Politics and You
Written by Ejemen Ebosele
The Rising Gap in Politically Informed Students: How Can We Make a Difference?
In the United Kingdom, there is a growing divide between politically informed students and those who remain disengaged from the political landscape. With voter turnout at historically low levels among young people, especially university students, this gap is becoming a pressing issue that affects not only the future of politics but also the overall health of democracy. While some students are actively engaged in political discussions and activism, many others are increasingly disconnected from political processes, leaving a large portion of the student body uninformed and disinterested. The question remains: how can we bridge this gap and foster a politically informed generation?
The disparity in political awareness and involvement is particularly evident on university campuses. Political science students, student union representatives, and those actively participating in activism are often well-versed in the issues facing the country from climate change to healthcare policy. Grace, a graduate who studied climate change in reading said “even with my course a lot of students were unaware it was available, you either know a lot you don’t really know anything at all. Climate change has become more relevent compared to recent years and we have campaigns and groups who want the governemnt to do more to improve our current state, more students just need to be informed”.
However, a significant portion of the student population remains detached from these discussions. Research has shown that many students struggle to identify key political issues and fail to understand how their vote can impact their future. On campus I reached out to a number of students to ask them if they are up-to-date with our countries politics, majority stated they either had no interest or did not understand the systems. Shamiso Dzumbira, a recent graduate at Coventry university said “even as an international student, I have only become accustomed to uk politics because of social media. I do want to take a better interest since I plan to stay here long term, but the topic of politics just isn’t brought up amongst my social circle”.
Several factors contribute to this growing divide. Firstly, the complexity of modern politics can be overwhelming. With numerous parties, shifting ideologies, and an ever-changing global context, it’s easy for students to feel alienated or confused by the political landscape. Additionally, the rise of social media, which has replaced traditional news sources for many young people, has contributed to the spread of misinformation, making it more challenging to navigate political discussions. Many students consume content that aligns with their existing beliefs, which can reinforce political echo chambers and discourage critical thinking.
Financial stress and academic pressure also play a role. With rising tuition fees, student debt, and the pressure to succeed academically, many students simply do not have the time or energy to engage in political discourse. Their immediate concerns, such as securing affordable housing, managing tight budgets, and passing exams, take precedence over political issues that may seem more distant or irrelevant to their daily lives.
However, despite these challenges, there are tangible ways to encourage political engagement among students and close the gap in political awareness. One of the most effective solutions is education. Universities and student unions have a crucial role to play in providing accessible resources that help students understand the political landscape. This can include hosting debates, workshops, and speaker events that engage students in political discussions and allow them to hear from diverse perspectives. Students should also be encouraged to critically assess political information and engage in fact-based discussions.
Social media platforms can also be harnessed to spread political awareness, but in a more responsible and constructive manner. Universities and student organizations should work alongside digital influencers to promote accurate political content, debunk misinformation, and encourage healthy political dialogue. Partnerships with independent fact-checking organizations could further ensure that students are exposed to credible information. Peer-to-peer engagement is another crucial strategy. Encouraging students to have open, respectful discussions about politics in informal settings, such as dormitories, student unions, and clubs, can help demystify political issues and foster a culture of informed debate. Bringing politics into everyday conversations, rather than relegating it to the realm of the classroom or formal political events, can make it more relatable and less intimidating.
Finally, there is a need for a more inclusive approach to political participation. Universities must create spaces where students from all backgrounds—regardless of socioeconomic status or previous political involvement, can feel comfortable participating. Financial barriers to political engagement, such as the cost of attending events or joining political groups, should be removed to ensure that all students have equal access to political education and activism. As the next generation of voters, students hold the power to shape the future of the UK. By making political engagement accessible, relevant, and inclusive, we can ensure that the rising gap in politically informed students is not only addressed but also reversed, leading to a more informed and active electorate for generations to come.