A notable shift is occurring in student living arrangements, particularly among those attending university in the UK. Kirsty Holpin, a psychology and criminology student at the University of South Wales, highlights that only two of her coursemates live on campus. She commutes daily from her home in Fochriw, Caerphilly county, a choice reflecting a growing trend where more students opt to live with family rather than in student accommodation.
Data from UCAS indicate that the number of students planning to live at home has doubled over the past 20 years, largely due to rising rent costs. Kirsty mentioned that the financial burden of college accommodation discouraged her family from pursuing that option. Along with academic priorities overtaking social ones, many students now prioritize their studies over traditional campus socialization, which has led to an increased incidence of off-campus living.
Recent survey results show that 15% of UK students now reside with parents or guardians, up from 12% in 2020. In Wales, students reportedly spend an average of £473 per month on rent, while those in England and Scotland face higher averages. The president of the National Union of Students in Wales noted that concerns over housing affordability and availability likely contribute to this trend.
Isaac Williams, pursuing a Culinary Arts degree, also prefers living at home for financial reasons, emphasizing academic success over socializing. Conversely, other students at the University of South Wales express a desire for independence and social interaction, citing fear of missing out as a significant factor in their decisions to move into on-campus housing.
Overall, these contrasting perspectives reveal that while a growing number of students are choosing to stay home, many still value the social and independent experience of living on campus.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c15kwylxjglo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss