evidence: Should I stay or should I go? Reasons for leaving Northern Ireland for study or work [...] 1. Students clearly said that poor community relations in Northern Ireland were a reason to leave and not return. People who had chosen to live and work outside Northern Ireland after graduation agreed that this was a strong motivation to remain away. [...] 3. Students said that a broader range of higher education courses, greater availability of places and a higher quality student experience elsewhere encouraged them to leave Northern Ireland.