The short answer
The short answer is yes, you will receive some kind of student loan even if you continue to live at home while studying. This is because of tuition loans. Every “home” student (someone with a UK/Irish citizenship or someone with a “settled” status who has lived in the UK for at least three years prior to starting studies) is eligible for a tuition loan of up to £9,250. This is paid directly to your university, so there is nothing for you to worry about there.The long answer
The long answer is yes, but it’s complicated. Even if you’re living at home, there are a number of different factors that determine how much of a maintenance loan you receive from the government. A maintenance loan will help you with some of the costs of day to day life at uni. Like with tuition loans, all home students are eligible for one, though if you’re living at home, you may choose not to. It completely depends on your circumstances.
How much maintenance loan will I get if I live at home?
The most important factor in determining how much you can receive in maintenance loans is your parents’ income. For the 2023-2024 academic year, you’ll be able to get a loan of up to £8,400 if your household income is £25,000 or less. This is the maximum maintenance student loan available. As you can see, it is lowered the higher your total household income is.
FAQs on Student Loans When Living at Home
Yes. Students who stay at home can still apply for both tuition fee loans and maintenance loans. Tuition loans cover your course fees, while maintenance loans help with living costs such as travel, books, and food even if you do not pay rent away from home.
For the 2025/26 academic year, the maximum maintenance loan for students living at home is £8,877. The exact amount depends on household income, so students from lower-income families can receive closer to the full amount, while those from higher-income households receive less.
Yes. Maintenance loans are means-tested no matter where you live. Higher parental income usually means a smaller loan, while students from lower-income households may qualify for the maximum support even if they stay at home.
Yes. You may qualify for Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) or extra support such as the Parents’ Learning Allowance or Childcare Grant if you have dependents. These are available even if you live at home while studying.
Yes. Update your living situation through your Student Finance account if you move out during the year. Your maintenance loan will be recalculated to reflect the new cost of living away from home.
It can be enough if you budget well, but travel expenses and social costs may add up. Some students living at home take part-time jobs to top up their income and help pay for commuting or course materials.
Yes. Each year’s student finance application asks where you will live. You can update it if you plan to move out in the next academic year and your maintenance loan will be reassessed.
Usually no formal proof is required, but Student Finance may ask for evidence such as a utility bill or council tax record if they need to verify your address.
Yes. Many universities offer bursaries or hardship funds based on household income, and living at home does not usually affect your eligibility. Check your university’s student finance support page for details.
Yes. Because the maintenance loan for living at home is lower, your total student loan debt may be smaller by the time you graduate compared to students who lived away from home.