Last modified on Sat 2 Jan 2021 23.37 EST More final-year pupils than ever before are applying to local universities so that they can study closer to home, amid concerns that the impact of the pandemic may extend into the next academic year. Year 13 pupils across the country are currently finishing their applications ahead of the 15 January deadline, after which universities are no longer required to consider applications equally. A Ucas survey of more than 20,000 pupils planning to go to university suggested that nearly a quarter (23%) want to study closer to home, accelerating a longer-term trend. “Young people in our focus groups have said they don’t want to be far from their support networks. That’s been thrown into sharp relief by pictures in the media of students struggling in halls,” said Sarah Barr Miller, head of insight at the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (Ucas).