What University Really Looks Like for Gen Z Students in 2026

Automatically transcribed, so there may be the odd slip.

Alastair GreenerHello and welcome to the Alastair Greener Generationally Speaking podcast, where we look at bridging the generation gap by debunking myths, tackling stereotypes, and sharing practical tips on how we can build stronger intergenerational connections. My guest today is just entering his second year studying politics, philosophy, and economics, sometimes known as PPE at Durham University. When he returns during his university holidays. He also works in his local pub, which is where I met him, uh, giving him an interesting perspective on student life work and the different generations he meets. So today we are gonna be talking about what's it really like to be a university student in 2026, and why we should never assume that all students think, behave, or learn in the same way. And finally, we're gonna have a look at the pressures, opportunities and expectations facing young adults as they move towards their working life. Uh, so we've got James still brass on the line, so Hi James.

James StallabrassHey, Alastair, nice to to see you.

Alastair GreenerAnd thank you for joining me. And you know, we, we first met, I saw you working behind, um, a bar and your approach was slightly different to other people of your generation, should I say? And that's what, uh, we struck up our conversation. I wanna start off by just to finding out a little bit about you. Who is James? A little bit about your background and what was life like growing up?

James StallabrassI think, you know, I, I grew up in a sort of nice leafy village. It's, it's been sort of, I'd say relatively easy. Went through the usual route, primary school, secondary school, a levels into university, the sort of, well, well beaten path in that sense. Um, it was quite bookish, uh, sort of enjoyed learning, enjoy reading, that sort of thing. Um, I'd, I love cricket if, if that would interest your listeners. Uh, um, I've long enjoyed playing cricket with my brothers. Uh, used to play a lot of rugby, uh, that sort of thing. Um, but I'd, I'd say I'm a pretty, pretty typical sort of teenager growing up.

Alastair GreenerWhich is interesting because that does frame who we become later on in life. You know, the way that you're brought up, the fact you had siblings and the fact you were brought up in a rural community that always is gonna have an impact on who you become. And now that you're at Durham University and you now compare notes with other students, how do you fit in terms of, um, being like them? Or do you feel a bit different to them? Do you think everybody's different? What's your take on the current cohort that if you like, you are studying with.

James StallabrassI don't know. I, I wouldn't say I'm hugely different from my peers. Um, I, I think, you know, I'm, I'm quite similar in a lot of ways to quite a few of the friends I've made up there and the people I've met. Um, I'd, in terms of sort of, you know, how you'd define what a normal Gen Z University student is, I don't really think there is one. I think everyone's a bit different and to try and sort of, you know, cubby hole, everyone into different, different pockets or different groups doesn't really work. Um, I've got friends who are, you know, quite like me, quite different to me. Um, and I don't really think there's a sort of normal in that sense.

Alastair GreenerWell, you're speaking my language in that respect because that's exactly what this podcast is all about. It's seeing where the patterns exist, but not to start putting people in pigeonholes. And one of the purposes I really want to do is give people an idea of who people are at for their various generations. So for you as, as a Gen Z, and you are right in the middle of Gen Z, so in theory you are as atypical as they come, but as you've, as you've shown, you're clearly not typical. Um, one of the things that, you know, people talk a lot about is university life. We're very aware that's changed dramatically. Before we started recording, we were doing a slight comparison for you versus your parents who also went to university. What's the conversation like when you come home and you talk about your life at uni versus their lives when they were at university, and I believe they were at at university during the nineties.

James StallabrassYeah, they, they both went to university during the nineties. So my dad went to York and my mom went to Leeds. And so, you know, the, they seem to have this sort of very, very typical student experience. Um, particularly my dad who seemed to be out in the pub just as much as he was in the library. Um, um, I think there's sort of, there's definitely been a change in the sort of going out aspect. Um, but I think that's more their personality. They're not huge, hugely into clubbing. Never, never really did that side of things. Um, and going out itself seemed a lot cheaper. So I mean, I dunno whether you older listeners will be aware of the idea of Pres, um, or sort of pre-drinking going out. Um, but that didn't really seem to be a thing back, back in their day just because it was cheaper to sort of meet at the pub, go out a bit more. Um, whereas, whereas I think these days a lot more people are drinking sort of in their flats, in their houses with friends before going out. Um, I think that's a big change. I think the sort of the money pressures of it as well are, have changed. Um, the sort of the, the weight on your mind that there's sort of loans and tuition fees and all of that, um, has led a lot more people that I know to get jobs during university than I think was as common back in their day. So I know people who are working sort of long hours to try and avoid having to take out maintenance loans and grants, which obviously then affects how much they can socialise, go out, do things at uni. Um, so I think that aspect has changed a bit, but I think another thing

Alastair Greenerdo you think people feel slightly resentful the fact that their parents probably had financially less pressure, uh, than you do and therefore it's, you know, you almost quite understandably would have the opinion, well, it was all right for you when you went to university, but for us it's very different, you know, what's the general feel, uh, amongst your peers? Is it one of, oh, well it is what it is, or is there a little bit of resentment?

James StallabrassThink the largest amount of resentment comes from people I know who are the first generation at university whose parents didn't come to uni. Um, I think they, they see this as, as completely, you know, they've, um, they've worked their way up, they've done what they've been told, and then, and suddenly they've, they've been given this huge ball and chain to stop them making the most of their degree. So I think the, the largest amount of resentment comes from that sort of group of people who are first gen at university, who perhaps come from more working class backgrounds, um, who, who, you know, have really tried to get, um, get up in the world and try and do the right thing and then see themselves being sort of dragged back by this, this, um, regressive system.

Alastair GreenerThat's a really interesting perspective because in many respects, you would've have expected them to be more grateful because they actually have the opportunity that maybe, and I'm not sure whether it's it's factual or not, but maybe the perception would be that they've got more opportunity to go to university. But it's interesting that you say that, that they're the ones who slightly resent the fact that they are going to be saddled with this huge amount of debt, which is a big, big topic of conversation in the uk. And whether that's fair, and I say within the uk, 'cause of course in Scotland that doesn't exist. Uh, do you actually have any Scottish students because you're up there, um, you know, not that far away from Scotland. So do, are they getting their, their tuition fees paid for and is that causing any friction?

James StallabrassI don't think there's, there's huge amounts of friction between students. I don't think it's something that, you know, we don't, you might tease a tease the fact that Scottish people don't have to pay tuition fees, but I mean, it hasn't caused sort of huge, huge resentment between students. I think the, the resentment is more to towards the sort of, I don't want to say established political ether that has, that has set this in place, but I, I think that's, that's perhaps closer to where the resentment is at. It's, it's more towards the people who are keeping the system in place rather than the sort of people who are lucky and don't have to.

Alastair GreenerI want to pick up on the fact that you were talking about politics there because you, you've picked, uh, politics, philosophy, and economics as a university subject. So what made you pick that, that, because that would imply that you're probably a little bit more politically active than maybe others.

James StallabrassUm, I'd say I'm quite politically active. I've been interested in it for, I mean, quite a long time now. I, I remember the results of the Brexit referendum and, uh, and Theresa May's government when I was quite small and being fascinated by that all. Um, so I think part of that, partly indecision, I really enjoyed economics at, at a level, didn't want to necessarily drop it. So I think, I think partly, partly 'cause I'm quite politically active, but also partly 'cause I'm a bit too indecisive.

Alastair GreenerI don't want to predict what you thought. So when you heard that Brexit result, what were you thinking and what was the attitude in your household?

James StallabrassUm, I, I'm pretty sure both my parents voted remain. Um, they, they were, they were pretty, pretty keen on that side of the debate. Um, I think I was, I was almost too young to fully understand the debate around it. So the nuance that has, I've learned since the debate is more interesting. I was more fascinated by the process, sort of, you know, how a referendum is happening. What's, what's the impact of this gonna be? I, I think I would've, I would've called myself a remainder back then. I, I quite like Europe. Um, so maybe you'd call me a europhile now, but, um, um.

Alastair GreenerHow do you feel about, how do you feel about the process of referenda? Because a lot of people, you know, we know the Swiss are voting every five minutes on different things. There's other people who say that actually referenda, you know, it, it just goes to who sold the argument best, not whether or not it was a better policy or whatever, whether it was Brexit or any other kind of referendum. Where do you stand as a, as a PPE student? Um, with, um, the whole concept of referendum.

James StallabrassI think they're important to give a sort of democratic mandate to a decision. So a big constitutional change like Scotland, leaving Britain with a clear yes or no answer is quite good. I think Brexit, where yes, is not really defined very well. If you voted yes to Brexit, you didn't really choose hard Brexits off Brexit. How close do you want to stay? Is it just the political bits you want to get away from? How, how do we interact with the economic side of this? It's too big a, a decision to define in two very simple yes or no answers. So I think in that case it's a bit flawed. Um, or also the, the margins being being very close and a lot of countries would have a, have a greater margin, you'd have to get 60% to pass is is not a bad idea. Seeing as 2% is a, um, incredibly close margin to make such a huge call on.

Alastair GreenerAnd that was actually gonna be my follow up question, is whether or not you should change that. So that's an interesting perspective that I think many people as a result of that vote would have maybe supported as well. So, coming back to student life, it was interesting you were talking about, you know, the, the preloading as it's often called, uh, for going out. What other cultural changes have you noticed in talking to your parents and older people who went to university between, you know, say 20, 30 years ago at uni compared to today? Is there any other main difference, maybe about the way that you seek accommodation, maybe about your lifestyle, what you do during the holidays and things like that?

James StallabrassUm, as far as sort of accommodation lifestyle, um, it became a lot quicker to have to sign accommodation than I think my parents had. There was a lot of pressure to get a house very quickly, um, which meant you were, you were trying to desperately make friends quickly to think, who can I live with? Which of these people will keep the kitchen tidy, take the bins out when it's their term? That sort of thing, which was very difficult, but I'm pretty sure that's changing now. Uh, I think the new Renters Rights Act is gonna stop there being quite such a rush. Um, 'cause I mean, in Durham everyone had to sign before Christmas pretty much if they wanted a house. Um, so I think that side of it was, was very different. I was talking to my dad and he didn't have to sign until after Easter, um, to guarantee his accommodation. I think that just adds the pressure on it, especially in the first year at the very beginning. You're like trying to think, you know, who can I be friends with? Who can I live with? You know, with, with people you don't really know yet, if that makes sense. You, you are not. You are 2, 3, 4 weeks into getting to know these people and that's quite difficult. So I think that's quite a big sort of cultural change. I think we've also become more consumers of university.

Alastair GreenerWhat, what do you mean by that? You mean the, the fact are you holding universities to account more because you're actually paying them out of your own pocket?

James StallabrassWell, yeah, I think when you are paying for a service, you automatically expect a better one. And so, um, the i how many contact hours you get, how much support you get from the university, suddenly you're thinking, is this really worth the, the nine and a half grand plus living expenses that you are paying to be there? And so I think that's, that's a bit more different as well. You are much more critical of sort of, you know, how much contact, how much worth am I getting?

Alastair GreenerAnd do you think that will affect the way that you then enter the workplace? Because clearly you are holding, you know, those people who are running the universities to account. So do you think that then reflects in the way that people might be holding their employers to account.

James StallabrassThink that's an interesting comparison. I've never, never thought of it like that. Um, perhaps I think we've, we've become quite cynical as a generation is perhaps one of the, one of the tropes used. And, and that's not entirely unfair, I don't think. Um, I think we've, we've got much better at realising, you know, is this work really worth the 12 pounds I'm being paid an hour, or is this university really worth the nine and a half grand I'm paid paying an hour. I don't, I, yeah, I think that's probably fair. I think you could say these attitudes are transferring.

Alastair GreenerAnd, and, and also of course, you are a generation who have been encouraged to speak up to, to vocalise your, your feelings and um, and, and opinions. You know, homes today tend to be a lot more democratised than they were in your parents' generation, for example. You know, it's just a different way that, um, people have been brought up. You mentioned earlier on about having to work during university and you know, that's where we, I first met you. You're working, you know, at home during the holidays where everyone thinks everyone's going on gap years, they're all going on holidays, they're all travelling around the world, and things like that, which in fairness, you've done a little bit of that as well. Where do you find that balance in your life to make sure that you are still not piling on too much debt you're earning, but at the same time you are enjoying your youth?

James StallabrassUm, I'm in a fortunate enough position where I don't have to sort of work while I'm at university. Um, for a lot of people that's not the case. Um, accommodation costs quite a lot. University life costs quite a lot. Um, and so a lot of people just don't have that option to not work. Um, whereas I, like I say, I'm in a fortunate enough position where I can work during the holidays to fund things that I want to do, um, travel, et cetera, but I don't have the pressure of needing to work, um, uh, work while at university, which I think is quite a divider perhaps between people who, who need to get jobs and people who don't. that

Alastair Greenerit was really nice. Earlier on you were saying, well, you know, there, you know, there's not resentment between students. It's not, you know, harsh feelings between anybody. Is, is there, is there any even an inkling of that between those who need to work to support themselves through uni versus those who don't? Or is it just seen as a, as a personal choice and you just get on with it?

James StallabrassUm, I, I think it's, it's a personal choice in the fact that, you know, people, people aren't gonna resent their sort of peers in that, that way. Um, I, I wouldn't be surprised if among the people who, who have decided they have to get jobs to fund, fund their university, there's a little bit of resentment to the fact that they can't have that sort of same university experience that their parents might have done, um, or that they've heard about before. The sort of, like I say, the need to work does cut back on your opportunities to sort of socialise, to go out. If you have to work every Friday night, then uh, it's not a Friday night, you're going out on.

Alastair GreenerIt, it. The other thing of course with that is that some people would say that actually the fact that you've worked, you've got that work ethic. You now have that on your cv. That's probably gonna help you when you get into the workplace compared with those who didn't work throughout their university time. And therefore they present for their first job interview. And the company that they've applied to is looking at them thinking, are you going to be a fit here because we don't have any work record for you.

James StallabrassUm, I think it's an interesting point you bring up sort of work experience and CVS and sort of how people are looking at moving into the world of work. I think you're right that that would look good on a cv, but I don't necessarily know whether it would look any better than a sort of working during the holidays. Um, as much like a lot of people I know, I'd be going as far as to say, I think everyone I know has got summer jobs, um, that they're working often, you know, quite long, long hours during the holidays. So would that look any different? I'm not so sure.

Alastair GreenerYeah, I was more probably comparing with those who actually, even during their holidays, they're, they're just travelling. They're not working. Or in your experience, is everybody working?

James StallabrassI'd say I know very few people who don't have a job over the summer. It even just sort of something small over the summer. I'd, I'd say, I'd say everybody I know has a job over the summer.

Alastair GreenerOkay. That, that's, again, that's very interesting because that's not necessarily what we hear in the media. And one of the things that I want to achieve with this, this podcast, is to give people the reality of life, uh, through the lens of someone who's living it in your generation. So this has been really, really helpful to give us an understanding of what you're going through and when it comes to work. The one thing that struck me when we first met is your approach behind the bar is somewhat different to some other people of your generation. And you're smiling because you know exactly what I'm gonna say here. You, you have, you have a level of politeness that I would say is pretty well unparalleled compared to others. You know, you, you insist on calling people, sir madam. You are, you are, you're very polite, you're very charming, and you, you have a, a, a wonderful way with people. Where, where does that come from? Because that's certainly a little bit different, I suspect from, um, anybody else that you know who works in pubs of your age.

James StallabrassWas brought up to be quite polite. I think my parents taught me, taught me to be quite polite when growing up, you know, say please say thank you, hold the door open, all of that sort of thing. Um, and so I think that that sort of, a little bit of that transferred into my work. Um, I find originally it began as a sort of reverence to the customer. They are, in the end, the ones paying your wages, um, which is important to remember, and there's a sort of respect and politeness that should be, should be shown there. But, um, I suppose it's almost turned into not a joke in a way, but something I, I find amusing still when,

Alastair GreenerYou've almost become a caricature of your own self, haven't you?

James StallabrassExactly. Exactly. And now it's become expected of me. You can't really stop anymore.

Alastair GreenerSo let, let's talk about the future because it, it's always good to understand people's perspective at your age because, you know, those of us who, it was a long time ago, um, when we were studying that, you know, our hopes and aspirations for the future, again, how do you think, well first of all, what are your hopes and aspirations?

James StallabrassUm, thought I'd like to get a job. That'd be quite nice. I didn't think that would be a hope or an aspiration. I thought that would be a sort of given, but I don't think that is anymore. Um, the sort of, the way that the job market is, that's not the easiest thing to do at the minute. So I'd, I'd like to get a job. I'd like to sort of, you know, live a sort of comfortable life, do something that I really enjoy, um, when I'm working. I think that that's a big aspiration of mine. I don't want to sort of sit in an office, uh, all hours of the day, sort of typing away on a computer in some big company. I'd rather rather do something that I, I love when working.

Alastair GreenerAnd what would that job look like? What type of job would it be in an ideal world?

James Stallabrassin an ideal world, something in the Red Cross would be great. The un um, something around international relations, humanitarian relief development, that sort of thing would be fascinating to me. Um, uh, you know, things like NATO or the International Rescue Committee that, that those sort of, that sort of work, um, I think would feel quite meaningful. Um, so, so that's probably the space I'd like to, like to see myself going into.

Alastair GreenerAnd that's something we hear a lot about your generation is that, you know, having a reason is, is more important than anything else. Um, when, when choosing work, of course it doesn't always necessarily end up like that. You might be having to do some other things along the way. How do you feel about, you know, okay, I'm gonna work like heck for a few years because that's just what you need to do to get on. And then I can have greater choices later on in life. Do you see as your work life has been investing in the short term for the future, or is it actually about the here and now?

James StallabrassUm, that's really interesting. Uh, I think initially it's, it's got to be a bit for the here and now. Um, you hear a lot of stories of graduates struggling to get jobs, and so in that sense, the here and now is quite important, just getting a job at the start. But then I think I would like to work hard and invest in that sort of future would be nice. Um, I think once I have a job, being able to sort of work, work hard, work my way up, save some money, um, to do things that I want to do later on in life, that, that would all be quite important to me. Sort of a bit of future planning.

Alastair GreenerYou said it was really competitive out there, which I think it would be universally agreed. It is, it's very tough for graduates right now, especially with AI and, um, the advancements in technology and so on. How do you feel about that? Um, the fact that there's so many graduates and the fact that many graduates are having to go on to get MBAs just to draw a distinction between them and other people. How do you feel about that and, and who's to blame for that?

James StallabrassUm, blame iss an interesting word. Um, you could say it's the tech companies, it's the ai. Um, none of that's helping. It's, it's interesting. I'm pretty sure, and you can fact check me later, I, I'm sure that, uh, that it was, it was coinciding with the release of chat GPT that, uh, that the graduate roles dropped off a cliff. Um, so I, I think it's, it's that, that's quite, um, quite a big impact on, on the job market. Um, so maybe that's who I'd blame, but I mean, ultimately it's the inevitable march on of, of technology. I don't think we're, you can't really be a Luddite about it. It's the changing world that we are in, and so you, you sort of have to accept that and, and adapt to it. And I'm sure over time the world of work will adapt to it as well.

Alastair GreenerI, I love the fact that you've brought a very philosophical approach to that, um, which obviously completely matches what you're studying, so, uh, that, that's perfect. When it comes to the future and what you are going to do, how do you see your peers in that respect? Do you think the people around you share the similar opinion?

James StallabrassUm, I think people around me are quite pessimistic about the job market, um, about, you know, what their degree is actually going to earn them in the future. Um, I'd say maybe that's the prevailing attitude is, is a sort of air of, is pessimism and almost bordering on nihilism that, uh, that ultimately there's, there's nothing for us at the end of this degree anyway. Um, you know, there's, there's no longer a sort of guaranteed job to come from it.

Alastair GreenerSo you are going into politics. We have at the time of recording this podcast, we're about to have a new Prime Minister in the uk. If you had that Prime Minister's ear as a student, as someone who wants to move ahead with your career, you've got very clear vision of what you want, what would you be saying to that Prime Minister to do to help students like you achieve their goals?

James StallabrassUm, I think you've gotta, you've gotta end the pessimism, um, of around students. I think you've gotta sort of give them a little bit more hope, um, show that there is a light at the end of the tunnel for, for people who, who put the work in. And I think that's really important. And I think part of that has to be tied into a sort of restructuring of the student loan system. Um, making it fairer on students a way to sort of, um, work back at it. I think Andy Burnham, I, um, said something about, about creating a, a triple lock, almost equivalent for, for young people. Uh, a sort of idea that there's a sort of, there's a state backing of you, that you have some guarantees in life, um, that would be quite nice. What that will turn out to be, what that sort of, you know, um, what that new deal for young people will look like is, is very interesting. Um, but I hope, I hope that it enters around injecting a bit more hope into our lives.

Alastair GreenerAnd for those people who are listening in other countries, because believe it or not, this podcast is in 25 countries. Um, we should say the triple lock is a, is a guaranteed income for British pensioners. And it's interesting that you were saying, well, hey, how about the young? And you know, you do hear quite a lot anecdotally about the young feeling bluntly, a little bit hard done by that. It's all about looking after the old people. And cynics would say, well, it's the old people who vote. So that's why they're looking after them. How do you feel and how representative is, is that of the people around you?

James StallabrassI think that's fairly representative of the people around me. I think there is a bit of intergenerational resentment. I think you, it's very easy to look at sort of pensioners who who've, um, you'd, you'd consider at, at my age would've had a, a sort of fairly easy run of life. I'm sure they'd disagree if they were on this podcast now. Um, they'd probably say they worked very hard to get where they did. But the fact that, you know, so much of, of our, our money is being put towards ensuring they're comfortable and, and living a nice life with, you know, your winter fuel allowance and your triple lock on your pension and all of these guarantees that no other generation seems to get. And also the idea that it might not last until our generation gets there either. There's an increasing trend of people who don't really believe that we'll have a pension when we're we're that age.

Alastair GreenerUh, it's funny you say that. I, I remember thinking that 20 years ago, 25 years ago, wondering if it was going to be around when I got my pension, which I've still gotta wait a number of years for. Uh, so yes, watch this space for that. James, you've given us a, a brilliant insight to what students are thinking, what student life is like, and you, you've, you've bust a few myths, but actually you've also supported some of the views that people might have of what student life is like today. I want to finish off really by you giving us a few, sort of a few like hacks of a anybody who's thinking about going to, to university. What should they be doing? What should they be looking out at for? Um, yeah. So let's start with that. If anybody's in, in, uh, that last stage of school, they're about to go to uni or thinking about going to uni, what would you say to them?

James StallabrassI'd say the experience of university is great. Um, you do learn lots of stuff. You should definitely have a look at how much contact hours, whether you feel like you would get value for money, and you should only go if you are really sure you'd enjoy it. Um, and you not just that you'd enjoy it for the experience, but that you'd enjoy the sort of learning aspect of it. I think it's useless to go, sadly, yourself with so much debt if you are going to do sort of a business degree, you are only half interested in and, and you are more there for the experience. That's absolutely not what I would recommend. Um, so

Alastair GreenerSo, so become a bit more discerning.

James StallabrassYes. Yes. Think very carefully about what degree you're doing and why you're doing it.

Alastair GreenerYou said earlier on that everyone's a little bit too pessimistic right now, so let's be positive. Let's finish on the positive. What's the best thing about being a student in 2026?

James StallabrassThe people you get to meet obviously is the people you get to meet. There is no other opportunity in life to be exposed to such a range of people, of backgrounds, of personalities. And so I think that's, that's brilliant. Uh, that I've made some wonderful friends at uni. It's been great fun and I've met people from all over the country, all over the world from various different backgrounds in a way that you would not get the opportunity to, you know, staying around where you grew up, all of that side of things. So I think that's, that's the brilliant thing about going to uni.

Alastair GreenerAnd do you know what I love about that? It's the fact, it's the human side. We live in this AI world and, uh, digital na, you being a digital native, yet it's about the human contact that really makes a big difference. And so I think you're going into absolutely right career, certainly as, as you said with nato, the UN or the Red Cross, but anything involving people, but also, uh, the fact that that positive approach towards the future is great. So James, believe it or not, our time is up. Thank you so much for being on the podcast, giving us your insights and giving us just that opportunity to see your life through your lens. So thank you very much and uh, I hope you've enjoyed it.

James StallabrassYeah. Thank you very much, Alastair. It's been really interesting. Uh, thank you for having me on.

Alastair GreenerThanks James, and thank you for listening. We'll be back in two weeks with another podcast. The Alastair Greener Generationally Speaking podcast was presented by me, Alastair Greener. It was recorded at Granary Studios and produced by James Jones. Please follow us and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts. To find out more, visit generationally speaking.co.uk.