DD attending university in the same town where we live - is this a good idea?

[PaperDoves]

DD is finishing year 12 and considering where to apply next year. Her current first choice of uni is our local one - which, to be fair, is a great university, especially for her preferred course, and the city is vibrant with plenty to do and an active social scene. If we didn't already live here, I'd say it would be a perfect fit! But I'm worried that she won't have the experience of moving to a new city (although she'll still meet lots of new people) and stretching her wings.

What are your views? If she does end up choosing this one and getting a place, should we make sure she lives in halls so she can still have the student experience? Should I just be glad she'll be nearby in case she needs a hot meal or (heaven forbid) finds herself in trouble and needs help? Is it really not a big deal to not move to a new city for university, and I'm just being weird?

@SeemsSoUnfair
I think many parents do run around after adult children who don’t leave home.,

My preference to live out (and for my kids) isn't about being independent, that comes when you move out in any case, whether for Uni or later.

For me, my university experience would have been compromised if I'd stayed at home with my parents. Not in terms of having to stand on my own two feet, but the closeness and fun that comes from living with people for three years.

Meeting for coffee or nights out isn't the same as sharing a house together. Particularly when some of the learning is online rather than in person.

This ALWAYS happens. Seen it with my own eyes with my friends kids.
says more about your friends parenting than anything else tbh.

I stayed local and lived at home. I saved so much money on accommodation and expenses that I was able to do an MA and buy a house at 25.

I know times are different now (this was early 2000s) but I don't regret what I missed out on in terms of uni experience. Living at home has given me long term financial security and I have no student loan.

The money saved on rent can be used towards travelling, living away from home isn't the only way to gain life experience and it's a very narrow minded to think it is

I thought uni was about education first and foremost.
lots of people on this thread seem to imply that unless you move out after A levels, you won't be growing up and you'll be missing out on 3 years of partying all night long without parents overseeing but is this all there is about growing up ? really ???

but what about the kids who don't go to uni at all ? don't they ever grow up ?
I am actually finding the OP's daughter very mature in her plans and projections, and nothing stops her to move out at a later point if it fits her careful plans at that point.
I know so many kids who move out for the sake of doing so because, well, that is just what you do, some will end up wobbly at best, or miserable and go back home, or see through but find themselves 3 years down the road none the wiser really.

@Iamsodone
You can take extremes if you like but the majority of DC who move out are more than capable of studying and enjoying themselves. It’s not all about parties. It’s about societies, clubs, making friends, impromptu gatherings, late night chat, doing your urn washing and cooking, budgeting, AND working hard. Multitasking. Not relying on mum snd dad! Anyone who does studying and many other things is often a more grown up person in their student years.

We can all see DC who cling on to home and don’t make a go of much with a degree and without one. It’s more to do with personality and what they want out of life. I had a house at 24! Doesn’t make me that wonderful. DD earns multiples of what I ever earned and did go away to university. It’s drive snd determination that gets you the job that pays well (and the brains too! ) She also has a London flat - 25 when she bought it. So you can have it all, even if you study away from home!

DD doesn't have a large friendship group at home, but she does at university. Making new friends has done a lot for her self esteem.