EXAMS and deadlines remain the biggest worry for North-East university students, a survey has found.

With the new university academic year about to get underway many students will be leaving home for the first time in order to settle into new surroundings.

But a survey for student insurer Endsleigh found only 23 per cent of undergraduates were concerned about homesickness.

For most – 91 per cent – academic success was their biggest cause of concern. This was followed by applying for jobs (81 per cent), managing their money (69 per cent), physical health and fitness (62 per cent) and making friends (55 per cent).

A total of 2,128 students were quizzed for the survey, including a sample from the North-East.

Kim McGuinness, education sector manager at Endsleigh, said: “The stereotypical picture of the carefree student appears to be long gone, given the pressures modern-day undergraduates face and feel.

“As the figures show, students are incredibly conscientious when it comes to performing well academically, while at the same time getting to grips with the new responsibilities that come with moving away from home and making a whole new set of friends.

"This is not to mention the worry many face when it comes to thinking about life after graduation and, in particular, given the competitive market, securing a job in the career of their choice.”