It came as no surprise to my friends and family when I decided to stay at home for university. I’d done my research and decided being a commuter student at Teesside was the best fit for me.
Money saving
It’s way cheaper to stay at home, and with the ever-rising cost of living, I’d have to consider accommodation, travel, utility bills, food and more if I moved away. Staying at home and paying a small amount to my parents every month to cover everything was so much better than forking out for bills and utilities.
The location of your university will affect the cost of living. So, when it comes to planning for university life and narrowing down where you want to study, take this into consideration. For me it was much cheaper for me to stay local in the Teesside area as the cost of living was much cheaper.
Part time job
I worked part-time a few days a week whilst at uni. Studying at home meant I could keep this job and earn extra money to pay for course materials, clothes and hobbies. Yes, you can always find a part time job if you move away, but already having one made me feel secure and took away the stress of job hunting.
Teesside offered a great course
Another reason I chose Teesside University was that it offered a fantastic, accredited marketing course. There’s no point studying at home if the university doesn’t offer the course you want to do.
The area
I genuinely like the area I live in and feel passionate about it. I like attending local football matches at Middlesbrough Football Club, all my friends live relatively local and everything I enjoy doing and places I enjoy visiting, like a day trip to Newcastle or York are all within an hour’s drive away so there’s always something to do within a short drive or train ride.
Friends and family
Staying at home meant I had a great support system from my family and friends. From reassuring advice to cooked dinners, being near my family gave me the conditions I needed to tackle assignments and exams confidently in a safe, supportive space.
Moving away for university is a big deal, and it’s not for everyone. You can still get to enjoy all the fun and excitement of university life without having to compromise on home comforts.
