The days of automatically moving into dorms the second you graduate high school are lowkey coming to an end. New data from the University of Gloucestershire shows that one-third of students starting their courses this year are opting to stay home or commute to campus instead of signing up for pricey student housing.
Making the math work
Real talk: the cost of living is highkey brutal right now, and students are acting accordingly. For many, it's giving financial common sense. Ofelia Bines, a communications and media student who stayed in her hometown of Gloucester, put it bluntly: "I know I'm better off financially compared to a lot of people living in halls." She pointed out that it just didn't make sense to pay for extra rent when she could get the full university experience while staying close to family—and her dog.
It’s not just about the money, though. Taylor Barker, a forensic psychology student, noted that commuting hasn't killed her social life or her independence. She’s found a community of other commuters, and for her, the trade-off is worth it to keep her family connection strong.
The school's pivot
Universities are starting to catch on. Stewart Dove, the director of student experience at the University of Gloucestershire, said that while it’s "sad" students feel forced to base their education choices on inflation, the school is leaning into flexibility. They’ve launched new commuter-friendly facilities and "flexible accommodation," which lets students book a room for just up to three nights a week if they need to be closer to campus for a few days.
Why it matters
If you’re staring down a massive student loan balance, living at home is a massive W for your future net worth. By skipping the housing premium, students are avoiding unnecessary debt, allowing them to balance part-time work and keep their cash flow healthier before they even hit the job market.
