One in three of England’s university starters ‘may live at home’ this year

Study shows cost of living influencing students' choice, with fears of limiting effect on career options

• I'm better off at home': the commuter student

One in three students starting university this year may opt to live at home, according to new research that found rising costs and family needs are affecting the Covid generation" of school-leavers.

Before the pandemic about 20% of first year undergraduates in England lived at home while studying, including older mature students. But a new survey of current sixth formers by University College London found that as many as 34% of 18-year-old school-leavers could stay at home if accepted by their first-choice university when exam results are published next week.