A third of students enrolling at the University of Gloucestershire this year are choosing to live at home or commute to lectures, prioritising financial stability and family connections over the traditional residential experience.
The institution has responded to this trend by expanding its support infrastructure for commuter students. The university now offers flexible accommodation options, discounted travel arrangements, and newly designed facilities tailored to those travelling to campus rather than living on-site.
Why students are choosing to stay at home
For many undergraduates, the decision reflects both economic pressures and personal circumstances. Communications and media student Ofelia Bines, who grew up in Gloucester, explained that remaining in her hometown made practical sense.
"I know I'm better off financially compared to a lot of people living in halls,"she said, noting that many of her peers from school had made the same choice.
"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 that family proximity and caring for her dog were also important factors in her decision.
Taylor Barker, who is in her second year studying forensic psychology, commutes 40 minutes to the university's City Campus in Gloucester. She described the arrangement as financially advantageous and emotionally grounding.
"My family are really important to me, I don't want to lose that connection from moving away,"she explained.
"It was quite scary, the thought of having to move."Despite initial concerns about visiting other universities further afield, she found that commuting had not compromised her social integration.
"It hasn't stopped me from being independent. You're meeting people in lectures, most of the time you'll find someone similar who commutes from either similar distances, or actually lives quite near you."
What support is available for commuting students?
The University of Gloucestershire has introduced several measures to make commuting more sustainable. According to local reporting, the institution now offers short-term rooms at Pittville Student Village, allowing commuters to book accommodation for up to three nights a week for £120. This hybrid approach gives students the flexibility to stay close to campus when needed while maintaining their home base.
Transport costs have also been reduced. Students travelling across Gloucestershire on Stagecoach buses can access £2 single journeys during the 2026/27 academic year by presenting a student card. For those driving, commuting students who apply through UCAS Clearing can receive a free parking permit, addressing one of the practical barriers to campus access. The City Campus itself has no on-site parking, but 17 public car parks are available within a 15-minute walk, with daily rates ranging from £3 to £9.90.
How does the university view this shift?
Stewart Dove, director of student experience at the university, acknowledged the difficult financial circumstances driving these decisions.
"It's sad people are having to make decisions based around the cost of living,"he said, but he framed commuting as a viable strategy to manage expenses.
"Commuting could help manage the cost of university and allow students to continue with a part-time job or stay close to family and friends."He emphasised that the university's flexible accommodation at Pittville campus provides a middle ground.
"Our flexible accommodation at Pittville means students don't necessarily have to choose between moving away or commuting every day, they can live at home but have the option to stay close to campus for up to three nights a week."Dove added that these provisions aim to ensure commuter students have full access to university facilities and support services.
Key facts
- One-third of new students at the University of Gloucestershire are living at home or commuting rather than moving into halls of residence
- The university offers flexible three-night-a-week accommodation at Pittville Student Village for £120, combining home living with campus proximity
- Commuting students can access £2 Stagecoach bus fares during 2026/27 and free parking permits through UCAS Clearing
- The institution guarantees first-year students accommodation on or near their campus, making flexible options available for those who prefer commuting
