First year university students in the UK are determined not to contribute to the anticipated rise in coronavirus cases as they prepare for a freshers' experience like never before.

In a recent survey undertaken by Cheltenham-based Endsleigh Insurance, over half of students surveyed admitted that despite different covid safety measures taking place throughout various pubs and university campuses across the UK this freshers' period, they would not be attending more house parties as a result.

This news comes just weeks after health secretary, Matt Hancock, warned that young people could cause a second spike in UK cases, warning them not to "kill your gran by catching coronavirus and then passing it on."

Hancock faced an immediate backlash from the younger population following this statement, with many suggesting that young people were being prematurely scapegoated just before an expected rise in coronavirus cases.

Student insurance specialists, Endsleigh, surveyed 1,050 students and when asked if coronavirus meant that they'll have more house parties at university, a whopping 600 (58 per cent) students said no, with 20 (two per cent) of them saying they were unsure.

Endless sacrifices have been made by people around the world during the coronavirus pandemic and young people are no exception to this. To name just a few things, first year university students have missed out on:

• Their final summer before uni 
• Holidays
• Exams
• The typical Freshers' experience
• Making as many new friends as normal

These findings vastly contradict the UK government's warning that young people's behaviour could contribute towards a rise in covid cases and raises questions as to which age group will be the main driver of new cases, or if blame culture even has a role in this pandemic.

Endsleigh's chief executive officer, Alison Meckiffe, said: "Over the last six months, our engagement with students has only emphasised how different this university year will be for them. First year university students would normally be extremely busy with freshers' fairs and social activities right now, but unfortunately things are very different.

"We're so proud to say that everyone at Endsleigh has been working hard to provide students with as much support as possible during this time, including helping them get excited for a virtual freshers' experience and providing live digital 'welcome' events (partnered with accommodation providers and YouTube and CBBC star, Joe Tasker)."

Students can take part in Endsleigh's "What type of fresher are you?" quiz  here and watch the welcome events with Joe Tasker here.