As artificial intelligence rapidly reshapes the workplace, new global research from Yugo – the first global student housing brand and operator – reveals growing concern among students about their career prospects, with nearly four in five fearing AI could eventually make them redundant.
The findings, drawn from a survey of over 7,000 students across nine countries, demonstrate that while Gen Z are early adopters of AI tools to support study and productivity, many are worried about long-term employment opportunities – raising critical questions for both accommodation providers and education institutions.
Student sentiment: AI is both opportunity and threat
- 44% of UK students say they are excited about AI’s potential benefits – including improved work/life balance, healthcare, and productivity
- 43% already use AI tools to proof and edit academic work
- But 79% globally – and 78% in the UK – fear AI could make human workers redundant
Yugo’s research coincides with a wider decline in UK entry-level job postings, which have fallen by nearly a third since 2022 – the same year ChatGPT launched – intensifying concerns that a degree may no longer guarantee job security*.
These insights have been gathered as part of Yugo’s Live Your Best Life programme, designed to support students not just academically, but holistically, through personal development, professional growth, and sustainability.
And the research signifies a beckoning call to the entire education sector: to support students beyond the curriculum.
Emily Porter, Global Senior Brand Manager and Head of the Live Your Best Life programme at Yugo, says the research presents an opportunity for the education sector to step up:
“Students are embracing AI in their daily lives, but they’re also anxious about what it means for their futures.
“As a sector, we must evolve beyond just accommodation or curriculum delivery. Students need safe, supportive environments to build not only academic knowledge, but also the human skills AI can’t replicate – empathy, adaptability, collaboration and creativity.
“At Yugo, we're embedding AI literacy into our student programming initiatives, and encouraging soft skills development through coaching, events, and personal development initiatives.”
Through its YuPro pillar and Live Your Best Life platform, Yugo offers in-house career support, AI upskilling, mental health programming and localised events in all its locations worldwide.
How Gen Z are adapting – and what they need next - Yugo’s survey found:
- 59.5% of Gen Z male students and 55% of females say AI has improved their work-life balance
- Among mature students aged 55–64, 83.3% say AI has made their studies easier
- 62% of students globally are worried about job prospects post-graduation
With UK student debt now averaging over £53,000**, concerns over the value of higher education are growing – but students are not giving up. Instead, they’re proactively seeking out tools, experiences, and accommodation providers that help them prepare for an uncertain future.
Emily Porter, adds:
“Student expectations have evolved. They’re looking for providers who care about their whole journey – from moving in, to moving on. At Yugo, we’re focused on preparing students not just for exams, but for life.”
To find out more about Yugo, visit www.yugo.com
