While moving away to a new city can be exciting and offers you a whole new level of independence, there are still plenty of reasons why living at home to study is also a fantastic option.
If you’re feeling the pressure to move away, just remember that your university experience is what you make of it and you won’t be the only one. In fact, according to Save the Student’s 2024 National Student Accommodation Survey, around 15% of students are now opting to live with their parents or guardians during their studying.
Everyone has their own personal preference, and there’s no right or wrong choice. If you’re still feeling undecided, we’re exploring why considering living at home for university could be a good idea.
1. It's easier to save money
Amid the ongoing cost of living crisis, choosing to live at home while studying is likely to be a cheaper option, as you won’t be paying for things like rent, utility bills, and food, allowing you to save money for the things you enjoy. Even if your parents expect you to chip in financially, you’ll still be spending a lot less than if you were living in student accommodation or privately renting. Living at home, you probably won’t have to take out a maintenance loan either, which will save you thousands of pounds and leave you with less student debt when you finish university.
Another way you can save money if you live at home for uni is by taking advantage of your university’s facilities. Most campuses will have microwaves, and sometimes fridges, available for you to use, so you can enjoy some home-cooked leftovers for lunch instead of spending money while you’re out. At Sunderland, the showers at CitySpace gym are also free for students to use, and our on-campus food outlets will provide free boiling water if you’re taking your reusable cup in for hot drinks.
2. You'll be joining a university community
Even if you’ve lived somewhere all your life, being a student in your own city will offer you an entirely different experience and give you the opportunity to try new things. A university campus provides another world for you to explore, and you can join sports teams, clubs, and societies, where you can pursue a hobby and make new friends. Your Students’ Union will also run events throughout the year, which is a great excuse to get more involved in university life, even if you’ve chosen to live at home. At Sunderland, we run the SU Buddy Scheme, where your interests will be matched to a more experienced student who’ll show you around and make you feel welcome.
While you may initially choose to live at home while studying, you don’t have to miss out on the full student experience. Once you’ve made some friends, you might consider moving into a house share, which allows you to gain more independence and immerse yourself even further in student life.
3. Share your hometown with new friends
Another great benefit of living at home for university is being able to share everything you love about your hometown with your new friends. While you might have to invest more effort into building new friendships without the advantage of living in student accommodation, there are still plenty of ways to meet new people. Get chatting to the other students on your course or join a society where you can make friends with people who share the same interests as you. Attending Freshers’ Week, signing up to social events, and using social media to join groups are also great ways of striking up a conversation with your fellow students.
Make the most of your local expertise and be a tour guide of your own city, showing your friends everything that makes it so special. You’ll know all the best places to go, so get planning some day trips at the weekend, or show off your favourite restaurant. Similarly, they might be able to share some hidden gems or other new places with you that you’d never considered visiting before!
"Having lived in Sunderland all my life, it’s a place very close to my heart, so when it came to making a decision about where to study, I knew there would be no better place. The University has some amazing facilities, which I knew would benefit me, plus it’s given me the chance to engage with young people within my hometown which I’m very passionate about. I’ve loved getting involved with the social side of things by playing for the University’s football team – it’s given me a great sense of pride to represent Sunderland."
Adam Hendry
MA Childhood and Youth Studies/BSc (Hons) Criminology
4. Stay connected with your family and home comforts
Living at home while studying will also mean staying close to your existing friends, family, and pets. Moving away from home can feel incredibly daunting, particularly if you struggle with social anxiety and being around new people, and there are positives to take from having your home comforts nearby. Studying for a degree can be stressful at times, so having that support network of family and close friends can be great for your mental wellbeing. Coming home to your own bed at the end of a busy day is also a bonus!
If you’re worried about developing the independence which often comes with moving away, there’ll be ways to maintain this even if you stay at home. For example, you’ll be able to contribute to household chores, or help your younger siblings with their homework. You can enjoy the best of both worlds, as you’ll have the familiarity of the life you know and love, as well as new and exciting experiences to get stuck into.
5. You can use commuting time constructively
Depending on how you commute from home to university, you may be able to use that time constructively to get some studying done. Many trains and buses now have plug sockets available so you can charge your laptop, and working on an assignment might even make the journey go quicker. When you arrive at uni and head into your first lecture, your brain will already be switched on and in the right mindset for learning. This could also then free up some of your valuable weekend time for doing other things you enjoy or finding a part-time job.
6. You can stay more focused on your degree
If you’re pursuing a particularly demanding degree or are determined to achieve top grades, living at home for uni could help you stay focused and manage your time more effectively. With fewer distractions, you’ll likely find it easier to concentrate on your studies, spending more time at home rather than in the library surrounded by other people, where it could be tempting to procrastinate. Not living in a busy house share also means you won’t be influenced by friends to join in an impromptu night out, putting off your work until tomorrow!
If you’re still feeling unsure about whether to live at home while studying, try writing your own pros and cons list. Whatever you decide, you can make your university experience whatever you want it to be. Read more about the student experience we offer at the University of Sunderland.
Published: 22 November 2024