If you want the student dollar, shoes better be in your ranging mix.
Using data from almost 60,000 18-24 year olds, global student network Unidays has uncovered key trends across Australia, the UK and the US.
Unidays founder Josh Rathour said the data shows distinct differences in the three markets.
“We know the student lifestyle evolves with every generation so we strive to engage with and listen to our users so we can connect them with the brands most relevant to their lifestyle.
"At the moment, fitness and music is high on the agenda but it will be different after the next O week intake.
"What’s also interesting is the difference in geographic buying trends.
"Students in Australia and the UK listed ‘daywear’ as the item they buy most frequently (71%) followed by ‘shoes’ (62%), which was the number one item in the US.
"In terms of channel, US and Australian students research on mobile but tend to complete their purchase on a desktop site.”
The picture it paints is one of the modern student who is social, sensible, loves music and is healthy with hobbies including cooking, reading and going to gym.
Even though Australia boasts some of the best beaches in the world, hitting the beach/surfing didn’t even make it into the top ten.
Under a quarter of Australian respondents (19%) listing it among their hangouts.
Across all regions, socialising with friends dominated as the favourite way to spend free time and more students listed the gym over partying and going to bars.
The study has also seen an insurgence in young people prioritising their fitness and well-being with their buying and search habits.
