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Recent data reveals that more first-year university students in the UK are choosing to remain living at home than at any time in the past nine years. According to the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (Ucas), over 81,000 18-year-old students indicated in their accepted university applications this year that they plan to live with their families. This represents just over one-third of students in this age group, a significant increase compared with 2017, when only about one in five students made this choice.
This trend varies across different regions of the UK. For example, almost half (48%) of university applicants in Scotland intend to stay at home, whereas in Wales the proportion is much lower at 20%. Despite these regional differences, the overall tendency toward living at home while attending university has been rising steadily. Students have commonly cited the rising cost of living as a major factor influencing their decisions about where to live after finishing school or college. For instance, two friends from St Helens, Merseyside—Beatrice and Amelia—have opted to stay at home because accommodation costs were a crucial consideration in their planning. Both are preparing to attend university this September, but neither will be moving into student halls.
Others feel the trade-offs of this choice more keenly. Jessica, who will be studying at Liverpool John Moores University, expressed regret about missing out on the full student experience by living at home. She said, “I would have loved to live on campus and enjoy student life, but the price of renting is ‘ridiculous’ and ‘insane’.” Despite working a part-time job to cover expenses, she fears the long commute will reduce her free time. Still, she appreciates that living at home means she can enjoy her parents’ home-cooked meals. Earlier this year, BBC News highlighted one first-year student who saved over £7,000 annually by commuting 90 minutes to Manchester from home.
The financial pressures students face extend beyond accommodation costs, which have soared in recent years alongside overall living expenses. The Higher Education Policy Institute (Hepi) reported that in 2024, students need about £61,000 over a three-year degree to maintain a “minimum socially acceptable standard of living,” excluding tuition fees. Rental prices on university-owned property vary widely from region to region, ranging from £108 per week in Northern Ireland to as much as £338 per week in London for shorter contracts. Most areas fall between £140 and £180 per week, with private halls often costing more. While maintenance loans can assist with housing costs, some student unions have noted that rent increases are outpacing these financial supports. Hepi also found that many full-time students work paid jobs during term time to bridge the gap between maintenance loans and living costs.
Changing financial realities are also prompting some students to reconsider traditional university paths. The Open University, which specializes in distance learning and online courses, has seen a notable rise in younger enrolments. Last year, nearly 3,400 students aged 18 and 19 started courses there—nearly double the proportion from six years ago. Traditionally favored by mature learners balancing work and study, this shift suggests younger students are increasingly attracted by the flexibility and cost savings of studying from home. As the university’s vice-chancellor, Prof Dave Phoenix, explains, online study “means they can avoid moving costs and high accommodation bills and, for others, it means keeping a job.”
Nonetheless, some experts stress the broader value of living on campus beyond just financial considerations. A recent report by Prof William Whyte from the University of Oxford emphasizes that the experience of living and learning within a university community plays a crucial role in student development. He argues that the current lack of comprehensive policy on accommodation for students aiming to live independently requires a serious public discussion. “The question isn’t simply where students live. It’s what they gain from living and learning together as part of a university community,” he says.
In response to concerns about student financial hardship, the Department for Education has acknowledged the challenges many students face. A spokesperson indicated that the government is increasing maximum maintenance loan amounts and reintroducing maintenance grants to alleviate living costs. Additionally, efforts are underway to collaborate with universities and local councils to improve access to affordable student housing
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