When deciding which five universities to apply to, I chose all London options. My parents had no issue with me moving out of my west London family home, but they reminded me that they had raised our family in London for its educational and career opportunities. With the best universities only an hour’s train ride away, the savings I could make by staying at home were significant.
I accepted my LSE offer, and prepared to commute. With friends paying at least £250 a week to rent in London, I couldn’t justify moving out when I could travel for £10 a day.
I take a 40-minute train to Waterloo from my zone five overground station, then walk over Waterloo Bridge to campus. I could tube it, but the air-conditioning, fold-out table and plug socket for laptop charging are worth the extra couple of pounds. This setup allows me to do my uni reading, and the journey passes quickly. I appreciate the buffer time to wake up properly and switch my brain on before heading into lectures and seminars, creating a separation between work and home.
People sometimes suggest that living at home will limit my independence and social life. This may be somewhat true – but after a long day of lectures, when others need to grocery shop and cook, I feel very glad I’ll be going home to a warm meal and folded laundry.
Arguably, though, living at home can facilitate independence. I participate in household tasks, and as the eldest sibling, I’m always helping my brother with homework and my sister with university applications. Staying at home means I’ve kept my Saturday tutoring job, and the money I save by not renting contributes to my long-term financial independence.
It also comes down to personality. For social butterflies, it’s easier to be immersed in university social life if you’re in accommodation close to campus activities. As an introvert, my social needs are fulfilled by smaller circles of friends from home, work and university, and my family who provide vital emotional support. End-of-day debriefs with my mum, sister and two-year-old cat keep me sane.
Ultimately, social life is what you make it. Many commuting students are active on campus, taking leadership roles in the student union and societies, which is how I’ve formed close friendships. If an event ends too late to catch the last train home, I stay with friends who kindly let me sleep over.
Without rent to pay, my biggest expenses are travel and food. I bought a £30 16-25 railcard and linked this with my Oyster card for a 34% discount on off-peak tube fares. Most universities record lectures and make them available online, so on days with only one lecture scheduled, I stay home and watch the recording.
I have also found it worthwhile to bring home-cooked meals with me for lunch. My campus has fridges and microwaves which I make good use of. Many food places around university campuses offer a 10%-20% discount for students which I always ask about when I don’t have time to cook at home.
With more people commuting from further than ever because of soaring rental prices, it’s time we change the narrative. Commuting from home has given me the best of both worlds: a world-class education without financial strain, and the comfort and support of my family.