A university says a third of students starting courses this year are living at home or commuting to lectures so they can be “financially better off”.
The University of Gloucestershire said it had expanded support for students with flexible accommodation available for them to use, discounted travel and that it had created new facilities designed specifically for commuters.
Communications and media student Ofelia Bines grew up in Gloucester and, while she said she wanted to leave the city one day, she explained she “wasn’t ready” yet.
“I know I’m better off financially compared to a lot of people living in halls,” she said, adding “loads of people” were doing the same thing.
“Most people that I went to school with have stayed in the local area and gone to uni.
“For me, it just didn’t make any sense to pay money for accommodation when I’m staying so close and still able to have friends and find that university experience is the best of both worlds,” she added.
“I also couldn’t leave my dog behind and being close to family is so important”.