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Further education

You'll find discussions about A Levels and universities on our Further Education forum.

Original poster

Living at Uni Halls v Living at home

54 replies

cadburyflakefan · 22/09/2025 09:52

Hello,
Our son has just moved into Halls at UCL. It's a big contrast to where we live now. Living in London is very expensive. Has anyone been in the situation where their child has decided to move back home for the second year and commute in because if costs and finding It's not for them? I heard on a radio programme that more students are doing this. Be interested to hear anyone else's experiences. Thanks.

OP posts:
Original poster
cadburyflakefan · 22/09/2025 10:14

DiscoBob · 22/09/2025 09:58

I mean he chose to go to a university in the very centre of London. So it is hardly surprising it's expensive.
How long would it take each day for him to commute from home, and how much would it cost?

Is he not enjoying living with his peers? Once he settles in he might be able to get a flatshare with some mates, a bit further out but still nearer than home?

Yes, I take your point- it's early days. He might want to look at different accommodation in the future. He thinks it might save around £6000 if he travels from home. It also depends on where he finds some part time work- early days .....

OP posts:
PersistentRain · 22/09/2025 10:09

DH grew up in Glasgow and the vast majority of them stayed at home, some of his friends got a flat for one year and then just moved back home.
I actually don’t think it sounded that fun, especially for him, but he spent so little as he had no fees at the time.

DiscoBob · 22/09/2025 09:58

I mean he chose to go to a university in the very centre of London. So it is hardly surprising it's expensive.
How long would it take each day for him to commute from home, and how much would it cost?

Is he not enjoying living with his peers? Once he settles in he might be able to get a flatshare with some mates, a bit further out but still nearer than home?

RoosterPotato · 22/09/2025 09:55

A counterpoint is that the people I knew who lived at home in the first year were desperate to move in with friends from second year as they felt they missed out on so much of the social aspect. But obviously if it’s unaffordable that should be the priority.