Nearly half of UK university students now live at home during their studies, according to new research showing a shift in how students approach university life.
The national survey, carried out by Opinion Matters and Leeds Beckett University ahead of this year’s A-Level results day, found that staying at home is both a practical and positive choice. While 64% said they live at home to save money, 46% wanted to stay close to family, and 22% chose a local university because it offered the right course.
Living at home doesn’t appear to hold students back. Over half (53%) said it encourages them to attend more lectures and seminars. Nearly half (48%) said it improves their social life and helps them make friends more easily. Emotional support also plays a role, with 45% of students living at home saying they feel well supported.
The study challenges assumptions that living away from campus is essential for a full university experience. In fact, 57% said staying local hasn’t taken away from their time at university.
As A-Level results day approaches, the findings highlight the different choices students face when deciding how and where to study. This includes opportunities through Clearing, which two in five (41%) said helped them make quick, confident decisions. Three-quarters (75%) of those who went through Clearing said the experience was better than expected.
A sense of community is strong among today’s students. Four in five (87%) said they feel they belong at their university, and 65% said going to university was a better experience than they thought it would be, compared to other options like work, travel or apprenticeships.
Location still matters. Almost three quarters (72%) said a vibrant, welcoming city or town is key to enjoying university life. Popular student activities include socialising (58%) and taking part in sport or fitness (41.5%).
Tracey Lancaster, Deputy Vice Chancellor at Leeds Beckett University, said:
“The next generation of students are navigating many challenges, from the rising cost of living to balancing work and family commitments. It’s more important than ever that students feel empowered to make the right choice for them.
“There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Whether someone stays local, goes through Clearing or takes another path entirely, what matters is finding an option that supports their wellbeing, ambitions and sense of belonging.”
For more information about Leeds Beckett University, visit leedsbeckett.ac.uk.
