{
  "id": 7097168,
  "title": "Rise of the student commuters: weighing the costs of living at home or in halls",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/13/rise-of-the-student-commuters-weighing-the-costs-of-living-at-home-or",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-09-13T05:00:04.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Guardian Business",
    "slug": "guardian-business",
    "url": "https://www.theguardian.com/education/2026/sep/13/rise-of-student-commuters-costs-living-at-home-or-in-halls"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Student commuting is becoming a common choice for many university students as they weigh the costs of living at home versus residing in campus halls. Lucy Brazier, a second-year business management student, lives near Colchester, the location of the University of Essex, and opts for commuting due to cost-effectiveness. She appreciates the convenience of overnight accommodation on campus and the ability to book rooms on short notice for less than a day's cost. This flexibility allows her to avoid the stress of driving in the morning before exams or after late nights out.\n\nUniversities are adapting to the increasing number of commuter students by modifying their offerings and facilities. For example, the University of Essex has introduced day rooms for resting, storing belongings, and preparing hot meals, as well as an off-peak gym tailored to commuter travel schedules. The University of Leeds also hosts commuter-focused events that conclude early to accommodate students' travel plans. These modifications cater not only to students balancing study and work but also those seeking a more flexible lifestyle.\n\nHowever, commuting does present drawbacks. Time spent traveling can accumulate, especially in regions with unreliable public transport. Research indicates that approximately one in nine students spends over six hours commuting weekly, and such students are more likely to experience lower grades due to reduced campus attendance. Nevertheless, universities are addressing these concerns by introducing commuter-focused initiatives, such as \"chat and chill\" sessions and post-lecture gatherings, fostering a sense of community among commuters.\n\nFor some, living at home during university remains a strategic choice to establish connections early on, potentially saving costs before moving closer to the university or selecting a more affordable institution. Student loans often fall short of covering the full cost of living, making parental support and part-time employment essential for many students. Flexible tenancies and better local employment opportunities further enhance the feasibility of commuting.\n\nUltimately, the decision to commute to university depends on individual circumstances, financial realities, and personal preferences. While living away from home offers new experiences and independence, it also comes with financial and logistical challenges. Regardless of their choice, universities are striving to accommodate commuter students through tailored services and support, ensuring they can successfully navigate their academic journey.",
  "summary": "Changing social trends and creative timetables are making it more likely for students to stay at home while they study. Is campus life on the way out? For Lucy Brazier, a second-year business management student, commuting to university was an easy decision. She lives near Colchester, where the University of Essex is based. “[It] was the obvious choice for my course once I weighed up the costs,”…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}