Staying Home vs. Living @ Uni

Original post by BrainyBengali

I was afraid of 'regretting staying at home' and missing out on the infamous 'student social-life' and so planned on staying in halls for 1st yr, and commuting for 2nd/3rd. (Make friends and socialise in 1st yr, study hard after. :colone:

)

Don't get me wrong - I fully support the idea of growing-up and embracing adulthood, and it can have a positive impact on one's maturity. However, there's also the maintenance debt that comes with it too.

Living in London, I was thinking: UEA, Queen Mary, Royal Holloway, Kent, Essex (for Economics.) Contact hours are roughly 11hrs p/w, so commuting seemed cost-effective.
But to eventually commute 3hrs for UEA, 2hrs for Royal/Kent would be a trek, and not sure if I'm cut out for that.

What do you guys think about living situations? (Sorry for the long post :biggrin:

- my first thread!) :banana:

I think any commute much more than an hour-1 hour 1/2 each way is too much really, especially if you do want to partake in any sort of university experience beyond just attending lectures. I'm a Londoner and I went to UEA and I would not want to do that commute and back every day or nearly every day. Contact hours can often be spread out across a week so only 11 hours could still see you in 4 or 5 days a week, maybe for only one hour some days. Consider how early you'd have to leave to be in for 9am if you had any 9ams e.c.t In the time you would be spending commuting you could have worked in the library and socialised.

how old are you?

Original post by BrainyBengali

I was afraid of 'regretting staying at home' and missing out on the infamous 'student social-life' and so planned on staying in halls for 1st yr, and commuting for 2nd/3rd. (Make friends and socialise in 1st yr, study hard after. :colone:

)

Don't get me wrong - I fully support the idea of growing-up and embracing adulthood, and it can have a positive impact on one's maturity. However, there's also the maintenance debt that comes with it too.

Living in London, I was thinking: UEA, Queen Mary, Royal Holloway, Kent, Essex (for Economics.) Contact hours are roughly 11hrs p/w, so commuting seemed cost-effective.
But to eventually commute 3hrs for UEA, 2hrs for Royal/Kent would be a trek, and not sure if I'm cut out for that.

What do you guys think about living situations? (Sorry for the long post :biggrin:

- my first thread!) :banana:

I'm not a university student but i understand what you're saying, and i understand the urge of excitement to move out and live at uni with your friends and stuff. But the main problem is expenses, especially in London. You'll end up wishing you stayed at home because obviously it'll be less expensive and that way you'd be able to have more money for yourself or have enough money to keep saving up.
Other than that, i think living away from home is great, you'll experience alot that you wouldnt at home and you would help yourself to be more independent and just be able to have your own separate life where you can do whatever you want but also have to do everything for yourself.
The question on which is better, i personally think, is up to you and also the uni you go to. For example (i'm an a level student in Birmingham) if i was to go to university of birmingham or any uni thats fairly close that i could get to on the train or something even if it would take 2 hours or so, i would obviously stay at home. However, if i got into for example Imperial or UCL then tbf i'd pick that uni over any uni nearby, so therefore, i'd choose to move.

In general, i dont think staying at home can harm you but there are obviously benefits and drawbacks of moving away too. But its all up to you and the uni you choose.

Reply 5

OP

Original post by Hassan2578

how old are you?

17, hoping to start Uni in 2017 :grin:

Reply 6

OP

Original post by minionzzz

I'm not a university student but i understand what you're saying, and i understand the urge of excitement to move out and live at uni....

I agree! There are advantages and drawbacks of both choices.

However, I thought I could compromise on the cost of living in London by only staying to establish a good friendship circle in the 1st yr, and then choose to commute in 2nd/3rd and save money at home. I'd have my social-side all sorted out, and have the opportunity to stay out late and come home via tube.

I think me not drinking and not going out much to clubs and stuff (Muslim lad) will mean I won't be going out as much. I think I'd probably be socialising through clubs, library/group-work, societies and extra-curricular stuff, so I don't think commuting will massively affect the social aspect too much.

I guess it does depend on which Uni I get; UEA, Kent would probably have me moving away, while Queen Mary, Royal Holloway would be a commute. (Essex could be either potentially, but it's my insurance choice.) Stress! :argh:

Reply 7

OP

Original post by jelly1000

I think any commute much more than an hour-1 hour 1/2 each way is too much really, especially if you do want to partake in any sort of university experience beyond just attending lectures. I'm a Londoner and I went to UEA and I would not want to do that commute and back every day or nearly every day. Contact hours can often be spread out across a week so only 11 hours could still see you in 4 or 5 days a week, maybe for only one hour some days. Consider how early you'd have to leave to be in for 9am if you had any 9ams e.c.t In the time you would be spending commuting you could have worked in the library and socialised.

I'm guessing you stayed over there in Norwich - did you use student halls or private accommodation (or both?) Any recommendations? :K:

What course did you read, if you don't mind me asking?

Reply 8

OP

Just to add about my anticipated rubbish social-life: I don't drink, a religious Muslim lad and don't intend to go out to clubs and the sort, raving into the night. :tongue:

I'd probably be socialising through clubs, library/group-work, societies and extra-curricular stuff, so I don't think commuting will massively affect the social aspect too much, as long I try to find a few close friends I can rely on.

Reply 9

Miser101

Depends on what life at home is like but I prefer living at university

Reply 10

Helloworld_95

19

Generally people who try living in halls end up going back on their idea of commuting later because the independence is worth it for them. Also with a little self discipline most people end up being able to do more work at uni than at home because family ends up being distracting while in contrast other students are in the same boat as you, so you end up encouraging each other.

Reply 11

OP

Original post by Helloworld_95

Generally people who try living in halls end up going back on their idea of commuting later because the independence is worth it for them...

If I do end up liking the sense of freedom, I'd definitely consider staying as an option. I just hope I can find friends dedicated enough to not abandon work and just play-hard all the time. I'm the kinda guy that needs to be constantly reminded of my responsibilities, (I know, not very fit for independent learning :innocent:

)

Reply 12

OP

Original post by Miser101

Depends on what life at home is like but I prefer living at university

I'm the guy people refer to when they say 'Where've you been? Living under a rock?' - I don't do sports (just some Basketball sometimes at school), no clubs/extra-curricular, got a small friendship gang I hang out with, and I just waste my time on FB at home, putting off work. I'm pretty sociable and can get on with practically anybody, but I'm scared I'll just be bored at home as I don't go out much as it is, especially when all my current mates will be off over the country :frown:

Maybe Uni might shake some sense into me, once I see that 80%+ of my time is independent learning :shock:

Reply 13

minionzzz

2

Original post by BrainyBengali

I agree! There are advantages and drawbacks of both choices.

However, I thought I could compromise on the cost of living in London by only staying to establish a good friendship circle in the 1st yr, and then choose to commute in 2nd/3rd and save money at home. I'd have my social-side all sorted out, and have the opportunity to stay out late and come home via tube.

I think me not drinking and not going out much to clubs and stuff (Muslim lad) will mean I won't be going out as much. I think I'd probably be socialising through clubs, library/group-work, societies and extra-curricular stuff, so I don't think commuting will massively affect the social aspect too much.

I guess it does depend on which Uni I get; UEA, Kent would probably have me moving away, while Queen Mary, Royal Holloway would be a commute. (Essex could be either potentially, but it's my insurance choice.) Stress! :argh:

I agree! I'm a muslim girl myself but i don't think that you're decision should be based on wanting to create a friendship circle. TBF you can do that with staying at home too. You don't need to change yourself either by socialising with people that do drink or go clubbing which you don't like yourself.
As you say, you're probably going to make friends through clubs, groupwork, societies and extra curricular stuff, which can all be achieved by staying at home too. And usually, as i know of anyway, you seem like you're very eager and more concerned about socialising and having friends which is probz the main reason you want to move away for uni, but if you move away i reckon you could be influenced to do things or make friends through things you dont want to do or feel comfortable with. If you get what i mean.
My point is, tbf it is mainly up to you and the uni you choose and DEFINITELY NOT on how you are going to try and make friends because you will make friends either way, just make sure you make friends you actually click with and that are in your comfort zone.
Good luck on getting into the uni you want, inshallah. Have fun too.

Reply 14

jelly1000

Original post by BrainyBengali

I'm guessing you stayed over there in Norwich - did you use student halls or private accommodation (or both?) Any recommendations? :K:

What course did you read, if you don't mind me asking?

Yup I did, stayed in halls on campus in first year then private accomodation after that. Don't go for the Ziggurats if you don't want a party atmosphere. I studied International Reltions then an MA in International Public Policy.

Reply 15

jonathanemptage

Original post by BrainyBengali

I was afraid of 'regretting staying at home' and missing out on the infamous 'student social-life' and so planned on staying in halls for 1st yr, and commuting for 2nd/3rd. (Make friends and socialise in 1st yr, study hard after. :colone:

)

Don't get me wrong - I fully support the idea of growing-up and embracing adulthood, and it can have a positive impact on one's maturity. However, there's also the maintenance debt that comes with it too.

Living in London, I was thinking: UEA, Queen Mary, Royal Holloway, Kent, Essex (for Economics.) Contact hours are roughly 11hrs p/w, so commuting seemed cost-effective.
But to eventually commute 3hrs for UEA, 2hrs for Royal/Kent would be a trek, and not sure if I'm cut out for that.

What do you guys think about living situations? (Sorry for the long post :biggrin:

- my first thread!) :banana:

it is a really bad idea to commute long distances to units a rule of thumb I and many other people recommend anything over 30 mins each way live in halls.

The commute your proposing is defiantly too long and will impact both your study and your social life. Why?

Social life Lets say for sake of argument your in for 9-5 you'll be getting home 7pm at the earliest thats when things tend to start so you'll be missing out on socials and club nights because where would you store your books and stuff not to mention having to leave early to get the last train you'll asa have to be super organised about going out with mates and as smart as they may seem or you are these thing s are so often spur of the moment and you won't be able to sleep on their floor because halls are so small you can't really fit two people in over night unless your sarong the tiny single bed.

Cost Travel can cost a lot of money for instance if you are in 5 days a week (yes it can happen particularly in first year) for me it cost £20 return from Reading to Southampton on a rail card that would cost you £100 a week while halls can cost as little as £3,250pa in Kent that's about £60 a week so you're actually saving money in fact even if your in 3 days a week you might still make a saving or break even.You also get less loan if you commute.

Academics and time tabling Commuters often say oh I'll work on the train you won't you can organise papers on the train but any meaningful work you may wish to do can't be done on a train what with stopping every free minutes the announcements people getting on or offend what if you need to change your loosing a very valuable 4-6 hours just traveling don't just don't.

What about your time table it's totally possible to have lectures finishing at 8pm or even 9pm and in that case you'll be home at 11pm or midnight not to mention the time it takes to get to the station and to your house (I had a lecture finishing at 8) in my first year and what if you have a exam or TCA and your train is delayed or cancelled you can't get EC for that you'd fail.

time tables can be pretty sadistic imho I mean i had a 9 hour break 10-6 one day sure you can study for about 4 hours of that maybe go to the gym for an hour and take abhor over lunch but you would still have 3 hours to kill it's much nicer to go back to a house and play a video game or watch tv or sleep or what ever rather than hanging around doing nothing for those 3 free hours.

So yeah better for you to live at uni i think.

Reply 16

OP

Original post by minionzzz

I agree! I'm a muslim girl myself but i don't think that you're decision should be based on wanting to create a friendship circle. TBF you can do that with staying at home too. You don't need to change yourself either by socialising with people that do drink or go clubbing which you don't like yourself.
As you say, you're probably going to make friends through clubs, groupwork, societies and extra curricular stuff, which can all be achieved by staying at home too. And usually, as i know of anyway, you seem like you're very eager and more concerned about socialising and having friends which is probz the main reason you want to move away for uni, but if you move away i reckon you could be influenced to do things or make friends through things you dont want to do or feel comfortable with. If you get what i mean.
My point is, tbf it is mainly up to you and the uni you choose and DEFINITELY NOT on how you are going to try and make friends because you will make friends either way, just make sure you make friends you actually click with and that are in your comfort zone.
Good luck on getting into the uni you want, inshallah. Have fun too.

I do think that friends will be made either way, as you said, and of course I'd always avoid being in 'peer-pressure' situations. I would really like to find a group of like-minded religious guys to rely on to stick by me :u:

But regardless of what it may seem like, while I am concerned about my friends, I am not worried too much, as I will make them wherever I choose to stay.

Good luck on your application (if you're applying)! :smile:

Reply 17

jonathanemptage

Original post by BrainyBengali

I do think that friends will be made either way, as you said, and of course I'd always avoid being in 'peer-pressure' situations. I would really like to find a group of like-minded religious guys to rely on to stick by me :u:

But regardless of what it may seem like, while I am concerned about my friends, I am not worried too much, as I will make them wherever I choose to stay.

Good luck on your application (if you're applying)! :smile:

In that case halls is totally the right option on the application forms you can always ask to be placed with all men of a curtain religion like muslim for instance.

you'll find peer pressure isn't a thing at uniFor instance I didn't and still don't drink your absolutely free to do what you want drink or don't smoke or don't do drugs or don't.

That last one is illegal so I wouldn't do that what I'm saying is living out will let you decide who you are which is always a good thing.

Reply 18

OP

Original post by jonathanemptage

In that case, halls is totally the right option on the application forms - you can always ask to be placed with all men of a curtain religion like Muslim for instance.

you'll find peer pressure isn't a thing at uni. For instance, I didn't and still don't drink your absolutely free to do what you want drink or don't smoke or don't do drugs or don't.

That last one is illegal so I wouldn't do that what I'm saying is living out will let you decide who you are which is always a good thing.

What Uni/ course did you study? Sounds like a good atmosphere :smile:

I don't mind to having people of both sex in the building I live in (I think that coming from an all boys grammar for 7 years, I defo need to get used to hanging around all types of people :wink:

) I would actually prefer to have a diverse community to mix with, in lectures and in my free time.

Little confused: If I stay in 'halls', what does that mean exactly? Like I know it's on uni campus, but is a room to yourself? Shared room/bedroom? I've heard shared kitchens are common?

However, if I do decide to live with someone in say, 2nd/3rd yr (private accommodation), I would prefer to live with another Muslim - makes things much easier in terms of prayer and food (and general lifestyle).

What were you referring to as 'ILLEGAL' again? Didn't realise something wrong was said :eek:

Reply 19

OP