Unihousing Study Highlights Student Perspectives on AI

A new global study by student housing provider Unihousing sheds light on how students view the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in their lives.

Unihousing found that young people are both excited about AI’s potential and concerned about its impact on their futures. In the UK, 44% of students said they’re enthusiastic about AI, especially in areas like healthcare, education, and climate change.

AI is already playing a supportive role in students' academic lives. Nearly half of UK students (43%) use AI to proofread and check grammar, while about a third turn to it for simplifying complex information (31%) and generating ideas (31%). Additionally, 21% use it to help write CVs.

However, this excitement is tempered
by serious concerns. A large majority (78%) of UK students fear AI could negatively affect their job prospects, and over half (56%) worry it may lead to a decline in human intelligence.

“At Unihousing, we’re committed to understanding our students and supporting their futures,” said Ken, Unihousing’s Chief Operating Officer. “This extensive study reveals students’ enthusiasm for AI, particularly in tech, education, and health, but also underscores their concerns about career impacts. Our new AI training programme is a bold step forward in helping them navigate an increasingly AI-driven world.”

The Upside of AI

UK students see strong potential in AI, with 57% citing advancements in healthcare and tech as the top benefit. Improvements in work/life balance (55%) and productivity (54%) are also seen as major advantages. Many are also hopeful that AI will accelerate progress on climate change and expand access to education (48%). A smaller, yet notable, group (22%) believes it could improve access to mental health support.

Social Concerns

Despite its benefits, students remain wary of AI’s broader impact. Sixty-five percent of UK female students worry it may reduce meaningful human interaction—compared to 50% of male students—mirroring global trends.

There’s also concern about AI affecting relationships: a third fear genuine friendships may be replaced by tech, while 27% believe AI could even take the place of romantic partners.

Globally, students express political and economic anxieties around AI, with more than half concerned about cybersecurity threats (55%), misinformation (51%), and misuse for political agendas (50%).