Is Moving Out for Uni Really Worth It?

Is it actually worth moving out for uni just for independence? I could stay at home and save money, but I’d have restrictions over small things, like even going to the shop.

I want to make close friends and hang out without restrictions, but I worry this could be a waste if I don’t end up making friends or finding my group at uni anyway. Plus, I know I’d probably feel homesick too.

Anyone been in a similar situation? Did moving out really make a difference or is it overrated?

Reply 1

artful_lounger

Universities Forum Helper

Yes, because learning to live independently is a key life skill that you will need to learn sooner or later, and university is a way to do so in a relatively "safe" and controlled environment where you also have frequent opportunity (during uni term breaks/holidays) to go home.

Also everyone needs to learn to make friends and to grapple with feelings of homesickness and this is something every student at your uni will be experiencing.

If nothing else you have relatively little to lose by living in halls first year and then moving back home for the rest of the course if you so wish, assuming your home is in the same city as your uni.

Reply 2

LJMUStudentReps

Official Rep

Hi there,

I personally would recommend moving into halls for at least first year, and then decide whether to stay home and commute or stay in halls for second and third year!

It's worth weighing up the pros and cons of staying home vs accommodation, and they're usually different situations and circumstances for everyone, so I've added a list of things to think about before making your decision:

Commuting and proximity to uni

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How long would the commute to uni take when staying in accommodation, or staying at home – would you still be able to walk from home?

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Take into account the money needed for public transport from home, as well as the time used up everyday on the commute

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Living in student accommodation might mean you’re closer to the uni facilities as well, like the libraries or gym

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It might be useful to be closer to these places if you wanted to consistently work in the libraries, or access any of the support systems or academic help at uni – these things might also be available online for your uni though so check this too

Finances

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Living in accommodation is very dependent on how much you can afford it – would your student loan cover rent as well as other living expenses?

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If not, would parents be willing to help out financially or would you need to find part time work too?

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Look at the cost difference between this and then staying at home and commuting – would your parents start charging you rent if you stay at home?

Privacy and independence

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You will gain a lot more independence and life skills by moving out – this is almost a guarantee!

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You will essentially have to fend for yourself in regards to cooking, cleaning, laundry, uni work, without parents telling you what to do and when

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Would you be able to cope with making up your own new routine or would you rather stick to the routine you made for yourself at home?

Social events and joining societies

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If you were interested in joining societies, it might be difficult to attend evening events if you are relying on public transport to get you home

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As well, if living at home would you be allowed to stay out late or made to come home early every day? Living in halls might make these things easier and the events are bound to be closer as well

Home comforts/getting homesick

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Living at home will usually bring you a degree of comfort, as you’ll be in familiar surroundings, which could be nice if uni is already a huge step for you.

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Think about what you’d miss from home, and think about whether you could take anything to uni halls with you that would help, or not (e.g. certain blankets, scented candles etc)

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Would you be able to go home on some weekends if you're getting homesick?

I know this is a lot to think about, but if you're conflicted then you really want to make sure you're making the right decision! Hopefully this gives you somewhere to start

Good luck :smile:

Jorja (LJMU Student Rep)

Reply 3

De Montfort University

Official Rep

Original post

by cluelessbee

Is it actually worth moving out for uni just for independence? I could stay at home and save money, but I’d have restrictions over small things, like even going to the shop.
I want to make close friends and hang out without restrictions, but I worry this could be a waste if I don’t end up making friends or finding my group at uni anyway. Plus, I know I’d probably feel homesick too.
Anyone been in a similar situation? Did moving out really make a difference or is it overrated?

Hi there,

From my experience, I can say that moving out often does provide valuable independence and personal growth, though with some challenges. While saving money at home is practical, the freedom to manage your own schedule and social life can be important for many students.

The social aspect of university life is definitely richer when living on campus. Even if you don't instantly find your group (which is totally normal!), being around other students creates more natural opportunities for friendships to develop. Yes, homesickness happens, but it's also part of growing as a person.

Have you considered trying it for a year? You can always reassess after your first year if it's not working out.

Take care,
Ilya,
Cyber Security student at DMU :smile:

Reply 4

Anonymous #1

Original post

by cluelessbee

Is it actually worth moving out for uni just for independence? I could stay at home and save money, but I’d have restrictions over small things, like even going to the shop.
I want to make close friends and hang out without restrictions, but I worry this could be a waste if I don’t end up making friends or finding my group at uni anyway. Plus, I know I’d probably feel homesick too.
Anyone been in a similar situation? Did moving out really make a difference or is it overrated?

If you're being restricted on a simple thing like going to the shop then it's better to just move out, experience the world, experience a sense of freedom. Plus living on campus means you'll make friends way easier and able to attend events and clubs whatever time they are.

Reply 5

ExeterStudentRep

Official Rep

Hi cluelessbee!

I'm currently studying in Exeter, having moved from London! I feel like moving away from home sort of gave me the opportunity to have a 'fresh start' in a place where no one knows me, which was scary to begin with but equally exciting. Depending on where you go and where you're from, you may have struggles with initially settling in, which can be expected for anyone moving to a new place. For me, moving to Exeter from a big city was a culture shock but I eventually came to appreciate the fact that I could experience something completely different from city life for once. Having grown up with parents setting restrictions, I completely understand where you're coming from. I saw university as an opportunity to try out things that I wouldn't have been able to back home such as travelling to other spots within the city and in surrounding areas or even having an active social life 😂

You will find your people at university, even if it takes longer than you would want and there's so many ways to make friends such as your flatmates, your course mates or even joining a society. Additionally, joining a society is a great way for you to try out something new or keeping up with a hobby or interest you have. For example, we have a wide range of societies such as Salsa, Creative Writing or Rollerskating to name a few. Wherever you decide to go will have societies that meet your interests and needs, something to keep you busy whilst you're studying!

Whilst living away from home is not easy, it's not impossible either and it's just a matter of testing and trying out things to see if they work for you! And of course, please visit home if you are able to! I found that going back to my family provided a 'reset' opportunity so that I can enjoy my time at home and then be ready to go back to university after.

Annabelle
University of Exeter Student Ambassador

Reply 6

UniLancashire

Official Rep

Original post

by cluelessbee

Is it actually worth moving out for uni just for independence? I could stay at home and save money, but I’d have restrictions over small things, like even going to the shop.
I want to make close friends and hang out without restrictions, but I worry this could be a waste if I don’t end up making friends or finding my group at uni anyway. Plus, I know I’d probably feel homesick too.
Anyone been in a similar situation? Did moving out really make a difference or is it overrated?

Hi @cluelessbee,

Thank you for your message and patience. People move out for uni for various reasons. I knew from the start that I wanted to move out. I think knowing what is most important to you and then looking into your options, is important. What is most important to you? For me, being on campus was important and being able to use all the facilities when needed. Studying a creative course, I was at uni everyday making the most of the space and facilities. I also wanted to become more independent and have my own space.

I also thought there may be some restrictions if I stayed at home which wasn't the main factor but definitely swayed me closer to moving out. I commuted to Manchester from Preston during placement year which was an hour-ish train ride and then a 20 minute tram with a short walk. I was also working the other days I wasn't on placement but commuting can be very draining. I would look into the time it'd take to travel, the cost of the travel, are the buses or trains frequent enough etc. How often will you have to commute a week? Can you see yourself spending an hour or two each way to get to uni and then home after a busy day at uni? Commuting isn't for everyone but it could be worth trying during first year then moving.

Living on campus is great for attending events, using the various facilities and social spaces easily. It's also easy to just nip out for a drink with your course mates after uni without rushing to get back or go to the shop whenever. The independent feeling you get for me was definitely worth it. Often people think you can't make friends if you commute but you definitely can. Majority of my course commuted and we all had no issues being friends and socialising outside our classes.

You can still attend events, freshers and go out after class if you commute there are just things to think about as living on campus can be easier to do those things. If saving money is more important to you then living at home may be the better option for you. There are ways of budgeting, meal prepping and ways to be sensible with your money so really research into your options. Would you get any help from your parents or would you pay rent at home? Would you get the maximum maintenance loan? You can maximise your time and revise or do some studying on the commute so there are many pros and cons to both. Creating a pros and cons list is something so simple but effective!

Hope this helps and you make the best decision for yourself 🙂
Many thanks, ^Zac

Reply 7

hallamstudents

Official Rep

Original post

by cluelessbee

Is it actually worth moving out for uni just for independence? I could stay at home and save money, but I’d have restrictions over small things, like even going to the shop.
I want to make close friends and hang out without restrictions, but I worry this could be a waste if I don’t end up making friends or finding my group at uni anyway. Plus, I know I’d probably feel homesick too.
Anyone been in a similar situation? Did moving out really make a difference or is it overrated?

Hi @cluelessbee ,

You have received some great feedback to this, but it is always helpful to get a range of people's views so I thought I could answer this too!

My home is not too far from my uni and I could've commuted so I thought about all of this before my first year too. I think there are pros and cons to both, but I thought I would just share the pros of both so you can see the positives of each:

Pros to living in halls:

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You will be a lot more independent. If you think you will be fairly restricted at home, it sounds like it would be good to get some independence and experience living away from home!

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You get to learn new skills like cooking, and just have more control over what you do and when you do it.

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You will meet lots of people in your halls and experience living with people your age. Even if they don't end up being your closest friends, it is still a good experience.

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You will be closer so last minute plans are easier. You are closer to uni, the library, shops, bars etc so going anywhere is a lot easier.

Pros for living at home:

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It will save you a lot of money. Living at home will be a lot cheaper than halls so if this is priority for you it would be a good idea.

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Being near friends and family can be nice

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When you have deadlines/exams it can be nice to be at home as you may have less distractions and more space.

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You can still make friends at home! You can still join societies, meet people and make friends!

I hope some of this helps,

Lucy -SHU student ambassador 🙂

Reply 8

freyaBU

Official Rep

Original post

by cluelessbee

Is it actually worth moving out for uni just for independence? I could stay at home and save money, but I’d have restrictions over small things, like even going to the shop.
I want to make close friends and hang out without restrictions, but I worry this could be a waste if I don’t end up making friends or finding my group at uni anyway. Plus, I know I’d probably feel homesick too.
Anyone been in a similar situation? Did moving out really make a difference or is it overrated?

Personally, I preferred moving out for uni. It definitely made me feel more mature and independent. Yes, it’s a big step and can be challenging at first, but having that freedom means you can make your own choices without restrictions, which really helps you grow. Living in student accommodation especially is a great way to meet loads of new people and dive into the whole uni experience.
That said, everyone’s different, some people thrive staying at home and saving money, and that’s totally valid too. But if making friends and having that freedom is important to you, moving out often helps a lot with that.
Homesickness is normal, but it usually fades as you settle in and build your new circle. So overall, it’s definitely worth it if you’re ready for the change!

Reply 9

CardiffUni Rep 2

Official Rep

Original post

by cluelessbee

Is it actually worth moving out for uni just for independence? I could stay at home and save money, but I’d have restrictions over small things, like even going to the shop.
I want to make close friends and hang out without restrictions, but I worry this could be a waste if I don’t end up making friends or finding my group at uni anyway. Plus, I know I’d probably feel homesick too.
Anyone been in a similar situation? Did moving out really make a difference or is it overrated?

Hiya,

I would say yes, its definitely worth it! If anything, it teaches you so many helpful life skills that you won't get out of living at home. And from my personal experience, its more difficult to avoid making friends rather than making friends - there's so many opportunities to make good friendships :smile:

~ Fatiha, Cardiff University Student Rep

Reply 10

Kingston Eve

Official Rep

Original post

by cluelessbee

Is it actually worth moving out for uni just for independence? I could stay at home and save money, but I’d have restrictions over small things, like even going to the shop.
I want to make close friends and hang out without restrictions, but I worry this could be a waste if I don’t end up making friends or finding my group at uni anyway. Plus, I know I’d probably feel homesick too.
Anyone been in a similar situation? Did moving out really make a difference or is it overrated?

Hey @cluelessbee,

Personally, I found moving out for university to be incredibly beneficial to both my general life skills and my social life. Although I was similar to you in that I was initially worried about feeling homesick, I settled into independent living really quickly, made tons of friends and overall felt a lot less anxious about small things. I had a greater control over my life - when I went out, what I did, how I spent my time - and that sense of control allowed me to develop into a person I don't think I would be if I had stayed at home.

There's definitely a financial element to this decision, and staying at home undoubtedly has its own benefits (familiar environment, familial support system, etc). If you're unsure whether or not you want to move out, you could always try staying in halls of residence for first year with the intention to live at home for second/third if you don't enjoy it - this will allow you to save money for part of your course whilst still giving you the chance to live independently when you start it. 🙂

Hope this was helpful,
Eve (Kingston Rep).

Reply 11

Matt-WrexhamUni

Official Rep

Original post

by cluelessbee

Is it actually worth moving out for uni just for independence? I could stay at home and save money, but I’d have restrictions over small things, like even going to the shop.
I want to make close friends and hang out without restrictions, but I worry this could be a waste if I don’t end up making friends or finding my group at uni anyway. Plus, I know I’d probably feel homesick too.
Anyone been in a similar situation? Did moving out really make a difference or is it overrated?

Hi

I would say that moving out to go to University can definitely help to develop independence and develop your life skills further.

I think the thought of being home sick can put lots of people off; however, I feel that it can be easily managed by having regular contact with your home environment, whether that be visits back home or friends and family coming to visit you at University.

I hope this helps,

Matt
2nd Year Physiotherapy Student
Wrexham Uni Reps