Students Opt for Home Living to Offset University Costs

A significant portion of university students are opting to live at home and commute to classes, citing financial benefits as a primary motivation. The University of Gloucestershire reports that one-third of students beginning their courses this academic year are choosing this arrangement.

To accommodate this trend, the University of Gloucestershire has expanded its support for commuting students. This includes offering flexible accommodation options, discounted travel, and developing new facilities tailored to their needs. The university's City Campus, a £75 million redevelopment of a former Debenhams building in Gloucester, is designed to support these flexible learning models.

Ofelia Bines, a communications and media student at the University of Gloucestershire, explained her decision to live at home. "I know I'm better off financially compared to a lot of people living in halls," she said, noting that many of her peers are making similar choices. Bines added that staying close to her family and her dog was also a factor in her decision, allowing her to experience university life while maintaining important connections.

Taylor Barker, a second-year forensic psychology student, commutes 40 minutes to the university's City Campus. She described studying from home as a "bonus" that made financial sense. "My family are really important to me, I don't want to lose that connection from moving away," Barker stated. She also noted that commuting has not hindered her ability to meet people, as she finds common ground with fellow students during lectures.

Stewart Dove, director of student experience at the university, acknowledged the financial pressures students face. He stated that commuting can help students "manage the cost of university" and enable them to maintain part-time jobs or stay near family and friends. The university's flexible accommodation at its Pittville campus allows students to stay on campus for up to three nights a week, offering a middle ground between living at home and full-time relocation. "We hope that these options mean that commuter students are supported to easily access everything that the university can offer," Dove added.