The Student Room Group

Torn between where to live

I’m thinking of applying to a uni that’s relatively close to home (1hour drive) but then I don’t know if I should live at home or there, the maintenance loan i could get if I lived at home would cover the cost of transport (drive to train station and train itself) for a year and I’d have some left over and I do love where I live but at the same time I do want to have the student experience, let me know your thoughts!
Reply 1
Original post by Toby.img
I’m thinking of applying to a uni that’s relatively close to home (1hour drive) but then I don’t know if I should live at home or there, the maintenance loan i could get if I lived at home would cover the cost of transport (drive to train station and train itself) for a year and I’d have some left over and I do love where I live but at the same time I do want to have the student experience, let me know your thoughts!

Apply somewhere a little further from home and move out, would be my recommendation. Your home town is not going anywhere so you can enjoy that during the holidays and when you graduate.
Reply 2
Commit and stay in accommodation rather than commuting. The first year is when you will be making friends so don't miss out
Original post by Toby.img
I’m thinking of applying to a uni that’s relatively close to home (1hour drive) but then I don’t know if I should live at home or there, the maintenance loan i could get if I lived at home would cover the cost of transport (drive to train station and train itself) for a year and I’d have some left over and I do love where I live but at the same time I do want to have the student experience, let me know your thoughts!

Hi @Toby.img

I had the exact same issue as you! I am a second year student at Kingston and my home is an hour away. I decided that I wanted the 'uni experience' and would want to take the opportunity to live at halls and meet my friends and not have to travel to and from uni every day. I wanted the flexibility to go out with my friends spontaneously and not have to plan ahead!

Another factor I considered is having access to Uni facilities and libraries close by as I wouldn't have that if I lived at home. I drive so I could work around it but the travel time wasn't worth it.

I also knew that I had a safety net knowing home is so close so I can go back whenever I want to. Sometimes the money factor can mean that I feel I could be saving money but I have a university job which helps. I also still don't regret my decision and have decided to live in Kingston throughout my three year course.

I would recommend applying and seeing how you feel. A lot of universities might help you out if you wanted to terminate your accommodation early (after Christmas which gives you a few months to see if you liked it). I really enjoyed my freedom and would urge you to give it a go!

I would be happy to help if you have any questions!

-Yasmin (Kingston Rep)
Original post by Toby.img
I’m thinking of applying to a uni that’s relatively close to home (1hour drive) but then I don’t know if I should live at home or there, the maintenance loan i could get if I lived at home would cover the cost of transport (drive to train station and train itself) for a year and I’d have some left over and I do love where I live but at the same time I do want to have the student experience, let me know your thoughts!

Hi @Toby.img ,

This is a common dilemma that lots of people face when they are going to a uni that is quite close to home. I also go to uni around a similar distance from my hometown and I decided to stay in halls as I wanted to get the full uni experience.

There are pros and cons to both, but you can still make friends and have a good experience either way. I would say if you choose to stay at home you may have to put a bit more effort in at first as you won't have automatic friends that people have when you stay in halls but if this is what you want to do it can work!

I would say the biggest pro to living in halls would be that it is easier to make friends as you are always around new people and it's fun living with a group of people your age. It's also easier for nights out if you like going out, or just spontaneous trips out as this is quite tricky if you live further away.

Living in halls also teaches you new skills and teaches you how to be independent. Cooking and even cleaning for yourself are quite fun when you go to uni as it is all new skills. it also just gives you a bit more freedom and independence that you don't have at home!

As others have said, it's also good just to experience a new city. You will always be able to go back to your hometown, over Christmas and summer and whenever you want really so it's good to know you always have that there and get to explore a new city at the same time!

However, living at home you will save quite a bit of money as rent is expensive and you will also save on things like food etc. However, you need to consider the cost of petrol and parking or trains. Even though this won't add up to the same amount as rent, if you need to be in uni every day this could add up quicker than you think so it's worth checking how much the commute would cost.

Living at home is also good because you have all of your friends and family around you which can be nice. However, your friends could always come and visit you as it's not far and and it will be easy for you to get home if you wanted to go home one weekend!

Overall, I would say that living in accommodation is great and it is worth doing. If you don't enjoy it, you could always move back home for your other years of uni!

I hope some of this helps,

Lucy -SHU student ambassador :smile:
Original post by Toby.img
I’m thinking of applying to a uni that’s relatively close to home (1hour drive) but then I don’t know if I should live at home or there, the maintenance loan i could get if I lived at home would cover the cost of transport (drive to train station and train itself) for a year and I’d have some left over and I do love where I live but at the same time I do want to have the student experience, let me know your thoughts!

I think saving on student loan is a good option trust me
Original post by Toby.img
I’m thinking of applying to a uni that’s relatively close to home (1hour drive) but then I don’t know if I should live at home or there, the maintenance loan i could get if I lived at home would cover the cost of transport (drive to train station and train itself) for a year and I’d have some left over and I do love where I live but at the same time I do want to have the student experience, let me know your thoughts!

Hi!

It's totally down to your own priorities and what kind of university experience you would like. Moving out can be a great experience, gaining independence and living with friends. However, living at home can save a lot of money, it can be nice to stay with home comforts whilst still having new experiences. You always have the option to move out for second year if your decide commuting isn't for you!

Hope this helps, Faye 🙂
Original post by Toby.img
I’m thinking of applying to a uni that’s relatively close to home (1hour drive) but then I don’t know if I should live at home or there, the maintenance loan i could get if I lived at home would cover the cost of transport (drive to train station and train itself) for a year and I’d have some left over and I do love where I live but at the same time I do want to have the student experience, let me know your thoughts!

Part of the university experience is learning to become independent in a safe environment, learning to budget, cook,fill a fridge, keep a flat, house or room clean and organise a social life around lectures and coursework. Staying at home doesn’t teach this however mature and independent you think you are. Yes you could move out in second year but it is normally in the first year accommodation that you find your best buddies and you create those close relationships. I’m not saying it’ll be impossible afterwards but it will be harder.
Going away to university is a once in a lifetime experience and although student debt is an issue, the repayment terms are not such as to leave you bankrupt.
OP posted this 7 months ago. They’re 1 term into their degree now.

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