The University of Gloucestershire has stated that a third of students beginning courses this year are living at home or commuting to lectures. This trend is largely attributed to students seeking to be "financially better off".
In response, the university has introduced expanded support for these students. This includes flexible accommodation options, discounted travel, and new facilities specifically designed for commuters.
Ofelia Bines, a communications and media student, explained she "wasn't ready" to leave Gloucester and found it financially beneficial to stay at home. Taylor Barker, a second-year forensic psychology student who commutes 40 minutes, also noted that studying from home was "a bonus" and financially worked "out better to commute."
Stewart Dove, the university's director of student experience, acknowledged that students are making decisions based on the cost of living. He suggested that commuting can help manage university costs and allow students to maintain part-time jobs or stay near family and friends.