Should I be worried about living at home while I study at university?

For many new students, university is the first time they will live away from home.

The traditional vision of undergraduates starting university life, starts with a car, which after many shopping trips, is packed with a new microwave, bedding and plenty of food, ready to be installed in new accommodation.

But what if you didn’t have to leave home?

An article from The Guardian in 2014 found that “more than 22%” of students were living in their family home, deciding to commute to uni instead. This number is steadily growing. If you’re planning to live at home whilst you study you shouldn’t feel like you’re missing out. In fact, there are many advantages that your hall-dwelling peers won’t have.

Here are some of the best things about living at home when studying:

You know your surroundings

Students are often worried about how they are going to fit in or get along with their new housemates, on top of the stress of going to university. By staying at home, you'll know what to expect and can return to familiar surroundings at the end of the day. You'll also have the comforts of home around you while you revise, which might help your productivity. 

You will still make friends

And your knowledge of the local area might even help you out with this. You know the coolest coffee bars and hangout spots, which might help with your popularity. Plus you’ll be able to invite your new friends back to yours when they get sick of living off beans on toast from their student kitchen.

You can still experience freshers’ fortnight

Many students worry that they are unable to get the full freshers’ experience while staying at home. We run events throughout the day and night that allow everyone to take part. From quizzes to parties, the two weeks of events are open for everyone. And if you’re living at home, it might mean an easier commute back, so you can get a quiet night’s sleep after the festivities.

Things don’t have to change 

You don’t have to face as many changes as those who move away. You might be able to carry on working in your existing part-time job, and fit your family commitments around your studies (particularly handy if you are a parent). 

You have a great support system

There is nothing like the support system your local friends and family can give you. From making sure you have all that you need, to providing time to sit down and discuss the future, your existing support network will be on hand to help you throughout your studies.

You can save money

With the price of student halls and houses rising every year, living costs can soon add up. If you live at home you won’t have to worry about any of this, and you may be able to save money on the commute by walking or catching the bus (if you’re coming to London don’t forget to apply for a student Oyster card too). London Mayor (and London Met alumnus) Sadiq Khan has now introduced a new service that allows you to only pay the price of one fair if you catch the next bus within the hour.

Have the best of both worlds 

When you stay at home there is a worry that you may not have the same amount of freedom that others have living away. However this isn't the case. There's a sense of freedom for all students whose university is close to home, as they can choose to live in student accommodation or stay at home. For many, the first year of university is spent at home, but by the second year the friendships you have made could make you want to move out and experience living on your own.

With London and other cities across the UK able to share and show those the best sights and scenes, you will be able to feel the best of both worlds, as you find the place for you.

Every year, London Metropolitan University helps hundreds of students find places on full-time undergraduate degrees. You can start a course at London Met in September, but many are also available to start in January. Take a look at our full list of undergraduate courses or contact our course enquiries team for more information.