University accommodation

Is it better to live a University first year? I live quite close to my first choice and I’m debating whether to live in first year, it’s quite expensive so the cheaper option would be to stay home but I’m just worried about struggling to make friends if I do.

Reply 1

LJMUStudentReps

Official Rep

18

Hi there,

I was in a similar position — I lived about an hour from my hometown and debated whether to move out. In the end, I chose to live in halls after working out a budget and deciding it was manageable. I was lucky with my flatmates and had one of the best years of my life. Living away gave me independence, helped me grow, and taught me everyday skills like cooking and managing bills.

That said, I totally get that cost is a big factor. If halls feel out of reach financially, check if your uni offers Residential Assistant roles for your second or third year — these often come with discounted (or even free) rent in exchange for supporting other students in halls.

If you do decide to commute, you can still have a great social experience — it just might take a bit more planning and initiating plans. During induction week, try organising lunch or coffee with coursemates and set up a group chat.

Some unis also offer short-term accommodation for commuting students, especially around busy times like freshers or exam weeks, so that might be worth looking into.

Hope that helps! 🙂

Megan (LJMU Rep)

Reply 2

LSBU

Official Rep

11

Original post

by Anonymous

Is it better to live a University first year? I live quite close to my first choice and I’m debating whether to live in first year, it’s quite expensive so the cheaper option would be to stay home but I’m just worried about struggling to make friends if I do.

Hey there,

I totally get where you’re coming from. Living at home is definitely cheaper, especially if you’re close to campus, but a lot of people say moving out in first year helps you make friends more easily and feel more involved. When you live in halls, it’s easier to meet people naturally—flatmates, course mates, even just hanging out in shared spaces. If you stay at home, you’ll probably need to make more of an effort to join societies, go to events, or stick around after lectures to socialise. Both options can work and it just depends on your budget and how comfortable you are putting yourself out there. If you can afford it, even just doing halls for first year could be a good way to ease into uni life.

Caroline
LSBU Admissions Ambassador

Reply 3

UniLancashire

Official Rep

16

Original post

by Anonymous

Is it better to live a University first year? I live quite close to my first choice and I’m debating whether to live in first year, it’s quite expensive so the cheaper option would be to stay home but I’m just worried about struggling to make friends if I do.

Hi there,

This really varies from person to person. I knew I wanted to move out to uni from the start even thought my uni was only an hour journey away. For me, living on campus was important to me and was one of the main factors. I wanted to be able to use the facilities when I needed to and be close by them. I also wanted to be more independent and have my own space. Living on campus makes it easier to attend events such as freshers and much more. Even thought it is easier to attend events, socialise and make connections living on campus, you can still do this from not moving out.

Saving money is so important currently, so living at home is a great option to do so. You can still go to freshers and socialise but I would recommend doing a pros and cons list. Really research and make the right decision for yourself. Work out your finances before hand. What is most important to you?

There are often community groups so you can meet your class/flat mates online. There are also societies you can join and meet likeminded people. There are ways of making friends even if you don't live on campus.

Hope this helps and you make the best decision for you,
^Zac

Reply 4

PG Study Chester

11

Original post

by Anonymous

Is it better to live a University first year? I live quite close to my first choice and I’m debating whether to live in first year, it’s quite expensive so the cheaper option would be to stay home but I’m just worried about struggling to make friends if I do.

Hi there,

Whilst it is a really good experience in independent living to move into halls: I definitely found that I grew as a person and learnt some invaluable skills, I think that if you don't have the finances available, commuting to and from uni isn't too bad an option either.

As the previous replies have said, living in halls gives you the opportunity to make some good friends with your flatmates easily - you do have to make more effort to hang out with your friends if you are commuting to and from uni. Also, the spontaneous meet ups are a bit trickier to join in with too, sometimes, if you're relying on public transport and have to be stricter with times.

That said, however, if you make an effort to join societies and clubs run at the university, you will have the opportunity to meet people with hobbies and interests similar to you, and you will still make loads of friends. Also, if you spend your time between lectures and seminars in the library working, you could arrange to meet your course mates during breaks, and lunch times, and go out after classes to socialise properly. There are lots of ways of experiencing a great student life at university without having to live in halls, and the bonus is you save a lot of money,

All the best with your course,
Jess
PhD English
University of Chester

Reply 5

hallamstudents

Official Rep

18

Original post

by Anonymous

Is it better to live a University first year? I live quite close to my first choice and I’m debating whether to live in first year, it’s quite expensive so the cheaper option would be to stay home but I’m just worried about struggling to make friends if I do.

Hi there,

I completely understand your dilemma - this is a dilemma that lots of people face when moving to university, especially when they live nearby. There are pros and cons for both options so I thought I could add some of my opinions to this too!

Pros for living at home:

•

You will save money. Living at home will of course be a lot cheaper than moving into halls as the only cost you will have in this sense will be the travel costs. It is worth having a look how much the commute will cost you so you know roughly how much you would save.

•

Being close to friends and family.

•

It can sometimes be nice to be at home when you have deadlines/exams as you have your own space.

Pros of living in halls:

•

You get to meet so many new people which is always nice. You will be living in a group of people and often people get on and do things together, even if they don't end up being your closest friends.

•

You get to be independent. Often it is the first time for people living alone like this and you get to cook for yourself and live independently!

•

More flexibility to go out whenever. You don't need to rely on transport to get into town/where your friends are so that you can go out with them.

•

Depending on how far away you are, it can be easier to join societies, especially if they meet multiple times a week.

Overall, it is a personal preference. There is no reason you can't make friends if you live at home, it can just be a bit easier if you live in halls but there will still be lots of chances to make friends.

One thing I would recommend is to see if your uni has any bursaries or scholarships that you might be eligible for. Lots of universities have this but people don't know about them and it might help with some of the costs of halls!

I hope some of this helps :smile:

Lucy -SHU student ambassador.

Reply 6

Aleezay SOAS

Official Rep

5

Original post

by Anonymous

Is it better to live a University first year? I live quite close to my first choice and I’m debating whether to live in first year, it’s quite expensive so the cheaper option would be to stay home but I’m just worried about struggling to make friends if I do.

Hi there, making a decision may be difficult and therefore considering the pros of each may be helpful in making a decision.

I commute to university, and for sure I've found living at home a cheaper option. In regards to making friends, I would recommend joining societies, attending events during Freshers'/ Welcome week. Living at home means you are of course closer to family, which can make the transfer from sixth form/college to university smoother as you are living with your support network, your family.

There are many pros of living in accommodation. You will develop independence as you will be away from family, don't let that make you scared as there is always support available at the accommodation and on campus. You are able to meet new people, socialise with flatmates.

I hope this helps!

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