More university students than ever are choosing to live at home in 2023

Why are students deciding to stay at home?

There are several reasons why university students are choosing to live at home this year. One of the big ones is the cost of student accommodation. Rents have been rising steadily for years, and they are now at an all-time high. In London, for example, the average rent for a student room is now over £1,000 per month. 

According to a new report by University College London and the Sutton Trust, 34% of A level students are considering living at home instead of opting for halls of residence if they get a place at their first-choice university. This suggests there could be a sharp rise compared to pre-pandemic levels, when 20% of students chose to live at home and save on costly student halls. 

As well as accommodation costs, other essentials such as food and transport have also been rising in price. This makes it difficult for students to live on student loans even if they also get a part time job.  

The study also suggests that the pandemic had an impact on family dynamics, and many students are now choosing to stay at home to support their families; whether helping with the care of younger siblings, sick or elderly relatives, or contributing to the family finances. 

Advantages and disadvantages of staying at home

Living at home while studying can have its advantages. Not only can it save you a lot of money, but it can also give you stability and support. Staying in your local community could make you feel more secure while starting such a big new chapter in your life.  

However, living at home could be isolating or limit how much of the full university experience you’ll get, such as living in halls of residence, making new friends, and participating in clubs and extracurricular activities. 

Students who live at home may also have to deal with family responsibilities, such as cooking and cleaning, which can take away from their study time. 

Ultimately, the decision of whether to live at home or in student accommodation is a personal one. There is no right or wrong answer, and the best choice will vary depending on you and your individual circumstances. 

How will students living at home affect universities?

The rise in the number of students living at home is likely to have implications for universities. It will mean that universities will need to adapt their accommodation policies. There will be less demand for student halls, and universities may need to offer more flexible accommodation options, such as shared houses or apartments. 

Universities will need to find ways to support students who are living at home. This may include providing financial assistance, as well as social and academic support. Universities will also need to ensure that students who are living at home have access to the same facilities and resources as students who live on campus. 

The rise in the number of students living at home is likely to have an impact on the local economy. Students who live at home are likely to spend less money on campus, which could have a negative impact on local businesses. However, students who live at home may also be more likely to stay in their hometown after graduation, which could have a positive impact on their local economy in the long term. 

The future of university living

The rise in the number of students living at home is a sign of the changing times. Everything is getting more expensive, and students are looking for ways to save money. Living at home is one way to do this, and it is likely to become more common in the years to come. 

However, the traditional university experience is still important to many students. They want to live on campus, meet new people, and have the freedom to socialise and make their own decisions. Universities will need to find ways to offer students the best of both worlds, by providing affordable accommodation options that still offer a vibrant and supportive environment. 

Thinking ahead, students are choosing to live at home because they want to save money for the future. Many students are now taking on large amounts of debt to pay for their education. Living at home can help them to reduce their debt burden and save for a deposit on a house or flat after they graduate.