When I was 18 I left home to go to university. My uni was in London and I am free Lancashire so staying at home wasn’t an option.
I was excited to be going away but when I got to my room in the halls of residence it was not like I had imagined. It was quite a small room with a bed, a desk and a notice board in. It was nothing like the student accommodation that you see in American sitcoms.
After I had got over the initial shock and unpacked I soon settled. It was very different to what I was used to but as soon as I found the Student’s Union and made some friends I was right at home.
Living away from home was definitely the most expensive option but it was also the most fun! A couple of my friends commuted to uni and they missed out on many of the parties. In a way this also contributed to the fact that staying on campus was more expensive.
I made some of my best friends at university! We have just returned from a lovely trip to London, catching up with old friends and their new additions.
When it comes to whether living in student accommodation is better than living at home there is a lot to be taken into consideration. I think personal preference also plays a big part.
I have a post from Sam all about this which I wanted to share with you.
Living at Home vs Student Accommodation
If you or your children are looking at studying at university this year there will be lots of logistical, personal and financial considerations to take into account. Not least, you will be thinking about where to live. With tuition fees as high as they are, it can be tempting, given the option, to stay home rather than live in student halls of residence. There are high end places which are clean, safe and offer lots of facilities such as the London student accommodation at Urbanest, there will be halls provided by the university and there will be other private options to consider all varying in price. At home, food will be provided as well as (if you are lucky) you’re washing and it could be rent-free. However, there are pros and cons to both – here are some of the arguments for and against.
Finances
Money is always a tricky issue when you are studying. Student loans only go so far and expenses such as text books, nights out and food can mean money for rent is scarce. However, the student life is good training for the real world and not being required to balance your budget between food, rent and socialising as everything is provided by your parents can mean you are not getting the full university experience. On the other hand, rent is likely to be your biggest expense so it is no surprise lots of students take the home option if it is situated near to their chosen university.
Best option: Home
Social
University is as much about meeting new people, networking and making bonds which are likely to last a life time. Of course, you can make these friendships in lectures and around the student union but there is something about sharing a flat with people or even just being in the same living circumstances as other students which make those bonds stronger.
Best option: Student Accommodation
Travel
Your decision whether to go for student accommodation or stay home is likely to be influence by how easy it is for you to get to lectures from your parents’ home. However, you should also think about whether or not living away from the student area will affect your university social life or make going out costlier in terms of taxis etc. There is also the fact that other students on your course going in to lectures on the same route may give you added encouragement.
Best option: Student Accommodation
Student Support
Similarly, living in student accommodation and constantly being around fellow students may give you more impetus to focus on your work (in some cases though your peers may prove a distraction). Also, there is also a lot to be said for having peer support when going through a time in your life when you are moving from youth to adulthood. Such support will more readily available in student accommodation than back at home.
Best option: Student Accommodation
Study
Try and assess which setting would be most beneficial to your studies before making your decision. As mentioned above, fellow students may prove a distraction or they may spare you on to work more.
Best option: You decide
Sam Renton is a lifestyle blogger who loves to spend to time with the family, travel and find a good bargain.
