Downloads
waves_1_5_datasets_user_guide.pdf
PDF | 382.84 KB
This User Guide provides detailed information pertaining to each of the first five waves of the ELSA data, all of which are available to download from the UK Data Archive
Resource details
- Publisher
- ELSA
Suggested citation
. (2013). User Guide to the ELSA Datasets Waves 1 to 8. London: ELSA.
More from IFS
Understand this issue

What would it take to fix social care?
How does social care work, why has reform proved so difficult, and what would it take to build a fairer and more sustainable system?
17 September 2026

What does the Lifelong Learning Entitlement mean for post-18 education?
The Lifelong Learning Entitlement will reform post-18 student finance, but financial support alone may not be enough to boost adult skills.
8 September 2026

Land value tax: the perfect tax?
Unlike most taxes, land value tax doesn’t discourage people from working, investing or building. So why don’t we use it more?
7 September 2026
Policy analysis

IFS-Cemmap Remote Policy Evaluation Methods Course
Register now to learn key policy evaluation methods with IFS–Cemmap. Combine self-paced study and live sessions to apply techniques using Stata or R.

The outlook on school funding in England
The report provides the latest picture on school funding and costs in England.
24 September 2026

The justice system's problems are not just about money
Why higher spending, without attention to how resources are used, may not translate into better outcomes.
23 September 2026
Academic research

IFS Recruitment Event 2026
At this online event we will offer an opportunity to meet current IFS staff, and ask questions about life at IFS and our recruitment process.

Economic opportunities by race and ethnicity
This academic conference will discuss ongoing research on racial and ethnic inequalities.

The unintended consequences of infrastructure development
I investigate the social costs imposed by poor implementation of public infrastructure.
23 September 2026