If you happen to be reading this article, I believe it is safe to assume it would only be for two reasons. One: you’re either starting university soon and are debating to take the dreaded commute. Two: you’re a second/third year student questioning your stay close to campus or the commute you’ve been used to doing. Truthfully, there’s a lot to it than saving money, but should that be the deciding factor? Is it better to live at home when at university? Keep reading to find out the advantages and disadvantages before making a final decision.
Pro 1: saving money
As a country, we are already bearing the brunt of the current cost of living crisis, so saving money whenever possible is essential. Now, imagine moving out to another part of the city in the pursuit of independence only to discover the costs are much more than your pockets can bear. You tell yourself you can make ends meet and secure a part-time job only to find that once term time starts, you’re struggling to balance giving both 100% effort to your job and degree at the same time. Of course, everyone is capable if they strive to of balancing both, but if you happen to live close enough to home, maybe living at home should be an option you strongly consider.
However, costs will accumulate from travelling, such as an Oyster travel card charge. This is a minor price to pay in comparison to the cost of a student accommodation. London is notoriously known for being one of the most expensive cities to live in as a student, something very much worth considering when deciding whether to commute or live on campus. If still find yourself thinking about the big move for university, however, check your options outside of large cities where the cost of living is much higher.
Con 1: draining commutes
Your choice university might require you to go quite the distance. So, although commuting can prove to be cost-efficient for students, it can also be very draining. If you’re a night owl who fears they may be late getting to university after lying in, then living closer to campus may be ideal for you. Preferably, you wouldn’t want to commute longer than 45 minutes from home to university. Consider not only how long it’ll take, but how you’ll get there. Do you drive a car? Are you on a local bus route? Do you have to take a train? These options will drastically change the commuting time and journey. This isn’t even considering those one-off scenarios where road works and train delays may affect your journey. If the thought of studying for your desired degree isn’t enough to get you up much earlier in the morning than your classmates, then I’d strongly suggest living closer to campus.
Pro 2: A taste of independence
Moving away from home and into student accommodation can be considered as the first step taken towards the path of independence. It is most likely your first time away from home on a daily basis. For the first time, you would have sole responsibility for yourself. Cooking, cleaning and paying bills… A trial period before entering true adulthood in the work world upon your eventual graduation. But it does come with benefits as daunting as it sounds. Did you grow up telling your parents where you’re going out that day? Or asked if you could stay out late? Told them that you’re staying over at a friend’s when you’re secretly going elsewhere? There’s no more of that! Think of it as more of a healthy boundary than drastically cutting off family. Moving into student accommodation is beneficial for any young person looking for a sense of independence or desiring their own space.
Con 2: Making friends is hard
It’s hard enough to make friends in a new learning environment, especially at university. More classmates but fewer hours to connect and communicate. If you happen to live on campus, the tough task might be easier since you’ll already be living with new people and hopefully manage to make a friend or two. Also, the opportunity to make friends through your housemates and at nearby campus social events. Despite the opportunities to make friends on campus, this may still prove to be hard for introverted students who struggle to put themselves out there. It’s worth wondering how you go about actually talking to people, let alone how to make friends.
For students who live at home, making friends may prove to be a struggle. Whether you’re an introvert or extrovert commuting, in order to make friends, those students will have to make their way onto campus for social events. Although it’s natural for students to want to socialise, this may prove costly on top of monthly spending on commutes, depending on the distance. Despite the potential benefit of social events paying off as a tactic, this may not simply be an option. Could you make it an option? Or do you have local friends already?
Pro or Con?: Living with new people
Living with new people can be beneficial. It can allow you the chance to connect with people you may not have crossed paths with. The benefit of connecting with your new housemates may mean the opportunity to network. You could collaborate on assignments where permitted or join outside projects. This is a massive benefit for those studying film, design, creative writing and other creative degrees. But STEM students also gain more insight from their housemates. Everyone is a winner here. University isn’t just about a degree, it’s an opportunity to meet like-minded people. These are people who navigate of self-discovery with you.
In theory, students would love to get along with their new housemates. In reality, that simply is not guaranteed. Everyone is different — different personalities, likes and dislikes. This might make an uncomfortable living environment if certain personalities clash. If you’re a homebody with a preference for personal (or family) time, then maybe moving into a student accommodation may not be the wisest choice.
How to decide what is right for you
There you have it. These are some of the things you should consider when you make a choice to live at home when at university. Of course there are many more that we don’t cover here, but you can read plenty more articles about living at home from our student writers. At the end of the day, you may find that you’re much better off living away from home for many reasons. Likewise, living at home might be better suited for your needs. To decide what is right for you, think of the course, financial situation, location… Understand all of your options because living at home doesn’t have to be the only one.