Changes in Dietary Habits and Reported Barriers to Healthy Eating Amongst UK University Students

Attendance at university often presents significant personal, environmental, and social changes to an individual. Such changes are likely exacerbated in young students given the transition from living at home, and the increased independence that attendance at university often requires. These factors may influence the dietary habits of students, which is important to consider for long-term health and maturation, as well as academic performance. In this study, a survey was cross-sectionally distributed to obtain both qualitative and quantitative data to explore perceived barriers to healthy eating and changes to nutritional habits from students at a single higher education institution in the United Kingdom. In total, 590 students completed the survey. A total of 295 (50%) students reported that their dietary habits had changed since starting university. Barriers to healthy eating were reported by 45% of students, with the most selected barriers being “food cost” (n = 205), “lack of time” (n = 119) and “stress” (n = 112). Undergraduate students were more likely to report experiencing barriers to healthy eating (p = 0.009); less motivation to eat properly (p < 0.001) and less likely to report being able to afford the food they want to consume regularly (p = 0.009), compared to postgraduate students. Poorer nutrition habits since starting university were reported in 22% of students. This study highlights the important role higher education institutions can play in supporting the promotion of dietary habits, which may positively influence health, growth, maturation, and academic success amongst university students.