Will living at home while attending university impact me?
I fully intend to live from home when I attend University next year, which one that is I don't know yet but Im looking exclusively at those local as there is a good amount that are only 1 or 2 bus rides away ( I can't yet drive and don't overly intend to as even the idea scares me). Staying at home is baisically perfect in my head as I get to save money,keep my current job,still have home meals opposed to whatever processed crap I'd probably end up buying myself and also I'm just generally not good away from home for too long, it sounds awfully babyish at the age of 17 but I'm very attached to my home comforts and until the age of 11 I was a military child so I blame that for my lack of wish to move around any further.
The downside Im facing here is that I'm unsure if not living in the accommodation or in the city itself (rather a town a couple buses away) will impact my ability to make or maintain friendships or attend any events or even parties though I'm 17 and I've never attended a proper party in my life so the latter seems unlikely. There's also the question of if this will effect my abilities such as independence later down the line.
If anyone has any sort of experience or help on the matter it would be greatly appreciated.
The downside Im facing here is that I'm unsure if not living in the accommodation or in the city itself (rather a town a couple buses away) will impact my ability to make or maintain friendships or attend any events or even parties though I'm 17 and I've never attended a proper party in my life so the latter seems unlikely. There's also the question of if this will effect my abilities such as independence later down the line.
If anyone has any sort of experience or help on the matter it would be greatly appreciated.
Reply 1
Original post by Anonymous
I fully intend to live from home when I attend University next year, which one that is I don't know yet but Im looking exclusively at those local as there is a good amount that are only 1 or 2 bus rides away ( I can't yet drive and don't overly intend to as even the idea scares me). Staying at home is baisically perfect in my head as I get to save money,keep my current job,still have home meals opposed to whatever processed crap I'd probably end up buying myself and also I'm just generally not good away from home for too long, it sounds awfully babyish at the age of 17 but I'm very attached to my home comforts and until the age of 11 I was a military child so I blame that for my lack of wish to move around any further.
The downside Im facing here is that I'm unsure if not living in the accommodation or in the city itself (rather a town a couple buses away) will impact my ability to make or maintain friendships or attend any events or even parties though I'm 17 and I've never attended a proper party in my life so the latter seems unlikely. There's also the question of if this will effect my abilities such as independence later down the line.
If anyone has any sort of experience or help on the matter it would be greatly appreciated.
The downside Im facing here is that I'm unsure if not living in the accommodation or in the city itself (rather a town a couple buses away) will impact my ability to make or maintain friendships or attend any events or even parties though I'm 17 and I've never attended a proper party in my life so the latter seems unlikely. There's also the question of if this will effect my abilities such as independence later down the line.
If anyone has any sort of experience or help on the matter it would be greatly appreciated.
I guess it really depends on what uni you’re going to and your personality.
It can be difficult to make friendships and become independent without moving out for uni but it doesn’t have to be!
I’d say as long as you try your best to be very social and speak to people in lectures/classes and meet up with people regularly you’ll meet a group of people that fit for you. But in all honestly, it will be hard to maintain those friendships when you’re away from campus.
You’ll be saving a lot of money ( the debt is crazy) so that’s always such a pro that I don’t think people realise and you’ll be around people you love and who will care for you ( e.g meals). I’d say go with your gut if you’re worried that being at home will make you overly introverted and may keep you behind maybe consider uni accommodation but financially and for peace of mind staying at home can be good!
Reply 2
Original post by Anonymous
I fully intend to live from home when I attend University next year, which one that is I don't know yet but Im looking exclusively at those local as there is a good amount that are only 1 or 2 bus rides away ( I can't yet drive and don't overly intend to as even the idea scares me). Staying at home is baisically perfect in my head as I get to save money,keep my current job,still have home meals opposed to whatever processed crap I'd probably end up buying myself and also I'm just generally not good away from home for too long, it sounds awfully babyish at the age of 17 but I'm very attached to my home comforts and until the age of 11 I was a military child so I blame that for my lack of wish to move around any further.
The downside Im facing here is that I'm unsure if not living in the accommodation or in the city itself (rather a town a couple buses away) will impact my ability to make or maintain friendships or attend any events or even parties though I'm 17 and I've never attended a proper party in my life so the latter seems unlikely. There's also the question of if this will effect my abilities such as independence later down the line.
If anyone has any sort of experience or help on the matter it would be greatly appreciated.
The downside Im facing here is that I'm unsure if not living in the accommodation or in the city itself (rather a town a couple buses away) will impact my ability to make or maintain friendships or attend any events or even parties though I'm 17 and I've never attended a proper party in my life so the latter seems unlikely. There's also the question of if this will effect my abilities such as independence later down the line.
If anyone has any sort of experience or help on the matter it would be greatly appreciated.
Hi there,
I have lived in halls and away from home for the past two years at uni, so I thought I could offer an accommodation student experience.
Quite a lot of my friends of uni are commuting students and they live at home like you're planning too. The above comment is pretty spot on in saying that it's about trying to get involved and to be social when you can to keep friendships at uni alive. My friends and I have to put in a bit more effort to meet up as I'm so close to the city centre and they live further away, but some extra planning and we're all good to go.
I've found my best friendships have come from joining societies. You could try to fid one you like that meets at the same time each week so you can schedule this into your weekly timetable. This way you can feel involved with friends and have a scheduled time and day to meet, so there's less hassle trying to organize you all meeting up.
Some other perks to living at home which I wish I had in halls, is that I have had to find a job that I can transfer back to when I go home for the summer. But if you're staying in one place, I'm sure you'll be able to find more permanent work. And, like the comment mentions above, saving some money while living at home never hurts!
Lots of people on my course commute into uni and I know they're enjoying it. There will be some obstacles to overcome, but with some time and good planning, I'm sure you'll find some amazing friends and feel more comfortable.
All the best! 🙂
Emily
Student Rep at BCU
Reply 3
Original post by Anonymous
I fully intend to live from home when I attend University next year, which one that is I don't know yet but Im looking exclusively at those local as there is a good amount that are only 1 or 2 bus rides away ( I can't yet drive and don't overly intend to as even the idea scares me). Staying at home is baisically perfect in my head as I get to save money,keep my current job,still have home meals opposed to whatever processed crap I'd probably end up buying myself and also I'm just generally not good away from home for too long, it sounds awfully babyish at the age of 17 but I'm very attached to my home comforts and until the age of 11 I was a military child so I blame that for my lack of wish to move around any further.
The downside Im facing here is that I'm unsure if not living in the accommodation or in the city itself (rather a town a couple buses away) will impact my ability to make or maintain friendships or attend any events or even parties though I'm 17 and I've never attended a proper party in my life so the latter seems unlikely. There's also the question of if this will effect my abilities such as independence later down the line.
If anyone has any sort of experience or help on the matter it would be greatly appreciated.
The downside Im facing here is that I'm unsure if not living in the accommodation or in the city itself (rather a town a couple buses away) will impact my ability to make or maintain friendships or attend any events or even parties though I'm 17 and I've never attended a proper party in my life so the latter seems unlikely. There's also the question of if this will effect my abilities such as independence later down the line.
If anyone has any sort of experience or help on the matter it would be greatly appreciated.
Hi there,
This is a hard decision for a lot of people but, if you're happy at home then the cost of living on campus can be hugely significant. I've recently written a blog on making friends at university and a lot of it will still apply to you! You can live at home and still find your people! You can read my blog here
I hope that reassures you!
All the best,
Jaz - Cardiff student rep
Original post by Anonymous
I fully intend to live from home when I attend University next year, which one that is I don't know yet but Im looking exclusively at those local as there is a good amount that are only 1 or 2 bus rides away ( I can't yet drive and don't overly intend to as even the idea scares me). Staying at home is baisically perfect in my head as I get to save money,keep my current job,still have home meals opposed to whatever processed crap I'd probably end up buying myself and also I'm just generally not good away from home for too long, it sounds awfully babyish at the age of 17 but I'm very attached to my home comforts and until the age of 11 I was a military child so I blame that for my lack of wish to move around any further.
The downside Im facing here is that I'm unsure if not living in the accommodation or in the city itself (rather a town a couple buses away) will impact my ability to make or maintain friendships or attend any events or even parties though I'm 17 and I've never attended a proper party in my life so the latter seems unlikely. There's also the question of if this will effect my abilities such as independence later down the line.
If anyone has any sort of experience or help on the matter it would be greatly appreciated.
The downside Im facing here is that I'm unsure if not living in the accommodation or in the city itself (rather a town a couple buses away) will impact my ability to make or maintain friendships or attend any events or even parties though I'm 17 and I've never attended a proper party in my life so the latter seems unlikely. There's also the question of if this will effect my abilities such as independence later down the line.
If anyone has any sort of experience or help on the matter it would be greatly appreciated.
Hi! I didn't personally live at home during university, but I know a few people who have so I will do my best to tell you what I've seen. Although a lot of people will initially become good friends with their flatmates, not everyone will continue these friendships and the vast majority will still find friends outside of their accommodation. My friend chose to commute to uni in second year and still managed to make new friends through their course, societies, etc. I think that as long as you make an effort to engage with people on your course (join group chats, talk to people outside lectures, in seminars/labs etc whatever interactive classes you may have) and look into joining some societies you will definitely be able to meet people!
In terms of parties and going out, that will somewhat depend on how late your buses run because if you can't stay out past say 10pm you may struggle to enjoy those events. But there are plenty of other options for socialising at university during the daytime so don't let that get you down too much!
-Kat (2nd Year Psychology Undergrad @ Lancaster Uni)
Reply 5
Original post by Anonymous
I fully intend to live from home when I attend University next year, which one that is I don't know yet but Im looking exclusively at those local as there is a good amount that are only 1 or 2 bus rides away ( I can't yet drive and don't overly intend to as even the idea scares me). Staying at home is baisically perfect in my head as I get to save money,keep my current job,still have home meals opposed to whatever processed crap I'd probably end up buying myself and also I'm just generally not good away from home for too long, it sounds awfully babyish at the age of 17 but I'm very attached to my home comforts and until the age of 11 I was a military child so I blame that for my lack of wish to move around any further.
The downside Im facing here is that I'm unsure if not living in the accommodation or in the city itself (rather a town a couple buses away) will impact my ability to make or maintain friendships or attend any events or even parties though I'm 17 and I've never attended a proper party in my life so the latter seems unlikely. There's also the question of if this will effect my abilities such as independence later down the line.
If anyone has any sort of experience or help on the matter it would be greatly appreciated.
The downside Im facing here is that I'm unsure if not living in the accommodation or in the city itself (rather a town a couple buses away) will impact my ability to make or maintain friendships or attend any events or even parties though I'm 17 and I've never attended a proper party in my life so the latter seems unlikely. There's also the question of if this will effect my abilities such as independence later down the line.
If anyone has any sort of experience or help on the matter it would be greatly appreciated.
Hiya,
I decided to stay at home while studying too and also had similar worries before starting. I’m in my third year now and honestly it hasn’t impacted me at all.
Of course when there’s stuff going on, it means me getting the train to meet people and attend but I’ve got used to that. As long as you’re willing to do the journey so you can attend, then it won’t hold you back at all.
Once I made closer friends, it became even easier as I could sleep over with friends and not have to worry about getting home after a night out.
It’s not babyish at all. I’m much older than you and still enjoy my home comforts. Personally, I’ve found being at home while studying really helpful. Like you said, still get good food and you can save some money. Being around my current friends and family has been really important to me!
Don’t forget if you spend the first year at home and then decide to move closer to the uni, then that’s an option too. Whatever you decide for the first year is not set in stone! Loads of my friends have either moved closer to uni or decided to move home. Just do what’s best for you - that way you’ll give yourself the greatest chance of success at uni.
Your independence will not be affected by this at all. There’s loads of time for that! Plus you’re already working and talking about saving money, that sounds pretty independent to me!
Good luck with whatever you decide. Go and experience all the parties you want once you’ve started! I hope this helps.
Sophie (ARU)
Reply 6
Original post by Anonymous
I fully intend to live from home when I attend University next year, which one that is I don't know yet but Im looking exclusively at those local as there is a good amount that are only 1 or 2 bus rides away ( I can't yet drive and don't overly intend to as even the idea scares me). Staying at home is baisically perfect in my head as I get to save money,keep my current job,still have home meals opposed to whatever processed crap I'd probably end up buying myself and also I'm just generally not good away from home for too long, it sounds awfully babyish at the age of 17 but I'm very attached to my home comforts and until the age of 11 I was a military child so I blame that for my lack of wish to move around any further.
The downside Im facing here is that I'm unsure if not living in the accommodation or in the city itself (rather a town a couple buses away) will impact my ability to make or maintain friendships or attend any events or even parties though I'm 17 and I've never attended a proper party in my life so the latter seems unlikely. There's also the question of if this will effect my abilities such as independence later down the line.
If anyone has any sort of experience or help on the matter it would be greatly appreciated.
The downside Im facing here is that I'm unsure if not living in the accommodation or in the city itself (rather a town a couple buses away) will impact my ability to make or maintain friendships or attend any events or even parties though I'm 17 and I've never attended a proper party in my life so the latter seems unlikely. There's also the question of if this will effect my abilities such as independence later down the line.
If anyone has any sort of experience or help on the matter it would be greatly appreciated.
Hi there,
Deciding whether to stay at home or move into accommodation for uni is a dilemma that lots of people have!
You can still make lots of friends if you are living at home, the only thing that I would say is that you need to be open to putting yourself out there and making an effort to talk to people and make plans because you won't have the automatic friends that come with living in university accommodation. Most people will be up for doing things if you ask so it's worth asking and you can be just as involved with some aspects of uni life as long as at first you are willing to ask people to meet up. Once you have your friendships they will just invite you to do things if they have plans but it is important to establish the friendships first!
Some ways in which I would suggest making friends at uni is by joining societies! Societies are great as you get to do something that you enjoy doing and also meet lots of likeminded people too. There will be loads of societies at the uni you are going to do I would recommend looking online at what they offer so that you are prepared when it comes to signing up to some. Going to the freshers society fair is also a great way to see what is on offer and if you are interested in any as they are really great ways to make friends and it is also something fun to do in general.
Another way to make friends while you are living at home is by joining group chats. There will likely be group chats on Facebook for your uni and sometimes there are groups for commuter students too so look into this as you might find people who are in the same situation as you and want to make friends. This is a good way of making friends without even meeting anyone and you might even make some friends before uni starts so it is worth trying this.
It's also worth making friends with your course mates as these are the people that you will be seeing lots while you are at uni. Attend all the lectures and seminars that you can and try and talk to the people in your classes! You could also ask people if they want to go out after your classes finish- go for food, shopping even just to the library as this way you are still making friends and doing things but it fits in with your schedule too as you are commuting.
I hope some of this helps and have a great time at uni!
Lucy -SHU student ambassador.
Reply 7
Original post by Anonymous
I fully intend to live from home when I attend University next year, which one that is I don't know yet but Im looking exclusively at those local as there is a good amount that are only 1 or 2 bus rides away ( I can't yet drive and don't overly intend to as even the idea scares me). Staying at home is baisically perfect in my head as I get to save money,keep my current job,still have home meals opposed to whatever processed crap I'd probably end up buying myself and also I'm just generally not good away from home for too long, it sounds awfully babyish at the age of 17 but I'm very attached to my home comforts and until the age of 11 I was a military child so I blame that for my lack of wish to move around any further.
The downside Im facing here is that I'm unsure if not living in the accommodation or in the city itself (rather a town a couple buses away) will impact my ability to make or maintain friendships or attend any events or even parties though I'm 17 and I've never attended a proper party in my life so the latter seems unlikely. There's also the question of if this will effect my abilities such as independence later down the line.
If anyone has any sort of experience or help on the matter it would be greatly appreciated.
The downside Im facing here is that I'm unsure if not living in the accommodation or in the city itself (rather a town a couple buses away) will impact my ability to make or maintain friendships or attend any events or even parties though I'm 17 and I've never attended a proper party in my life so the latter seems unlikely. There's also the question of if this will effect my abilities such as independence later down the line.
If anyone has any sort of experience or help on the matter it would be greatly appreciated.
Hi Anonymous!
Living at home vs living at uni has its pro's and cons!
Living at home
There are definitely pro’s and con’s to living at home. The big benefit is saving money as you don’t have as many outgoings as you do if you are living away. You save money on things like rent and shopping, and it is a great thing to do if you are trying to save up – I used the money I saved to put towards a car, so this was a great thing for me!
The downside to living at home was having to commute every day as this got tiring quickly! It depends on how far you have to commute and how many days you are in university on how much this might wear you out. It also depends on how you commute – for example, if you get the train, it’s a good time to get some work done whereas if you drive, it means you may loose an hour or two in your day!
Living at university
By moving out, I did also find it a bit easier to socialise! When I lived at home, it wasn’t as easy to just nip into town to meet your friends or make spontaneous plans, I felt like everything had to be a bit more planned! Now it’s really easy to nip out to meet friends!
You also get to meet a lot more people who might not be on your course! A lot of first year halls will put you into random flats (unless you specifically ask) and this is a great opportunity to meet people you otherwise wouldn’t have an opportunity to meet!
One of the downsides to living at university is the cost. The cost of living can be expensive depending on where you live and a lot of people that I know work alongside their degrees in order to have extra money to socialise. Luckily for me, UCLan is one of the cheapest student cities to live in so this made it a bit easier for me!
I hope this helps,
Rebecca, UCLan
Reply 8
My friends who have stayed at home struggled. They get an hour train to uni and because they’re unable to attend the nights out due to having nowhere to stay or no one able to pick them up they can’t go. They missed freshers, they missed meeting flat mates and opening their social horizons and they only had course mates to socialise with, which was a struggle as it changes each module for a lot of courses and there won’t always be the same people in class. I think it’s critical at least for first year to live on campus, and if you’re staying local you can come home at weekends etc you may find you love it there. Second and third year live at home as it won’t matter due to you having made your core friends in first year.
It’s not exactly a bad choice, but it’ll limit your social capabilities to mingle with the new students as you are all new in the same boat together.
It’s not exactly a bad choice, but it’ll limit your social capabilities to mingle with the new students as you are all new in the same boat together.
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