $49,999 73 17%
$50,000 to $74,999 58 14%
$75,000 to $99,999 56 13%
$100,000 to $124,999 19 5%
$125,000 to $149,999 16 4%
$200,000+ 16 4%
$150,000 to $174,999 12 3%
$175,000 to $199,999 7 2%
Q6.9c: Which of the following best describes your race? Select all that apply.
Sample Size = 422
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
White or Caucasian 211 50%
Asian 143 34%
Other (please specify) 34 8%
Black 26 6%
Prefer not to say 13 3%
Hispanic 12 3%
Sample Size = 1001
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
18 to 24 583 58%
25 to 34 284 28%
35 to 44 93 9%
45 to 54 32 3%
55 to 64 7 1%
65 or older 2 0%
Age
CENTER FOR DIGITAL LEARNING
UNITED STATES
Q2.2: Which of the following best describes you? Select all that apply.
Sample Size = 1001
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Student 1001 100%
Employed part-time 175 17%
Employed full-time 56 6%
Unemployed 34 3%
Self-employed 31 3%
Stay-at-home parent/caregiver 31 3%
Unable to work 4 0%
Retired 0 0%
Q2.3: In which country do you currently reside?
Sample Size = 1001
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
United States 995 99%
Canada 4 0%
United Kingdom 2 0%
Q2.4: In which country are you currently a student?
Sample Size = 1001
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
United States 1001 100%
Canada 0 0
United States 0 0
Q2.5a: Which of the following best describes the type of education institution you currently attend?
Sample Size = 1001
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
4-year college or university 779 78%
2-year college, community college, or university 222 22%
APPENDIX • UNITED STATES | 43
CENTER FOR DIGITAL LEARNING
Q2.6: Which of the following best describes the type of
higher education institution you currently attend?
Sample Size = 1001
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Public 735 73%
Private, for prot 136 14%
Private, not for prot 130 13%
Q2.8: Are most of the courses you’re currently taking in-person or online? - Selected Choice
Sample Size = 1001
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Hybrid (e.g., in-person and online) 433 43%
Online only 271 27%
In-person only 291 29%
Other (please specify) 6 1%
Q2.7: Which of the following best describes your status as a student at the higher education
institution you are currently attend? - Selected Choice
Sample Size = 1001
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Full-time 882 88%
Part-time 116 12%
Other (please specify) 3 0%
Q2.5b: Which of the following best describes the type of education institution you currently attend?
Sample Size = 1001
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Higher education institution (undergraduate study) - -
Higher education institution (postgraduate study) - -
Sample Size = 1001
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
I prefer my courses to be delivered mostly in-person
with some online components
288 29%
I prefer my courses to be delivered fully in-person
234 23%
I prefer my courses to be delivered fully online
201 20%
I prefer my courses to be delivered equally in-person and online
159 16%
I prefer my courses to be delivered mostly online
with some in-person components
119 12%
Q2.9: Which format do you prefer for taking courses?
APPENDIX • UNITED STATES | 44
CENTER FOR DIGITAL LEARNING
Q3.1: Which of the following classroom challenges, if any, have you faced
as a student in higher education? Select all that apply.
Sample Size = 1001
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Instructors are boring/not engaging 474 47%
Exams/tests/quizzes include material we did not discuss in class 453 45%
Lack of communication about what is expected from instructors 395 39%
Work assigned outside of class is too much 386 39%
Poor quality of instruction 384 38%
Course is too fast paced 361 36%
Instructors do not oer study guides or similar assistance 335 33%
Course materials/textbooks don’t explain content clearly 326 33%
Courses are not organized in a logical manner 285 28%
Lack of academic support from instructors outside of classroom 259 26%
Large class sizes (> 50 students for almost all classes) 233 23%
Instructors who are not qualied to teach content area 162 16%
Lack of support from the class Teaching Assistant (TA) 159 16%
Instructors do not oer access to oce hours or time
outside of the classroom
114 11%
None of the above 60 6%
Other (please specify) 15 1%
Q3.2: Which of the following academic and institutional challenges have you faced
as a student in higher education? Select all that apply.
Sample Size = 1001
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
I don’t have enough time to study for all my classes 446 45%
Inconvenient class schedule 385 38%
Unclear guidelines on required classes 351 35%
Lack of career development support 241 24%
Lack of academic support from instructors outside of classroom 224 22%
Lack of space in required courses 215 21%
Balancing school with work 159 16%
Lack of available support from the institution
(e.g., writing workshops)
158 16%
Poor technology available for student use 148 15%
None of the above 95 9%
I do not have assistance I am used to from
an Individual Education Plan (IEP) or other extra support
92 9%
Other (please specify) 10 1%
APPENDIX • UNITED STATES | 45
CENTER FOR DIGITAL LEARNING
Q3.3: Which of the following nancial challenges have you faced as a student in higher education?
Select all that apply.
Sample Size = 1001
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Textbook/course materials are too expensive 558 56%
Diculty applying for non-institutional scholarships 369 37%
Diculty nding a work-study job 341 34%
Cannot aord to pay housing cost/rent 341 34%
Diculty applying for nancial support 324 32%
Cannot aord to pay for food 252 25%
Cannot aord online learning tools I need 231 23%
Cannot aord a tutor 185 18%
None of the above 121 12%
Other (please specify) 20 2%
Q3.4: Which of the following social/emotional challenges have you faced
as a student in higher education? Select up to 5.
Sample Size = 1001
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Not sleeping enough 672 67%
Not being able to practice healthy habits (e.g., exercise, eating
healthy)
560 56%
Trouble meeting new people/making friends 435 43%
Trouble accessing mental health support 303 30%
Trouble nding extracurriculars that interest me 277 28%
Faced the death of a family member/close contact 272 27%
Engaged in unhealthy behaviors (e.g., drinking excessively;
consuming drugs; hurting myself, other)
223 22%
Had to provide care for a family member 191 19%
I feel demeaned or disrespected by instructors 187 19%
Could not get temporary academic accommodation 104 10%
None of the above 34 3%
Other (please specify) 15 1%
Q3.5: What resources does your higher education institution provide you with to help cope with
stress resulting from the academic and non-academic challenges you face? Select all that apply.
Sample Size = 1001
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Access to nancial support or scholarship funding 487 49%
Fun student activities (e.g., concerts, painting classes) 465 46%
One-on-one mental health counseling 444 44%
Free academic tutoring 444 44%
Free exercise opportunities (e.g., yoga, gym membership) 427 43%
Free giveaways (e.g., free food) 376 38%
Group counseling/peer support groups 326 33%
Guided mediation 143 14%
None of the above 69 7%
Other (please specify) 7 1%
APPENDIX • UNITED STATES | 46
CENTER FOR DIGITAL LEARNING
Q3.6: What resources do you wish your higher education institution provided you with to help cope
with stress resulting from the academic and non-academic challenges you face? Select all that apply.
Sample Size = 969
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Free giveaways (e.g., free food) 311 32%
Access to nancial support or scholarship funding 281 29%
Free exercise opportunities (e.g., yoga, gym membership) 271 28%
One-on-one mental health counseling 252 26%
Fun student activities (e.g., concerts, painting classes) 243 25%
Free academic tutoring 215 22%
Guided mediation 206 21%
Group counseling/peer support groups 201 21%
I have all the resources I need 140 14%
Other (please specify) 29 3%
Other (please specify) 0 0%
None of the above 0 0%
Q3.8: Who, if anyone, do you reach out to in order to help overcome
the non-academic challenges you face? Select all that apply.
Sample Size = 1001
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Family 645 64%
Peers (e.g., classmates, friends, etc.) 593 59%
Outside therapist (not employed by
the higher education institution)
235 23%
Social media 233 23%
Professor/Instructor 144 14%
Student advisor 129 13%
In-school counselor (employed by the higher education institution) 126 13%
Virtual mental health services (e.g., BetterHelp) 96 10%
None of the above 62 6%
Other (please specify) 14 1%
Q3.7: What resources do you use to help overcome the academic challenges you face?
Select all that apply.
Sample Size = 1001
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Peers (e.g., classmates, friends, etc.) 619 62%
Professor/Instructor 466 47%
Online support resources 430 43%
Social media 314 31%
Student advisor 299 30%
Tutor (e.g., personal tutor, supervisor, academic coach) 206 21%
Teaching Assistant (i.e., TAs) 183 18%
None of the above 55 5%
Other (please specify) 17 2%
APPENDIX • UNITED STATES | 47
CENTER FOR DIGITAL LEARNING APPENDIX • UNITED STATES | 48
Q3.9: How much do you agree or disagree with the following statement?
“I feel motivated to complete my degree at my higher education institute.”
Sample Size = 1001
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 780 78%
Strongly agree 455 45%
Somewhat agree 325 32%
Neither agree nor disagree 71 7%
Somewhat disagree 80 8%
Strongly disagree 70 7%
Bottom 2 150 15%
Q3.11: Have you ever done any of the following because of challenges you’ve faced in higher
education? Select all that apply.
Sample Size = 1001
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Had to get a part-time job 420 42%
Considered dropping out completely 352 35%
Take out additional student loans 349 35%
Dropped or withdrew from classes after the add/drop deadline 335 33%
Took fewer credits 331 33%
Took a year or semester o 292 29%
Delayed signing up for classes 268 27%
Transferred schools 214 21%
None of the above 106 11%
Other (please specify) 7 1%
Q3.10: What motivates you to complete your higher education degree? Select all that apply.
Sample Size = 780
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
To acquire the skills and knowledge to get a job/career 562 72%
For the satisfaction of accomplishing this goal 504 65%
To show myself that I can succeed in my studies 483 62%
In order to obtain a more prestigious job later on 482 62%
To make my parents/family proud 444 57%
Getting good grades 331 42%
So I can pursue a masters or doctorate degree in the future 321 41%
The enjoyment I get from my courses/program 276 35%
I want to get my education over with as soon as possible 254 33%
So I can graduate with my friends/peers 162 21%
Other (please specify) 9 1%
I don’t know 2 0%
CENTER FOR DIGITAL LEARNING
Q3.12_1: How interested would you be in the following if oered by higher education institutions? -
“The ability to pause my degree over an extended period of time (e.g., years) and resume where I left
o as opposed to completing the full degree at once”
Sample Size = 1001
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 352 35%
Extremely interested 175 17%
Very interested 177 18%
Moderately interested 238 24%
Slightly interested 203 20%
Not at all interested 208 21%
Q3.12_2: How interested would you be in the following if oered by higher education institutions? -
“The ability to pause my degree over an extended period of time (e.g., years) and resume where I left
o at a dierent university”
Sample Size = 1001
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 325 32%
Extremely interested 169 17%
Very interested 156 16%
Moderately interested 243 24%
Slightly interested 201 20%
Not at all interested 232 23%
Q4.1_1: How much do you agree or disagree with the following statements? - “I expect colleges/
universities to oer multiple forms of academic support outside of class to their students”
Sample Size = 1001
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 839 84%
Strongly agree 565 56%
Somewhat agree 274 27%
Neither agree nor disagree 100 10%
Somewhat disagree 36 4%
Strongly disagree 26 3%
Bottom 2 62 6%
Q4.1_2: How much do you agree or disagree with the following statements? - “I expect colleges/
universities to oer multiple forms of career support to their students”
Sample Size = 1001
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 848 85%
Strongly agree 555 55%
Somewhat agree 293 29%
Neither agree nor disagree 98 10%
Somewhat disagree 28 3%
Strongly disagree 27 3%
Bottom 2 55 5%
APPENDIX • UNITED STATES | 49
CENTER FOR DIGITAL LEARNING
Q4.4: Overall, how supported do you feel by your higher education institution?
Sample Size = 1001
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 415 41%
Extremely supported 118 12%
Very supported 297 30%
Moderately supported 415 41%
Slightly supported 133 13%
Not at all supported 38 4%
Q4.2: Which of the following types of academic support do you expect to receive from instructors at
your higher education institution? Select all that apply.
Sample Size = 1001
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Study guides 721 72%
Flexible oce hours from my professor or teacher’s assistant (TA) 668 67%
Customized resources to help me learn how I learn best (e.g.,
video, audio books, written materials)
613 61%
Study groups 485 48%
One-on-one tutoring sessions from my professor or teacher’s
assistant (TA)
441 44%
Other (please specify) 10 1%
Q4.3: Which of the following types of academic support do you expect to receive from your higher
education institution? Select all that apply.
Sample Size = 1001
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Access to free supplemental resources
(e.g., video, audio books, written materials, journal articles)
763 76%
Access to online learning resources 758 76%
One-on-one tutoring sessions
from an institutionally provided tutor
546 55%
Group tutoring sessions 432 43%
Writing workshops 423 42%
Other (please specify) 3 0%
APPENDIX • UNITED STATES | 50
CENTER FOR DIGITAL LEARNING
Q4.5: Why do you not feel supported by your higher education institution? Select all that apply.
Sample Size = 38
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Lack of communication from institution 24 63%
Student nancial aid oce is not helpful 24 63%
Lack of academic support services
(e.g., tutoring, writing workshops, study groups)
22 58%
Textbooks and course materials are too expensive 22 58%
Poor quality of instruction 21 55%
Lack of communication from professors 21 55%
Not enough mental health resources 21 55%
Instructors assign too much work 20 53%
No oering of personalized learning resources
to best t my learning style
20 53%
Lack of free online learning resources 16 42%
Lack of career center resources 12 32%
Lack of post-graduation career support 12 32%
Lack of networking events 11 29%
Instructors/TAs lack availability for oce hours 8 21%
Class sizes are too large 6 16%
Other (please specify) 2 5%
Q4.6: In general, how satised are you with the academic support you receive
from your higher education institution?
Sample Size = 1001
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 647 65%
Completely satised 160 16%
Somewhat satised 487 49%
Neither satised nor dissatised 201 20%
Somewhat dissatised 119 12%
Completely dissatised 34 3%
Bottom 2 153 15%
Q4.7_1: How much do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements about your
experience at your higher education institution? - “I can trust my academic advisors”
Sample Size = 1001
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 667 67%
Strongly agree 287 29%
Somewhat agree 380 38%
Neither agree nor disagree 187 19%
Somewhat disagree 94 9%
Strongly disagree 53 5%
Bottom 2 147 15%
APPENDIX • UNITED STATES | 51
CENTER FOR DIGITAL LEARNING
Q4.7_4:How much do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements about your
experience at your higher education institution? - “My institution gives me all the resources I need to
succeed and graduate”
Sample Size = 1001
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 600 60%
Strongly agree 207 21%
Somewhat agree 393 39%
Neither agree nor disagree 208 21%
Somewhat disagree 143 14%
Strongly disagree 50 5%
Bottom 2 193 19%
Q4.7_6: How much do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements about your
experience at your higher education institution? - “I feel comfortable directing questions to my
institution when they arise (admissions process, student loans, etc.)”
Sample Size = 1001
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 588 59%
Strongly agree 245 24%
Somewhat agree 343 34%
Neither agree nor disagree 187 19%
Somewhat disagree 163 16%
Strongly disagree 63 6%
Bottom 2 226 23%
Q4.7_7: How much do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements about your
experience at your higher education institution? - “My institution has invested in my academic
learning and development”
Sample Size = 1001
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 598 60%
Strongly agree 196 20%
Somewhat agree 402 40%
Neither agree nor disagree 237 24%
Somewhat disagree 122 12%
Strongly disagree 44 4%
Bottom 2 166 17%
Q4.7_5: How much do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements about your
experience at your higher education institution? - “My institution has students’ best interests at heart”
Sample Size = 1001
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 573 57%
Strongly agree 188 19%
Somewhat agree 385 38%
Neither agree nor disagree 237 24%
Somewhat disagree 136 14%
Strongly disagree 55 5%
Bottom 2 191 19%
APPENDIX • UNITED STATES | 52
CENTER FOR DIGITAL LEARNING
Q4.7_8: How much do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements about your experience
at your higher education institution? - “My institution has invested in my career development”
Sample Size = 1001
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 509 51%
Strongly agree 172 17%
Somewhat agree 337 34%
Neither agree nor disagree 267 27%
Somewhat disagree 155 15%
Strongly disagree 70 7%
Bottom 2 225 22%
Q4.7_9: How much do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements about your
experience at your higher education institution? - “I can rely on resources such as a school writing
center/tutoring assistance to help me with classes”
Sample Size = 1001
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 560 56%
Strongly agree 210 21%
Somewhat agree 350 35%
Neither agree nor disagree 252 25%
Somewhat disagree 122 12%
Strongly disagree 67 7%
Bottom 2 189 19%
Q4.7_10: How much do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements about your
experience at your higher education institution? - “I know where to go when I need additional
academic support”
Sample Size = 1001
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 634 63%
Strongly agree 259 26%
Somewhat agree 375 37%
Neither agree nor disagree 178 18%
Somewhat disagree 149 15%
Strongly disagree 40 4%
Bottom 2 189 19%
Q4.8_1: How much do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements about your
classroom experience at your higher education institution? - “I can trust my instructors”
Sample Size = 1001
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 700 70%
Strongly agree 258 26%
Somewhat agree 442 44%
Neither agree nor disagree 199 20%
Somewhat disagree 79 8%
Strongly disagree 23 2%
Bottom 2 102 10%
APPENDIX • UNITED STATES | 53
CENTER FOR DIGITAL LEARNING
Q4.8_9: How much do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements about your classroom
experience at your higher education institution? - “My instructors have students’ best interests at heart”
Sample Size = 1001
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 659 66%
Strongly agree 253 25%
Somewhat agree 406 41%
Neither agree nor disagree 221 22%
Somewhat disagree 88 9%
Strongly disagree 33 3%
Bottom 2 121 12%
Q4.8_10: How much do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements about your
classroom experience at your higher education institution? - “My instructors/teaching assistants
answer emails in a timely manner”
Sample Size = 1001
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 619 62%
Strongly agree 226 23%
Somewhat agree 393 39%
Neither agree nor disagree 203 20%
Somewhat disagree 130 13%
Strongly disagree 49 5%
Bottom 2 179 18%
Q4.8_11: How much do you agree or disagree with each of the following
statements about your classroom experience at your higher education institution?
- “I feel comfortable asking questions in class”
Sample Size = 1001
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 565 56%
Strongly agree 228 23%
Somewhat agree 337 34%
Neither agree nor disagree 181 18%
Somewhat disagree 170 17%
Strongly disagree 85 8%
Bottom 2 255 25%
Q4.8_12: How much do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements about your
classroom experience at your higher education institution? - “I am motivated to do well because of
support from my instructors/advisors”
Sample Size = 1001
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 610 61%
Strongly agree 209 21%
Somewhat agree 401 40%
Neither agree nor disagree 221 22%
Somewhat disagree 119 12%
Strongly disagree 51 5%
Bottom 2 170 17%
APPENDIX • UNITED STATES | 54
CENTER FOR DIGITAL LEARNING
Q4.8_13: How much do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements about
your classroom experience at your higher education institution? - “It is embarrassing when
I feel lost during a lesson in class”
Sample Size = 1001
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 662 66%
Strongly agree 299 30%
Somewhat agree 363 36%
Neither agree nor disagree 158 16%
Somewhat disagree 132 13%
Strongly disagree 49 5%
Bottom 2 181 18%
Q4.8_14: How much do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements about your classroom
experience at your higher education institution? - “I feel anxious thinking about classes/schoolwork”
Sample Size = 1001
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 754 75%
Strongly agree 387 39%
Somewhat agree 367 37%
Neither agree nor disagree 138 14%
Somewhat disagree 78 8%
Strongly disagree 31 3%
Bottom 2 109 11%
Q4.8_15: How much do you agree or disagree with each of the following
statements about your classroom experience at your higher education institution?
- “My instructors direct me towards additional academic supports”
Sample Size = 1001
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 593 59%
Strongly agree 204 20%
Somewhat agree 389 39%
Neither agree nor disagree 234 23%
Somewhat disagree 132 13%
Strongly disagree 42 4%
Bottom 2 174 17%
APPENDIX • UNITED STATES | 55
CENTER FOR DIGITAL LEARNING
Q4.10_1: How important are the following institutionally provided resources to you as a higher
education student? - Learning tools (e.g., online paid resources such as scholarly articles/news
articles, access to online learning tools)
Sample Size = 1001
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 734 73%
Extremely important 381 38%
Very important 353 35%
Moderately important 181 18%
Slightly important 72 7%
Not at all important 14 1%
Sample Size = 1001
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 665 66%
Extremely important 335 33%
Very important 330 33%
Moderately important 233 23%
Slightly important 79 8%
Not at all important 24 2%
Q4.10_2: How important are the following institutionally provided resources to
you as a higher education student? - Remote/Online learning support
(e.g., learning strategies, assigned online study groups)
Q4.9: What, if anything, could your higher education institution do to make
students feel more supported? Select all that apply.
Sample Size = 1001
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Use free or low-cost books and course materials 656 66%
Be responsive to questions via email 504 50%
Review sessions held outside of class before each exam 461 46%
Provide more personalized learning resources/instruction 444 44%
Increase in communication from instructors 437 44%
Dedicated time in class for students to ask questions 394 39%
Advertise student support services 386 39%
Professors encourage students to ask questions in class 376 38%
Smaller class sizes 374 37%
Established study group for each course 341 34%
Established tutor for each course 333 33%
Oer dedicated study spaces for students to use 326 33%
More oce hours/ability to speak with instructors or TAs 324 32%
Increase the cost of tuition and books 46 5%
There is nothing else my school can do
to increase support for students
37 4%
Other (please specify) 13 1%
APPENDIX • UNITED STATES | 56
CENTER FOR DIGITAL LEARNING
Q4.10_3: How important are the following institutionally provided resources to you as a higher
education student? - Career services
Sample Size = 1001
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 753 75%
Extremely important 394 39%
Very important 359 36%
Moderately important 185 18%
Slightly important 53 5%
Not at all important 10 1%
Q4.10_4: How important are the following institutionally provided resources to you as a higher
education student? - Access to mental health services
Sample Size = 1001
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 752 75%
Extremely important 458 46%
Very important 294 29%
Moderately important 179 18%
Slightly important 50 5%
Not at all important 20 2%
Q4.10_5: How important are the following institutionally provided resources to you as a higher
education student? - Technology (e.g., Google Drive, Dropbox)
Sample Size = 1001
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 770 77%
Extremely important 412 41%
Very important 358 36%
Moderately important 167 17%
Slightly important 46 5%
Not at all important 18 2%
Q4.10_6: How important are the following institutionally provided resources to you as a higher
education student? - Access to resources (e.g., study space, computers, printers)
Sample Size = 1001
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 805 80%
Extremely important 458 46%
Very important 347 35%
Moderately important 148 15%
Slightly important 33 3%
Not at all important 15 1%
APPENDIX • UNITED STATES | 57
CENTER FOR DIGITAL LEARNINGCENTER FOR DIGITAL LEARNING
Q5.1: How often do you use resources online outside the classroom
(e.g., googling, tutoring, khan academy) to help with academic challenges?
Sample Size = 1001
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Every day 258 26%
A few times per week 378 38%
Once per week 114 11%
Once every 2 to 3 weeks 114 11%
Less often than once per month 56 6%
Once per month 55 5%
Never 26 3%
Q4.11: Which of the following resources, if any, do you receive from the higher
education institution you attend? Select all that apply.
Sample Size = 1001
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Access to resources (e.g., study space, computers, printers) 655 65%
Technology (e.g., Google Drive, Dropbox) 624 62%
Learning tools (e.g., online paid resources such as scholarly
articles/news articles, access to online learning tools)
607 61%
Access to mental health services 468 47%
Career services 450 45%
Remote/Online learning support (e.g., learning strategies,
assigned online study groups)
441 44%
None 41 4%
Other (please specify) 1 0%
Q5.2: Which of the following explains why you do not use online resources
outside the classroom to help with academic challenges? Select all that apply.
Sample Size = 26
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
I do not need to use extra resources to understand class material 9 35%
Outside resources are too expensive 8 31%
I do not know where to look for helpful resources outside of class 5 19%
It feels like cheating 5 19%
It is discouraged by my professors 4 15%
My textbooks are helpful 3 12%
I do not want to look up incorrect information 3 12%
I have good study habits 3 12%
Other (please specify) 3 12%
My professors explain things well 2 8%
I found unhelpful resources when I have looked in the past 2 8%
My classes are easy 1 4%
APPENDIX • UNITED STATES | 58
CENTER FOR DIGITAL LEARNING
Q5.4: Which of the following resources from outside of your institution have you
used for help with academic challenges? Select all that apply.
Sample Size = 975
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Quizlet 689 71%
Googling information 672 69%
YouTube videos 670 69%
Explanations from a book/textbook found online 509 52%
Chegg 417 43%
Forums for asking questions (e.g., Yahoo answers, Quora, etc.) 390 40%
Khan academy or other education-focused videos 388 40%
Course Hero 300 31%
Social media groups for my school or class 244 25%
Social media groups for students in general 196 20%
Wolfram Alpha 94 10%
Other (please specify) 6 1%
Q5.3: Which of the following resources from your institution have you used outside of
class for help with academic challenges? Select all that apply.
Sample Size = 975
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Information from the website of another
higher education institution
550 56%
Study group with classmates 476 49%
Going to my school library for books related to the dicult
material
378 39%
Student tutoring center 260 27%
Student writing center 259 27%
Other (please specify) 21 2%
Q5.5_1: How helpful are each of the following resources you have used outside of
class? - “Going to my school library for books related to the dicult material”
Sample Size = 378
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 166 44%
Extremely helpful 61 16%
Very helpful 105 28%
Moderately helpful 143 38%
Slightly helpful 60 16%
Not at all helpful 9 2%
Q5.5_2: How helpful are each of the following resources you have used outside of
class? - “Information from the website of another higher education institution”
Sample Size = 550
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 291 53%
Extremely helpful 104 19%
Very helpful 187 34%
Moderately helpful 190 35%
Slightly helpful 59 11%
Not at all helpful 10 2%
APPENDIX • UNITED STATES | 59
CENTER FOR DIGITAL LEARNING
Q5.5_3: How helpful are each of the following resources you have used outside of class?
- Student tutoring center
Sample Size = 260
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 149 57%
Extremely helpful 58 22%
Very helpful 91 35%
Moderately helpful 79 30%
Slightly helpful 29 11%
Not at all helpful 3 1%
Q5.5_4: How helpful are each of the following resources you have used outside of class?
- Student writing center
Sample Size = 259
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 148 57%
Extremely helpful 72 28%
Very helpful 76 29%
Moderately helpful 74 29%
Slightly helpful 30 12%
Not at all helpful 7 3%
Q5.5_5: How helpful are each of the following resources you have used outside of class?
- Study group with classmates
Sample Size = 476
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 310 65%
Extremely helpful 134 28%
Very helpful 176 37%
Moderately helpful 119 25%
Slightly helpful 39 8%
Not at all helpful 8 2%
Q5.5_6: How helpful are each of the following resources you have used outside of class?
- YouTube videos
Sample Size = 670
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 470 70%
Extremely helpful 203 30%
Very helpful 267 40%
Moderately helpful 156 23%
Slightly helpful 44 7%
Not at all helpful 0 0%
APPENDIX • UNITED STATES | 60
CENTER FOR DIGITAL LEARNING
Q5.5_7: How helpful are each of the following resources you have used outside of class?
- Khan academy or other education-focused videos
Sample Size = 388
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 254 65%
Extremely helpful 107 28%
Very helpful 147 38%
Moderately helpful 103 27%
Slightly helpful 28 7%
Not at all helpful 3 1%
Q5.5_8: How helpful are each of the following resources you have used outside of class?
- Googling information
Sample Size = 672
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 487 72%
Extremely helpful 243 36%
Very helpful 244 36%
Moderately helpful 158 24%
Slightly helpful 25 4%
Not at all helpful 2 0%
Q5.5_9: How helpful are each of the following resources you have used outside of class?
- Wolfram Alpha
Sample Size = 94
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 52 55%
Extremely helpful 19 20%
Very helpful 33 35%
Moderately helpful 30 32%
Slightly helpful 8 9%
Not at all helpful 4 4%
Q5.5_10: How helpful are each of the following resources you have used outside of class?
- Social media groups for my school or class
Sample Size = 244
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 108 44%
Extremely helpful 47 19%
Very helpful 61 25%
Moderately helpful 89 36%
Slightly helpful 43 18%
Not at all helpful 4 2%
APPENDIX • UNITED STATES | 61
CENTER FOR DIGITAL LEARNING
Q5.5_11: How helpful are each of the following resources you have used outside of class?
- Social media groups for students in general
Sample Size = 196
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 78 40%
Extremely helpful 29 15%
Very helpful 49 25%
Moderately helpful 81 41%
Slightly helpful 26 13%
Not at all helpful 11 6%
Q5.5_12: How helpful are each of the following resources you have used outside of class?
- Forums for asking questions (e.g., Yahoo answers, Quora, etc.)
Sample Size = 390
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 166 43%
Extremely helpful 63 16%
Very helpful 103 26%
Moderately helpful 153 39%
Slightly helpful 63 16%
Not at all helpful 8 2%
Q5.5_13: How helpful are each of the following resources you have used outside of class?
- Explanations from a book/textbook found online
Sample Size = 509
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 298 59%
Extremely helpful 127 25%
Very helpful 171 34%
Moderately helpful 159 31%
Slightly helpful 44 9%
Not at all helpful 8 2%
Q5.5_14: How helpful are each of the following resources you have used outside of class?
- Chegg
Sample Size = 417
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 260 62%
Extremely helpful 128 31%
Very helpful 132 32%
Moderately helpful 108 26%
Slightly helpful 41 10%
Not at all helpful 8 2%
APPENDIX • UNITED STATES | 62
CENTER FOR DIGITAL LEARNING
Q5.5_15: How helpful are each of the following resources you have used outside of class?
- Course Hero
Sample Size = 300
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 149 50%
Extremely helpful 62 21%
Very helpful 87 29%
Moderately helpful 94 31%
Slightly helpful 48 16%
Not at all helpful 9 3%
Q5.5_16: How helpful are each of the following resources you have used outside of class?
- Quizlet
Sample Size = 689
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 519 75%
Extremely helpful 301 44%
Very helpful 218 32%
Moderately helpful 134 19%
Slightly helpful 34 5%
Not at all helpful 2 0%
Q5.6: What factors typically motivate you to search for additional education resources beyond
the resources provided by your classes or instructors? Select up to three (3).
Sample Size = 975
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
The course is important for my major
(e.g., courses that relate directly to my eld of study)
271 28%
I wanted to see a dierent explanation of an idea/concept 255 26%
I feel like I need to teach myself the class material to keep up 234 24%
Confusing or unhelpful textbook 197 20%
Professors do not explain concepts clearly 189 19%
I feel pressured to achieve a certain level of academic success 186 19%
I do not like to ask questions in class 184 19%
My grades have been lower than I want 153 16%
I am worried about being embarrassed in class or group work for
not understanding something
151 15%
I asked the professor questions but still did not understand 151 15%
I feel so lost in class that I have fallen behind 142 15%
The class subject is a weak area of mine 141 14%
Courses are too fast paced 127 13%
I want to be competitive with my peers 87 9%
I feel like I don’t t in / belong 68 7%
I asked questions in class before and was embarrassed 61 6%
I feel disrespected by my professor/TA in class 45 5%
Other (please specify) 5 1%
APPENDIX • UNITED STATES | 63
CENTER FOR DIGITAL LEARNING
Q6.2: What is your gender identity?
Sample Size = 1001
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Female 802 80%
Male 171 17%
Non-binary 21 2%
Prefer not to say 6 1%
Not listed/Prefer to self-describe 1 0%
Q6.3: Which of the following best describes your student status? - Selected Choice
Sample Size = 1001
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Undergraduate student 665 66%
Master’s student 174 17%
Professional school program student (e.g., Law, Medicine) 67 7%
PhD student 56 6%
Other degree/certicate program student (please specify) 39 4%
Q6.4: Approximately how many students attend the institution you are currently enrolled at?
Sample Size = 1001
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
I don’t know/Prefer not to respond 194 19%
10,000 to 24,999 students 187 19%
25,000 or more students 186 19%
1,000 to 4,999 students 183 18%
5,000 to 9,999 students 181 18%
Less than 1,000 students 70 7%
Q6.5: Which of the following subject areas best describes your major? - Selected Choice
Sample Size = 1001
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Nursing/Medicine/Kinesiology 173 17%
Social Sciences (e.g., Psychology, Economics) 146 15%
Other (please specify) 110 11%
Business 109 11%
Life Sciences (e.g., Biology, Chemistry) 80 8%
Education 68 7%
Computer Science 61 6%
Liberal Arts (e.g., History, Politics, English) 53 5%
Engineering 43 4%
Performance arts (e.g., Art, Music) 37 4%
Law/Pre-Law 34 3%
Communications 23 2%
Natural Sciences (e.g., Physics, Astronomy) 23 2%
Undecided 18 2%
Math/Statistics 14 1%
Prefer not to say 9 1%
APPENDIX • UNITED STATES | 64
CENTER FOR DIGITAL LEARNING
Q6.6: Do any of your parents have a higher education degree?
Sample Size = 1001
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Neither of my parents have a degree 377 38%
Both of my parents have a degree 317 32%
One of my parents has a degree 283 28%
Prefer not to say 24 2%
Q6.7: Do you currently utilize your school’s student accessibility services
or receive any academic accommodations?
Sample Size = 1001
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
No 542 54%
Yes 332 33%
Don’t know/not sure 114 11%
Prefer not to say 13 1%
Q6.8a: What is your average annual household income?
Sample Size = 1001
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
$0 to $24,999 288 29%
$25,000 to $49,999 248 25%
$50,000 to $74,999 157 16%
$75,000 to $99,999 128 13%
$100,000 to $124,999 49 5%
Prefer not to say 46 5%
$200,000+ 30 3%
$125,000 to $149,999 23 2%
$150,000 to $174,999 18 2%
$175,000 to $199,999 14 1%
Q6.9a: Which of the following best describes your race? Select all that apply.
Sample Size = 1001
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
White or Caucasian 606 61%
Black or African American 179 18%
Hispanic 171 17%
Asian 115 11%
American Indian or Alaska Native 32 3%
Prefer not to say 12 1%
Other (please specify) 11 1%
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacic Islander 4 0%
APPENDIX • UNITED STATES | 65
Sample Size = 621
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
18 to 24 409 66%
25 to 34 158 25%
35 to 44 35 6%
45 to 54 17 3%
55 to 64 2 0%
65 or older 0 0%
Age
CENTER FOR DIGITAL LEARNING
UNITED KINGDOM
Q2.2: Which of the following best describes you? Select all that apply.
Sample Size = 621
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Student 621 100%
Employed part-time 75 12%
Self-employed 14 2%
Employed full-time 11 2%
Unemployed 5 1%
Stay-at-home parent/caregiver 3 0%
Unable to work 3 0%
Retired 1 0%
Q2.3: In which country do you currently reside?
Sample Size = 621
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
United Kingdom 618 100%
United States 3 0%
Canada 0 0%
Q2.4: In which country are you currently a student?
Sample Size = 621
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
United Kingdom 621 100%
Canada 0 0%
United States 0 0%
Q2.5a: Which of the following best describes the type of education institution you currently attend?
Sample Size = -
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
4-year college or university - -
2-year college, community college, or university - -
APPENDIX • UNITED KINGDOM | 66
CENTER FOR DIGITAL LEARNING
Q2.6: Which of the following best describes the type of
higher education institution you currently attend?
Sample Size = -
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Public - -
Private, for prot - -
Private, not for prot - -
Q2.8: Are most of the courses you’re currently taking in-person or online? - Selected Choice
Sample Size = 621
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Hybrid (e.g., in-person and online) 384 62%
In-person only 197 32%
Online only 38 6%
Other (please specify) 2 0%
Q2.7: Which of the following best describes your status as a student at the higher education
institution you are currently attend? - Selected Choice
Sample Size = 621
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Full-time 577 93%
Part-time 43 7%
Other (please specify) 1 0%
Q2.5b: Which of the following best describes the type of education institution you currently attend?
Sample Size = 621
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Higher education institution (undergraduate study) 408 66%
Higher education institution (postgraduate study) 213 34%
Sample Size = 621
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
I prefer my courses to be delivered fully in-person
208 33%
I prefer my courses to be delivered mostly in-person
with some online components
205 33%
I prefer my courses to be delivered equally in-person and online
103 17%
I prefer my courses to be delivered mostly online
with some in-person components
66 11%
I prefer my courses to be delivered fully online
39 6%
Q2.9: Which format do you prefer for taking courses?
APPENDIX • UNITED KINGDOM | 67
CENTER FOR DIGITAL LEARNING
Q3.1: Which of the following classroom challenges, if any, have you faced
as a student in higher education? Select all that apply.
Sample Size = 621
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Instructors are boring/not engaging 273 44%
Lack of communication about what is expected from instructors 246 40%
Work assigned outside of class is too much 191 31%
Course is too fast paced 190 31%
Poor quality of instruction 186 30%
Lack of academic support from instructors outside of classroom 184 30%
Courses are not organized in a logical manner 174 28%
Exams/tests/quizzes include material we did not discuss in class 164 26%
Course materials/textbooks don’t explain content clearly 158 25%
Large class sizes (> 50 students for almost all classes) 153 25%
Instructors do not oer study guides or similar assistance 118 19%
Instructors do not oer access to oce hours or time outside of
the classroom
75 12%
Lack of support from the class Teaching Assistant (TA) 74 12%
Instructors who are not qualied to teach content area
62 10%
None of the above 45 7%
Other (please specify) 12 2%
Q3.2: Which of the following academic and institutional challenges have you faced
as a student in higher education? Select all that apply.
Sample Size = 621
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
I don’t have enough time to study for all my classes 230 37%
Inconvenient class schedule 191 31%
Unclear guidelines on required classes 180 29%
Lack of academic support from instructors outside of classroom 164 26%
Lack of career development support 153 25%
Lack of available support from the institution (e.g., writing
workshops)
132 21%
Poor technology available for student use 77 12%
None of the above 69 11%
Lack of space in required courses 66 11%
Balancing school with work 64 10%
I do not have assistance I am used to from an Individual Education
Plan (IEP) or other extra support
63 10%
Other (please specify) 3 0%
APPENDIX • UNITED KINGDOM | 68
CENTER FOR DIGITAL LEARNING
Q3.3: Which of the following nancial challenges have you faced as a student in higher education?
Select all that apply.
Sample Size = 621
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Diculty nding a work-study job 329 53%
Textbook/course materials are too expensive 241 39%
Cannot aord to pay housing cost/rent 209 34%
Cannot aord to pay for food 176 28%
Diculty applying for nancial support 172 28%
Diculty applying for non-institutional scholarships 94 15%
None of the above 90 14%
Cannot aord a tutor 87 14%
Cannot aord online learning tools I need 76 12%
Other (please specify) 8 1%
Q3.4: Which of the following social/emotional challenges have you faced
as a student in higher education? Select up to 5.
Sample Size = 621
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Not sleeping enough 395 64%
Not being able to practice healthy habits (e.g., exercise, eating
healthy)
337 54%
Trouble meeting new people/making friends 273 44%
Trouble accessing mental health support 210 34%
Engaged in unhealthy behaviors (e.g., drinking excessively;
consuming drugs; hurting myself, other)
169 27%
Trouble nding extracurriculars that interest me 160 26%
Faced the death of a family member/close contact 108 17%
Had to provide care for a family member 89 14%
I feel demeaned or disrespected by instructors 85 14%
Could not get temporary academic accommodation 38 6%
None of the above 29 5%
Other (please specify) 7 1%
Q3.5: What resources does your higher education institution provide you with to help cope with
stress resulting from the academic and non-academic challenges you face? Select all that apply.
Sample Size = 621
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
One-on-one mental health counseling 256 41%
Access to nancial support or scholarship funding 216 35%
Fun student activities (e.g., concerts, painting classes) 186 30%
Group counseling/peer support groups 157 25%
Free exercise opportunities (e.g., yoga, gym membership) 126 20%
Free giveaways (e.g., free food) 115 19%
None of the above 105 17%
Free academic tutoring 97 16%
Guided mediation 65 10%
Other (please specify) 1 0%
APPENDIX • UNITED KINGDOM | 69
CENTER FOR DIGITAL LEARNING
Q3.6: What resources do you wish your higher education institution provided you with to help cope
with stress resulting from the academic and non-academic challenges you face? Select all that apply.
Sample Size = 616
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Free exercise opportunities (e.g., yoga, gym membership) 297 48%
Free giveaways (e.g., free food) 275 45%
Access to nancial support or scholarship funding 219 36%
Free academic tutoring 202 33%
Fun student activities (e.g., concerts, painting classes) 190 31%
One-on-one mental health counseling 174 28%
Guided mediation 131 21%
Group counseling/peer support groups 120 19%
I have all the resources I need 48 8%
Other (please specify) 4 1%
Other (please specify) 0 0%
None of the above 0 0%
Q3.8: Who, if anyone, do you reach out to in order to help overcome
the non-academic challenges you face? Select all that apply.
Sample Size = 621
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Family 395 64%
Peers (e.g., classmates, friends, etc.) 374 60%
Social media 120 19%
Outside therapist (not employed by the higher education
institution)
82 13%
In-school counselor (employed by the higher education institution) 72 12%
Virtual mental health services (e.g., BetterHelp) 61 10%
Student advisor 60 10%
Professor/Instructor 59 10%
None of the above 43 7%
Other (please specify) 3 0%
Q3.7: What resources do you use to help overcome the academic challenges you face?
Select all that apply.
Sample Size = 621
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Peers (e.g., classmates, friends, etc.) 403 65%
Online support resources 241 39%
Social media 211 34%
Tutor (e.g., personal tutor, supervisor, academic coach) 189 30%
Professor/Instructor 142 23%
Student advisor 114 18%
Teaching Assistant (i.e., TAs) 51 8%
None of the above 44 7%
Other (please specify) 7 1%
APPENDIX • UNITED KINGDOM | 70
CENTER FOR DIGITAL LEARNING APPENDIX • UNITED KINGDOM | 71
Q3.9: How much do you agree or disagree with the following statement?
“I feel motivated to complete my degree at my higher education institute.”
Sample Size = 621
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 429 69%
Strongly agree 193 31%
Somewhat agree 236 38%
Neither agree nor disagree 74 12%
Somewhat disagree 70 11%
Strongly disagree 48 8%
Bottom 2 118 19%
Q3.11: Have you ever done any of the following because of challenges you’ve faced in higher
education? Select all that apply.
Sample Size = 621
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Considered dropping out completely 262 42%
Had to get a part-time job 245 39%
None of the above 153 25%
Take out additional student loans 89 14%
Took a year or semester o 88 14%
Delayed signing up for classes 58 9%
Dropped or withdrew from classes after the add/drop deadline 55 9%
Took fewer credits 36 6%
Transferred schools 28 5%
Other (please specify) 3 0%
Q3.10: What motivates you to complete your higher education degree? Select all that apply.
Sample Size = 429
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
To acquire the skills and knowledge to get a job/career 298 69%
To show myself that I can succeed in my studies 260 61%
In order to obtain a more prestigious job later on 259 60%
For the satisfaction of accomplishing this goal 252 59%
To make my parents/family proud 205 48%
Getting good grades 142 33%
So I can pursue a masters or doctorate degree in the future 129 30%
The enjoyment I get from my courses/program 128 30%
So I can graduate with my friends/peers 96 22%
I want to get my education over with as soon as possible 94 22%
Other (please specify) 2 0%
I don’t know 1 0%
CENTER FOR DIGITAL LEARNING
Q3.12_1: How interested would you be in the following if oered by higher education institutions? -
“The ability to pause my degree over an extended period of time (e.g., years) and resume where I left
o as opposed to completing the full degree at once”
Sample Size = 621
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 188 30%
Extremely interested 76 12%
Very interested 112 18%
Moderately interested 150 24%
Slightly interested 137 22%
Not at all interested 146 24%
Q3.12_2: How interested would you be in the following if oered by higher education institutions? -
“The ability to pause my degree over an extended period of time (e.g., years) and resume where I left
o at a dierent university”
Sample Size = 621
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 169 27%
Extremely interested 71 11%
Very interested 98 16%
Moderately interested 136 22%
Slightly interested 130 21%
Not at all interested 186 30%
Q4.1_1: How much do you agree or disagree with the following statements? - “I expect colleges/
universities to oer multiple forms of academic support outside of class to their students”
Sample Size = 621
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 532 86%
Strongly agree 318 51%
Somewhat agree 214 34%
Neither agree nor disagree 53 9%
Somewhat disagree 21 3%
Strongly disagree 15 2%
Bottom 2 36 6%
Q4.1_2: How much do you agree or disagree with the following statements? - “I expect colleges/
universities to oer multiple forms of career support to their students”
Sample Size = 621
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 543 87%
Strongly agree 322 52%
Somewhat agree 221 36%
Neither agree nor disagree 46 7%
Somewhat disagree 20 3%
Strongly disagree 12 2%
Bottom 2 32 5%
APPENDIX • UNITED KINGDOM | 72
CENTER FOR DIGITAL LEARNING
Q4.4: Overall, how supported do you feel by your higher education institution?
Sample Size = 621
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 187 30%
Extremely supported 29 5%
Very supported 158 25%
Moderately supported 276 44%
Slightly supported 130 21%
Not at all supported 28 5%
Q4.2: Which of the following types of academic support do you expect to receive from instructors at
your higher education institution? Select all that apply.
Sample Size = 621
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Study guides 368 59%
Customized resources to help me learn how I learn best (e.g.,
video, audio books, written materials)
344 55%
Study groups 328 53%
Flexible oce hours from my professor or teacher’s assistant (TA) 317 51%
One-on-one tutoring sessions from my professor or teacher’s
assistant (TA)
316 51%
Other (please specify) 1 0%
Q4.3: Which of the following types of academic support do you expect to receive from your higher
education institution? Select all that apply.
Sample Size = 621
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Access to online learning resources 452 73%
Access to free supplemental resources (e.g., video, audio books,
written materials, journal articles)
429 69%
One-on-one tutoring sessions from an institutionally provided
tutor
310 50%
Group tutoring sessions 309 50%
Writing workshops 242 39%
Other (please specify) 1 0%
APPENDIX • UNITED KINGDOM | 73
CENTER FOR DIGITAL LEARNING
Q4.5: Why do you not feel supported by your higher education institution? Select all that apply.
Sample Size = 28
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Poor quality of instruction 19 68%
Not enough mental health resources 18 64%
Lack of academic support services
(e.g., tutoring, writing workshops, study groups)
17 61%
Lack of communication from institution 15 54%
Lack of communication from professors 14 50%
Student nancial aid oce is not helpful 14 50%
Lack of free online learning resources 12 43%
No oering of personalized learning resources
to best t my learning style
12 43%
Lack of post-graduation career support 10 36%
Lack of networking events 9 32%
Instructors assign too much work 7 25%
Instructors/TAs lack availability for oce hours 7 25%
Textbooks and course materials are too expensive 7 25%
Class sizes are too large 4 14%
Lack of career center resources 3 11%
Other (please specify) 0 0%
Q4.6: In general, how satised are you with the academic support you receive
from your higher education institution?
Sample Size = 621
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 318 51%
Completely satised 60 10%
Somewhat satised 258 42%
Neither satised nor dissatised 167 27%
Somewhat dissatised 110 18%
Completely dissatised 26 4%
Bottom 2 136 22%
Q4.7_1: How much do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements about your
experience at your higher education institution? - “I can trust my academic advisors”
Sample Size = 621
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 420 68%
Strongly agree 125 20%
Somewhat agree 295 48%
Neither agree nor disagree 126 20%
Somewhat disagree 58 9%
Strongly disagree 17 3%
Bottom 2 75 12%
APPENDIX • UNITED KINGDOM | 74
CENTER FOR DIGITAL LEARNING
Q4.7_4: How much do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements about your
experience at your higher education institution? - “My institution gives me all the resources I need to
succeed and graduate”
Sample Size = 621
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 350 56%
Strongly agree 79 13%
Somewhat agree 271 44%
Neither agree nor disagree 150 24%
Somewhat disagree 99 16%
Strongly disagree 22 4%
Bottom 2 121 19%
Q4.7_6: How much do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements about your
experience at your higher education institution? - “I feel comfortable directing questions to my
institution when they arise (admissions process, student loans, etc.)”
Sample Size = 621
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 330 53%
Strongly agree 89 14%
Somewhat agree 241 39%
Neither agree nor disagree 158 25%
Somewhat disagree 98 16%
Strongly disagree 35 6%
Bottom 2 133 21%
Q4.7_7: How much do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements about your
experience at your higher education institution? - “My institution has invested in my academic
learning and development”
Sample Size = 621
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 345 56%
Strongly agree 84 14%
Somewhat agree 261 42%
Neither agree nor disagree 150 24%
Somewhat disagree 96 15%
Strongly disagree 30 5%
Bottom 2 126 20%
Q4.7_5: How much do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements about your
experience at your higher education institution? - “My institution has students’ best interests at heart”
Sample Size = 621
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 327 53%
Strongly agree 80 13%
Somewhat agree 247 40%
Neither agree nor disagree 149 24%
Somewhat disagree 95 15%
Strongly disagree 50 8%
Bottom 2 145 23%
APPENDIX • UNITED KINGDOM | 75
CENTER FOR DIGITAL LEARNING
Q4.7_8: How much do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements about your experience
at your higher education institution? - “My institution has invested in my career development”
Sample Size = 621
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 269 43%
Strongly agree 64 10%
Somewhat agree 205 33%
Neither agree nor disagree 190 31%
Somewhat disagree 113 18%
Strongly disagree 49 8%
Bottom 2 162 26%
Q4.7_9: How much do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements about your
experience at your higher education institution? - “I can rely on resources such as a school writing
center/tutoring assistance to help me with classes”
Sample Size = 621
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 281 45%
Strongly agree 56 9%
Somewhat agree 225 36%
Neither agree nor disagree 180 29%
Somewhat disagree 115 19%
Strongly disagree 45 7%
Bottom 2 160 26%
Q4.7_10: How much do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements about your
experience at your higher education institution? - “I know where to go when I need additional
academic support”
Sample Size = 621
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 377 61%
Strongly agree 98 16%
Somewhat agree 279 45%
Neither agree nor disagree 112 18%
Somewhat disagree 106 17%
Strongly disagree 26 4%
Bottom 2 132 21%
Q4.8_1: How much do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements about your
classroom experience at your higher education institution? - “I can trust my instructors”
Sample Size = 621
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 414 67%
Strongly agree 119 19%
Somewhat agree 295 48%
Neither agree nor disagree 132 21%
Somewhat disagree 52 8%
Strongly disagree 23 4%
Bottom 2 75 12%
APPENDIX • UNITED KINGDOM | 76
CENTER FOR DIGITAL LEARNING
Q4.8_9: How much do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements about your classroom
experience at your higher education institution? - “My instructors have students’ best interests at heart”
Sample Size = 621
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 397 64%
Strongly agree 114 18%
Somewhat agree 283 46%
Neither agree nor disagree 137 22%
Somewhat disagree 64 10%
Strongly disagree 23 4%
Bottom 2 87 14%
Q4.8_10: How much do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements about your
classroom experience at your higher education institution? - “My instructors/teaching assistants
answer emails in a timely manner”
Sample Size = 621
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 365 59%
Strongly agree 99 16%
Somewhat agree 266 43%
Neither agree nor disagree 109 18%
Somewhat disagree 91 15%
Strongly disagree 56 9%
Bottom 2 147 24%
Q4.8_11: How much do you agree or disagree with each of the following
statements about your classroom experience at your higher education institution?
- “I feel comfortable asking questions in class”
Sample Size = 621
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 297 48%
Strongly agree 99 16%
Somewhat agree 198 32%
Neither agree nor disagree 135 22%
Somewhat disagree 126 20%
Strongly disagree 63 10%
Bottom 2 189 30%
Q4.8_12: How much do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements about your
classroom experience at your higher education institution? - “I am motivated to do well because of
support from my instructors/advisors”
Sample Size = 621
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 314 51%
Strongly agree 72 12%
Somewhat agree 242 39%
Neither agree nor disagree 168 27%
Somewhat disagree 104 17%
Strongly disagree 35 6%
Bottom 2 139 22%
APPENDIX • UNITED KINGDOM | 77
CENTER FOR DIGITAL LEARNING
Q4.8_13: How much do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements about
your classroom experience at your higher education institution? - “It is embarrassing when
I feel lost during a lesson in class”
Sample Size = 621
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 417 67%
Strongly agree 173 28%
Somewhat agree 244 39%
Neither agree nor disagree 102 16%
Somewhat disagree 78 13%
Strongly disagree 24 4%
Bottom 2 102 16%
Q4.8_14: How much do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements about your classroom
experience at your higher education institution? - “I feel anxious thinking about classes/schoolwork”
Sample Size = 621
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 440 71%
Strongly agree 193 31%
Somewhat agree 247 40%
Neither agree nor disagree 113 18%
Somewhat disagree 47 8%
Strongly disagree 21 3%
Bottom 2 68 11%
Q4.8_15: How much do you agree or disagree with each of the following
statements about your classroom experience at your higher education institution?
- “My instructors direct me towards additional academic supports”
Sample Size = 621
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 342 55%
Strongly agree 84 14%
Somewhat agree 258 42%
Neither agree nor disagree 158 25%
Somewhat disagree 84 14%
Strongly disagree 37 6%
Bottom 2 121 19%
APPENDIX • UNITED KINGDOM | 78
CENTER FOR DIGITAL LEARNING
Q4.10_1: How important are the following institutionally provided resources to you as a higher
education student? - Learning tools (e.g., online paid resources such as scholarly articles/news
articles, access to online learning tools)
Sample Size = 621
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 477 77%
Extremely important 229 37%
Very important 248 40%
Moderately important 101 16%
Slightly important 34 5%
Not at all important 9 1%
Sample Size = 621
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 403 65%
Extremely important 153 25%
Very important 250 40%
Moderately important 152 24%
Slightly important 52 8%
Not at all important 14 2%
Q4.10_2: How important are the following institutionally provided resources to
you as a higher education student? - Remote/Online learning support
(e.g., learning strategies, assigned online study groups)
Q4.9: What, if anything, could your higher education institution do to make
students feel more supported? Select all that apply.
Sample Size = 621
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Use free or low-cost books and course materials 313 50%
Be responsive to questions via email 307 49%
Provide more personalized learning resources/instruction 264 43%
Increase in communication from instructors 253 41%
Review sessions held outside of class before each exam 239 38%
Advertise student support services 233 38%
Smaller class sizes 219 35%
Dedicated time in class for students to ask questions 219 35%
Established study group for each course 212 34%
Oer dedicated study spaces for students to use 206 33%
More oce hours/ability to speak with instructors or TAs 198 32%
Established tutor for each course 170 27%
Professors encourage students to ask questions in class 169 27%
Increase the cost of tuition and books 21 3%
There is nothing else my school can do to increase support for
students
13 2%
Other (please specify) 4 1%
APPENDIX • UNITED KINGDOM | 79
CENTER FOR DIGITAL LEARNING
Q4.10_3: How important are the following institutionally provided resources to you as a higher
education student? - Career services
Sample Size = 621
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 451 73%
Extremely important 206 33%
Very important 245 39%
Moderately important 127 20%
Slightly important 34 5%
Not at all important 9 1%
Q4.10_4: How important are the following institutionally provided resources to you as a higher
education student? - Access to mental health services
Sample Size = 621
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 476 77%
Extremely important 280 45%
Very important 196 32%
Moderately important 97 16%
Slightly important 33 5%
Not at all important 15 2%
Q4.10_5: How important are the following institutionally provided resources to you as a higher
education student? - Technology (e.g., Google Drive, Dropbox)
Sample Size = 621
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 450 72%
Extremely important 200 32%
Very important 250 40%
Moderately important 130 21%
Slightly important 32 5%
Not at all important 9 1%
Q4.10_6: How important are the following institutionally provided resources to you as a higher
education student? - Access to resources (e.g., study space, computers, printers)
Sample Size = 621
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 495 80%
Extremely important 263 42%
Very important 232 37%
Moderately important 90 14%
Slightly important 26 4%
Not at all important 10 2%
APPENDIX • UNITED KINGDOM | 80
CENTER FOR DIGITAL LEARNINGCENTER FOR DIGITAL LEARNING
Q5.1: How often do you use resources online outside the classroom
(e.g., googling, tutoring, khan academy) to help with academic challenges?
Sample Size = 621
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Every day 135 22%
A few times per week 254 41%
Once per week 76 12%
Once every 2 to 3 weeks 70 11%
Less often than once per month 36 6%
Once per month 32 5%
Never 18 3%
Q4.11: Which of the following resources, if any, do you receive from the higher
education institution you attend? Select all that apply.
Sample Size = 621
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Access to resources (e.g., study space, computers, printers) 421 68%
Learning tools (e.g., online paid resources such as scholarly
articles/news articles, access to online learning tools)
368 59%
Technology (e.g., Google Drive, Dropbox) 362 58%
Access to mental health services 297 48%
Career services 289 47%
Remote/Online learning support (e.g., learning strategies,
assigned online study groups)
280 45%
None 17 3%
Other (please specify) 2 0%
Q5.2: Which of the following explains why you do not use online resources
outside the classroom to help with academic challenges? Select all that apply.
Sample Size = 18
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Outside resources are too expensive 6 33%
I do not know where to look for helpful resources outside of class 5 28%
It is discouraged by my professors 5 28%
My professors explain things well 4 22%
I do not want to look up incorrect information 4 22%
I do not need to use extra resources to understand class material 3 17%
I have good study habits 3 17%
It feels like cheating 3 17%
I found unhelpful resources when I have looked in the past 2 11%
My classes are easy 0 0%
My textbooks are helpful 0 0%
Other (please specify) 0 0%
APPEND IX • UNITED KIN GDO M | 81
CENTER FOR DIGITAL LEARNING
Q5.4: Which of the following resources from outside of your institution have you
used for help with academic challenges? Select all that apply.
Sample Size = 603
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Googling information 421 70%
YouTube videos 401 67%
Explanations from a book/textbook found online 329 55%
Forums for asking questions (e.g., Yahoo answers, Quora, etc.) 180 30%
Social media groups for students in general 176 29%
Social media groups for my school or class 175 29%
Quizlet 166 28%
Khan academy or other education-focused videos 123 20%
Chegg 46 8%
Course Hero 34 6%
Wolfram Alpha 32 5%
Other (please specify) 7 1%
Q5.3: Which of the following resources from your institution have you used outside of
class for help with academic challenges? Select all that apply.
Sample Size = 603
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Going to my school library for books related
to the dicult material
344 57%
Information from the website of another
higher education institution
307 51%
Study group with classmates 251 42%
Student tutoring center 83 14%
Student writing center 73 12%
Other (please specify) 5 1%
Q5.5_1: How helpful are each of the following resources you have used outside of
class? - “Going to my school library for books related to the dicult material”
Sample Size = 344
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 217 63%
Extremely helpful 88 26%
Very helpful 129 38%
Moderately helpful 99 29%
Slightly helpful 26 8%
Not at all helpful 2 1%
Q5.5_2: How helpful are each of the following resources you have used outside of
class? - “Information from the website of another higher education institution”
Sample Size = 307
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 159 52%
Extremely helpful 40 13%
Very helpful 119 39%
Moderately helpful 106 35%
Slightly helpful 41 13%
Not at all helpful 1 0%
APPENDIX • UNITED KINGDOM | 82
CENTER FOR DIGITAL LEARNING
Q5.5_3: How helpful are each of the following resources you have used outside of class?
- Student tutoring center
Sample Size = 83
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 38 46%
Extremely helpful 8 10%
Very helpful 30 36%
Moderately helpful 28 34%
Slightly helpful 13 16%
Not at all helpful 4 5%
Q5.5_4: How helpful are each of the following resources you have used outside of class?
- Student writing center
Sample Size = 73
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 33 45%
Extremely helpful 11 15%
Very helpful 22 30%
Moderately helpful 25 34%
Slightly helpful 13 18%
Not at all helpful 2 3%
Q5.5_5: How helpful are each of the following resources you have used outside of class?
- Study group with classmates
Sample Size = 251
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 156 62%
Extremely helpful 47 19%
Very helpful 109 43%
Moderately helpful 68 27%
Slightly helpful 22 9%
Not at all helpful 5 2%
Q5.5_6: How helpful are each of the following resources you have used outside of class?
- YouTube videos
Sample Size = 401
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 269 67%
Extremely helpful 101 25%
Very helpful 168 42%
Moderately helpful 92 23%
Slightly helpful 36 9%
Not at all helpful 4 1%
APPENDIX • UNITED KINGDOM | 83
CENTER FOR DIGITAL LEARNING
Q5.5_7: How helpful are each of the following resources you have used outside of class?
- Khan academy or other education-focused videos
Sample Size = 123
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 74 60%
Extremely helpful 30 24%
Very helpful 44 36%
Moderately helpful 37 30%
Slightly helpful 8 7%
Not at all helpful 4 3%
Q5.5_8: How helpful are each of the following resources you have used outside of class?
- Googling information
Sample Size = 421
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 301 71%
Extremely helpful 133 32%
Very helpful 168 40%
Moderately helpful 96 23%
Slightly helpful 24 6%
Not at all helpful 0 0%
Q5.5_9: How helpful are each of the following resources you have used outside of class?
- Wolfram Alpha
Sample Size = 32
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 12 38%
Extremely helpful 7 22%
Very helpful 5 16%
Moderately helpful 12 38%
Slightly helpful 7 22%
Not at all helpful 1 3%
Q5.5_10: How helpful are each of the following resources you have used outside of class?
- Social media groups for my school or class
Sample Size = 175
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 96 55%
Extremely helpful 34 19%
Very helpful 62 35%
Moderately helpful 52 30%
Slightly helpful 24 14%
Not at all helpful 3 2%
APPENDIX • UNITED KINGDOM | 84
CENTER FOR DIGITAL LEARNING
Q5.5_11: How helpful are each of the following resources you have used outside of class?
- Social media groups for students in general
Sample Size = 176
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 74 42%
Extremely helpful 25 14%
Very helpful 49 28%
Moderately helpful 69 39%
Slightly helpful 25 14%
Not at all helpful 8 5%
Q5.5_12: How helpful are each of the following resources you have used outside of class?
- Forums for asking questions (e.g., Yahoo answers, Quora, etc.)
Sample Size = 180
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 74 41%
Extremely helpful 22 12%
Very helpful 52 29%
Moderately helpful 67 37%
Slightly helpful 34 19%
Not at all helpful 5 3%
Q5.5_13: How helpful are each of the following resources you have used outside of class?
- Explanations from a book/textbook found online
Sample Size = 329
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 224 68%
Extremely helpful 78 24%
Very helpful 146 44%
Moderately helpful 82 25%
Slightly helpful 19 6%
Not at all helpful 4 1%
Q5.5_14: How helpful are each of the following resources you have used outside of class?
- Chegg
Sample Size = 46
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 17 37%
Extremely helpful 4 9%
Very helpful 13 28%
Moderately helpful 13 28%
Slightly helpful 12 26%
Not at all helpful 4 9%
APPENDIX • UNITED KINGDOM | 85
CENTER FOR DIGITAL LEARNING
Q5.5_15: How helpful are each of the following resources you have used outside of class?
- Course Hero
Sample Size = 34
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 12 35%
Extremely helpful 6 18%
Very helpful 6 18%
Moderately helpful 16 47%
Slightly helpful 5 15%
Not at all helpful 1 3%
Q5.5_16: How helpful are each of the following resources you have used outside of class?
- Quizlet
Sample Size = 166
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Top 2 72 43%
Extremely helpful 25 15%
Very helpful 47 28%
Moderately helpful 64 39%
Slightly helpful 24 14%
Not at all helpful 6 4%
Q5.6: What factors typically motivate you to search for additional education resources beyond
the resources provided by your classes or instructors? Select up to three (3).
Sample Size = 603
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
I wanted to see a dierent explanation of an idea/concept 172 29%
I do not like to ask questions in class 132 22%
I feel pressured to achieve a certain level of academic success 131 22%
I feel like I need to teach myself the class material to keep up 128 21%
My grades have been lower than I want 127 21%
The course is important for my major
(e.g., courses that relate directly to my eld of study)
105 17%
I am worried about being embarrassed in class or group work
for not understanding something
97 16%
Professors do not explain concepts clearly 96 16%
I feel so lost in class that I have fallen behind 93 15%
The class subject is a weak area of mine 92 15%
Courses are too fast paced 89 15%
Confusing or unhelpful textbook 80 13%
I asked the professor questions but still did not understand 72 12%
I want to be competitive with my peers 64 11%
I feel like I don’t t in / belong 64 11%
I asked questions in class before and was embarrassed 32 5%
I feel disrespected by my professor/TA in class 23 4%
Other (please specify) 8 1%
APPENDIX • UNITED KINGDOM | 86
CENTER FOR DIGITAL LEARNING
Q6.2: What is your gender identity?
Sample Size = 621
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Female 442 71%
Male 161 26%
Non-binary 13 2%
Prefer not to say 4 1%
Not listed/Prefer to self-describe 1 0%
Q6.3: Which of the following best describes your student status? - Selected Choice
Sample Size = 621
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Undergraduate student 402 65%
Master’s student 151 24%
PhD student 38 6%
Professional school program student (e.g., Law, Medicine) 18 3%
Other degree/certicate program student (please specify) 12 2%
Q6.4: Approximately how many students attend the institution you are currently enrolled at?
Sample Size = 621
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
I don’t know/Prefer not to respond 206 33%
10,000 to 24,999 students 99 16%
5,000 to 9,999 students 97 16%
1,000 to 4,999 students 96 15%
25,000 or more students 86 14%
Less than 1,000 students 37 6%
Q6.5: Which of the following subject areas best describes your major? - Selected Choice
Sample Size = 621
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Social Sciences (e.g., Psychology, Economics) 86 14%
Other (please specify) 83 13%
Nursing/Medicine/Kinesiology 79 13%
Life Sciences (e.g., Biology, Chemistry) 58 9%
Business 50 8%
Liberal Arts (e.g., History, Politics, English) 48 8%
Performance arts (e.g., Art, Music) 43 7%
Computer Science 36 6%
Education 33 5%
Law/Pre-Law 32 5%
Engineering 25 4%
Math/Statistics 18 3%
Natural Sciences (e.g., Physics, Astronomy) 14 2%
Prefer not to say 9 1%
Communications 6 1%
Undecided 1 0%
APPENDIX • UNITED KINGDOM | 87
CENTER FOR DIGITAL LEARNING
Q6.6: Do any of your parents have a higher education degree?
Sample Size = 621
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
Neither of my parents have a degree 307 49%
One of my parents has a degree 156 25%
Both of my parents have a degree 132 21%
Prefer not to say 26 4%
Q6.7: Do you currently utilize your school’s student accessibility services
or receive any academic accommodations?
Sample Size = 621
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
No 327 53%
Yes 185 30%
Don’t know/not sure 99 16%
Prefer not to say 10 2%
Q6.8b: What is your average annual household income?
Sample Size = 621
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
£0 to £24,999 229 37%
£25,000 to £49,999 175 28%
Prefer not to say 99 16%
£50,000 to £74,999 47 8%
£75,000 to £99,999 37 6%
£100,000 to £124,999 18 3%
£125,000 to £149,999 9 1%
£150,000 to £174,999 4 1%
£200,000+ 2 0%
£175,000 to £199,999 1 0%
Q6.9b: Which of the following best describes your race? Select all that apply.
Sample Size = 621
Count &
others
Column % Mentions % Valid Cases
White 428 69%
Asian 94 15%
Black 56 9%
Mixed 32 5%
Other (please specify) 9 1%
Not known 4 1%
APPENDIX • UNITED KINGDOM | 88
End Notes
CENTER FOR DIGITAL LEARNING
i
Kokemuller, N. (N.D.). Examples of Academic Challenges in College. Seattlepi.
https://education.seattlepi.com/examples-
academic-challenges-college-1289.html
ii
Auerbach, R. P., Mortier, P., Bruaerts, R., Alonso, J., Benjet, C., Cuijpers, P., Demyttenaere, K., Ebert, D. D., Green, J. G.,
Hasking, P., Murray, E., Nock, M. K., Pinder-Amaker, S., Sampson, N. A., Stein, D. J., Vilagut, G., Zaslavsky, A. M., Kessler,
R. C., & WHO WMH-ICS Collaborators (2018). WHO World Mental Health Surveys International College Student Project:
Prevalence and distribution of mental disorders. Journal of abnormal psychology, 127(7), 623–638.
https://doi.org/10.1037/
abn0000362
iii
Lipson, S. K., Zhou, S., Abelson, S., Heinze, J., Jirsa, M., Morigney, J., Patterson, A., Singh, M., & Eisenberg, D. (2022). Trends
in college student mental health and help-seeking by race/ethnicity: Findings from the national healthy minds study, 2013-
2021. Journal of aective disorders, 306, 138–147.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2022.03.038
iv
Smith, J. (2023, January). Looking after your mental health at university. Prospects.
https://www.prospects.ac.uk/
applying-for-university/university-life/looking-after-your-mental-health-at-university
v
Healthy Minds Network. (2020). Healthy minds study: Fall 2020 report. University of Michigan.
https://healthymindsnetwork.
org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/HMS-Fall-2020-National-Data-Report.pdf
vi
The Association for University and College Counseling Center Directors. (2019). The association for university and college
directors annual survey: 2019. Pennsylvania State University, Center of College Mental Health.
https://www.aucccd.org/
assets/documents/Survey/2019%20AUCCCD%20Survey-2020-05-31-PUBLIC.pdf
vii
Nick, B. (2018, October 18). Nine out of ten students leave higher education unequipped for life. TheHRDirector.
https://
www.thehrdirector.com/business-news/recruitment/nine-out-of-ten-students-leave-higher-education-unequipped-for-
life-301/
viii
Ezarik M. (2022, April 20). Students need more counseling—and more than counseling. Inside Higher Ed.
https://www.
insidehighered.com/news/2022/04/20/survey-meeting-student-needs-campus-mental-health-services
ix
Healthy Minds Network. (2021). The healthy minds study: 2021 winter/spring report. University of Michigan.
https://
healthymindsnetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/HMS-Fall-2020-National-Data-Report.pdf
x
Brown L. (2022, September 20). Student Money Survey 2022- Results. Save the Student.
https://www.savethestudent.
org/money/surveys/student-money-survey-2022-results.html
xi
Wilcox, M., Baker, C., Burish, E., Arnold, R., Cherry, M., & Moss, T. (2022). Inequitable hunger: Scope, eects, and perceptions
of college student food insecurity. Journal of Student Aairs Research and Practice, 59(4), 385-400.
xii
Chegg. (2020). Hunger and COVID-19: Food insecurity amongst U.S. college students in 2020.
https://www.chegg.org/
covid-19-food-insecurity-2020
xiii
The Hope Center (2021). The hope center survey 2021: Basic needs insecurity during the ongoing pandemic. Temple
University.
https://hope.temple.edu/sites/hope/les/media/document/HopeSurveyReport2021.pdf
xiv
Cushnahan, M. (2022, November 24). The student beans U.K. housing insecurity report. StudentBeans Blog.
https://www.
studentbeans.com/blog/uk/student-beans-housing-insecurity-report/
xv
Ezarik. M. (2021, April 13). Students struggle but don’t seek colleges’ help. Inside Higher Ed.
https://www.insidehighered.
com/news/2021/04/14/students-struggling-not-seeking-campus-mental-health-support
xvi
Washington, B. (2021). Online learning and external resources: A view from U.S. college students. Chegg.
https://www.
chegg.com/about/center-for-digital-learning/research-library/
xvii
Washington, B. (2021). Online learning and external resources: A view from U.S. college students. Chegg.
https://www.
chegg.com/about/center-for-digital-learning/research-library/
END NOTES | 89
This report stands as a collaborative eort, with numerous individuals dedicating their
expertise, time, and resources toward its development.
Contributors
Author
Brittany Washington M.Ed.
Contributors and Reviewers
Nina Huntemann PhD
Candace Sue
Ryan Terry PhD
Research Partners
Hanover Research
Design
Apollo Strategic Communications
Academic Advisory Board
Dana Born PhD
Nina Huntemann PhD
Paul Kim PhD
Ann Kirschner PhD
Paul LeBlanc PhD
Rose Luckin PhD
Ranen Miao
