More students planning to live at home for university over 'insane' living costs

More students are choosing to remain at home while pursuing university studies as living costs continue to rise, according to recent figures. The Open University, which provides regional learning and online courses, reports a notable increase in teenage enrolment. Almost 3,400 students aged 18 and 19 joined the institution in the past year, representing 9.5 % of all new starters. This compares with 5.7 % six years earlier. Historically, the Open University has attracted mature students who wish to study while staying at home. Its vice‑chancellor, Prof Dave Phoenix, says it points to a displacement successful however younger radical are reasoning astir university, adding that studying online "means they tin debar moving costs and precocious accommodation bills and, for others, it means keeping a job". A separate analysis by Prof William Whyte of the University of Oxford argues that the value of on‑campus life extends far beyond accommodation costs, contributing significantly to personal development and the broader university experience. He states, "The question isn't simply wherever students live. It's what they summation from surviving and learning unneurotic arsenic portion of a assemblage community," he says. Whyte adds, "Currently, we person nary existent argumentation connected accommodation for the overwhelming bulk of students who privation to permission location for study. It's clip for a superior statement astir the relation accommodation plays successful the assemblage – and however we volition wage for it." Responding to the trend, a Department for Education spokesperson said the government recognises that too many students are experiencing financial hardship. They noted that maximum student loans are being expanded and maintenance grants are being reintroduced to help with living costs, while also working with universities and councils to improve access to student housing. Data investigation was carried out by Isobel Cottam and Phil Leake, with additional reporting by Emily Doughty.