Queen Mary is working in partnership with the Office for National Statistics to ensure that all our students are included in Census 2021. Whether you are in halls, living in a shared house, living with your parents or guardians, or are an international student – all students are an important part of the census and must be included.
Census Day was on 21 March, but you can complete your census any time from now until 30 April 2021. The Office for National Statistics has provided updated guidance for international students.
If you have never taken up a term-time address in the UK because of the pandemic, then you do not need to complete the census. Students studying on non-UK campuses do not need to complete the census.
If you are not currently staying at a term-time address in the UK, but attended university in person during the 2020/21 academic year and still have a formal agreement to stay in your term-time accommodation, you should request an access code to complete the census for your term-time address.
You will need a UK mobile phone number to request an access code. If you don’t have a UK mobile number, you could ask friends or family in the UK to help you get a code.
The ONS has confirmed that students will not be liable for a fine if they don't complete the census for their term-time address.
The census is an important national survey that takes place every ten years, which gives us a uniquely detailed picture of all the people and households in England and Wales.
All kinds of organisations, from local authorities to charities, use the information to help provide the services we all need, including transport, education and healthcare. Without the census, it would be much more difficult to do this.
By taking part, you’ll be helping make sure you and your student community get the services needed now and in the future. The information you give informs decisions that affect student life, such as university campus bus links and bike lanes, jobs and training. Therefore, it is key that you complete the form for your university address.
The last census was carried out in 2011, so this might be your first time completing the census yourself. Don’t worry – it only takes ten minutes per person and you will complete it online.
The official Census Day is 21 March, but you can fill in yours in now. For more information on how to complete it, visit the Office for National Statistics website.
If you haven’t received your code, or have lost or cannot access it, you can request a new one online. Your code will be sent via SMS text message.
We understand your circumstances may have changed during the Covid-19 pandemic. So, although you might not be living where you normally would be when at University, you must complete the form with your normal university address.
What you need to do to complete the census will depend on where you are currently living, and where you normally live.
Detailed information and instructions are available on the census website. Guidance is also available in other languages, and in video format with BSL translations and audio subtitles in English.
We want to make it as easy as possible for you to take part. For more information about the census, or if you need help, visit the census website. There are a wide range of services available, including translations and accessible guidance.