Listen: Students returning to university this month

The number of university students starting their own businesses has risen, according to new figures released today. One in 10 students are currently running a business alongside their studies, up from one in 16 in 2018.

The research commissioned by Santander UK show that an estimated 480,000 university students currently run or plan to run a business whilst at university, the most budding student entrepreneurs averaging a turnover of over £411.67 a month – almost £5,000 a year.

University students are undeterred by the prospect of having to run a business post-pandemic with 64 per cent saying they are going to keep their businesses going after university. Nearly one in five (17 per cent) say they plan to turn their business into a full-time career when they graduate whilst nearly half (48 per cent) will keep it as a second job.

Johnny discussed this, and the return to university, with Matt Hutnell from Santander UK and student Hugh Smiley: