Starting university boosts recycling and greener travel, a University of Bath study finds

Starting university doesn’t just change where students live or study; it can also lead to changing their habits. New research from the Centre for Climate Change and Social Transformations (CAST) at the University of Bath shows that young people are more likely to adopt sustainable behaviours, like recycling and active travel, during major life transitions.

The study, published in PLOS Climate, tracking hundreds of 16–24-year-olds, examined two “moments of change”: the move from school to university and the sudden disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic. Both events reshaped daily routines, offering opportunities for environmentally friendly habits and highlighting where interventions could make the biggest difference.

Key findings

• University transition: Students reported more recycling, increased walking and cycling, and lower consumption of meat and dairy products. However, ethical shopping and environmental activism fell during the adjustment to student life.
• COVID-19 pandemic: Young people reduced food waste and cut back on animal products, but lockdown restrictions limited activism and active travel.

The research also shows that values matter - those who cared most about others and the environment were more likely to take green actions. But the researchers stress that values alone aren’t enough. Without supportive infrastructure and opportunities, good intentions can be lost.

Lead author Dr Kaloyan Mitev, an environmental psychologist and a behavioural scientist from CAST and the Department of Psychology said: “Big life changes shake up our habits. That disruption can be a golden opportunity to go greener but only if the right support is there. Policymakers and universities should be ready to step in at these key moments, whether that’s better cycling infrastructure, greener student living, or campaigns to help young people cut food waste.”

Co-author Professor Lorraine Whitmarsh, Co-Director of CAST said: “Life transitions, from leaving home to starting a job, are powerful moments to encourage greener habits. Targeted interventions at these points could make a real difference in tackling climate change.”