In recent years, the idea of a traditional three-year, exam-led path through academia has changed hugely. Vocational and associate degrees, placements, internships, long distance learning and mature study have all gained traction, and this can only be a positive thing, opening up the opportunity to attend university to a more diverse range of student than ever before.
It still remains to be seen just how much COVID-19 will affect student life and learning in the near and more distant future, with recent months being particularly hard on students. A sense prevails that the government has failed those attending university and those preparing for it in myriad, neglectful ways.
Some hope, however, is on the horizon, with the UK vaccination program going well, on campus learning tentatively beginning again, and study-as-normal hopefully set to resume for the next academic year, beginning in 2021.
Of course, university isn’t only about the degree at the end of it. Perhaps one of the main benefits of University is that it gives young people the excuse to break out on their own and experience life as an individual.
A large part of that is the idea of moving away from home for what might be the very first time; there will be bolognese recipes to master, you’ll have to learn to tolerate Sambuca, and most importantly, you may well make friends for life along the way. But university housing and, particularly, university halls are certainly not cheap, and with so many courses being altered in line with COVID restrictions, many more are thinking, quite frankly, “what’s the point of living on campus?”
With all that’s happened in the past year, you’re probably wondering if living away from home is crucial for the full University experience? Or can you get by quite comfortably (and save a small fortune) by staying at home? Below, we’ll take a brief look at the pros and cons of both choices, and give aspirant students some food for thought on the question; if you’re starting university in September 2021, should you live at home or in halls?
LIVING AT UNIVERSITY BENEFITS
Freedom – There’s undeniable freedom with living away from home for the first time. No parents to answer to (or for!) and your own space to work from as you develop your education and your post-school personality, all at your own pace. This is what university life is all about, and the element most missing, for so many, during the COVID downtime.
Financial support – It costs to live away from home for the first time, that’s for sure, and newly independent students have to learn life skills like budgeting, foresight and self-discipline in real time. That said, for those who do choose to live away from home, financial support is available, in the form of government grants, credits, and direct help from your university, too.
There are also loans for students that offer low-interest rates, as well as the opportunity for part time work in and around university, which provides a social aspect as well as a little extra income. Do bear in mind, though, that balancing work and study can be tough. Speaking of that social aspect…
Social life – Traditionally (and still largely true to this day), there are two reasons to go to University – the education and the experience. Perhaps the largest aspect of that ‘experience’ is the social life.
Cheap drinks at the student union bar, nights at the local clubs singing along to that song by Journey, and gigs at the local venues; it’s a rites of passage for so many prior to adult life beginning. It might not be possible right now but come September when the world is (hopefully) back to normal, that social aspect, of freedom, frolics and frivolity, is best realised when living on campus or in halls.
LIVING AT HOME BENEFITS
Savings – Though you’ll likely be entitled to less government and university support financially if you continue to live with your family, you’ll save a small fortune staying at home during your University studies, all of which can be put towards other experiences later down the line, perhaps travelling, a new car or maybe even a deposit on a house.
Do remember that your parents may expect you to contribute to the smooth running of the household should you be living there as an adult; it’s not fair to expect them to financially support you all the way through university!
Support – You might make some amazing friends at Uni but they may not be able to offer you the same level of emotional support as your family. The more stressful aspects of the university experience, such as looming deadlines and inevitable relationship dramas, are more manageable from the security of home. And let’s face it, your mum or dad’s cooking isn’t going to do any harm, either.
Peace and quiet – Particularly for those who are used to a slower pace, the jump into Uni life can be something of a shock. Student housing and halls are loud places to live, with comings and goings, parties and pumping music the order of the day, even at the best of times (and these are certainly not the best of times). Should you prefer peace and quiet, living at home might suit you better.
Home is where the heart is – Finally, life is difficult for everyone right now and we need all the comfort we can get. You might not feel ready to leave home yet and with the country on lockdown, you’re even more likely to want to cling onto that comfort for a little longer. Remember that it’s perfectly possible to have a rewarding University experience from home, and many are preferring this option since COVID changed the game so comprehensively.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Everyone’s situation and personal preferences are, of course, different. Rather than come to any conclusions about whether it’s better to live in halls or at home during your studies, we hope we’ve provided you with a little food for thought going forward. Either way, we hope you enjoy your time as a student as much as we did!