UK students increasingly live at home due to 'insane' university living costs

A record number of UK students are choosing to live at home while pursuing higher education, driven by the escalating cost of living and what many describe as 'insane' rental prices. This trend marks the highest proportion of students opting for home living in nine years, with over 81,000 18-year-olds accepting university places indicating they intend to stay with family.

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ridiculous

The figures reveal a notable shift, with approximately one in three students now planning to live at home, a stark contrast to roughly one in five in 2017. While regional variations exist, with Scotland showing a higher percentage of applicants intending to live at home compared to Wales, the upward trend is consistent across the UK.

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insane

Students interviewed by the BBC pointed to the prohibitive cost of student accommodation as a major factor in their decision. For some, like Beatrice and Amelia from St Helens, living at home while studying at university in September was a financial necessity. Another student, Jessica, expressed disappointment at missing out on the traditional student living experience due to unaffordable rent, acknowledging that commuting will consume significant free time.

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I have a part-time job as everything is so expensive, and then commuting is going to kill a lot of my free time as well

Reports highlight that student rents have risen sharply, alongside other living expenses. One study indicated that students need substantial funds over a three-year degree to maintain a 'minimum socially acceptable standard of living,' excluding tuition fees. The cost of renting in university-owned accommodation varies widely, with London being particularly expensive. Many students rely on maintenance loans, but the rising cost of campus rooms often outpaces these funds, forcing many to take on paid employment during term time to cover living expenses.

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It is a bit sad really when you think about it.