UoG expands support for growing number of students choosing to live at home

University of Gloucestershire is expanding its support for students who choose to live at home while studying, with flexible accommodation, discounted travel and new facilities among a package designed specifically for commuters.

Around a third of University of Gloucestershire (UoG) students now live at home, reflecting a wider national trend. Recent UCAS data suggests more than one in three starting university this September intend to live at home – a figure that has been rising over the past decade.

For students with longer journeys, UoG is offering a flexible accommodation option at its Pittville Student Village in Cheltenham. Commuting students can book their own room for up to three nights a week for £120 per week, giving them the option to stay near campus when it suits their timetable or their wider extra-curricular activities without committing to full-time student accommodation.

The University has developed its wider commuter package following discussions with a range of local students about what would make it easier to live at home while studying and help them feel fully connected to university life.

Support includes discounted cross-county bus travel, car parking options and guaranteed lockers on campus, alongside spaces where students can study, eat, socialise or relax between lectures.

Stewart Dove, Director of Student Experience at University of Gloucestershire, said: “More students are choosing to live at home while studying and we want to make sure university works just as well for them.

“For some students, commuting can help them manage the cost of university, continue with a part-time job or simply stay close to family and friends. But we know it also brings different practical considerations, which is why we’ve listened to our students and developed support specifically around their needs.

“Our flexible accommodation at Pittville is a great example. It 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 when that works better for them. We hope that these options mean that commuter students are supported to easily access everything that the University can offer”

The University and Students’ Union are also focused on ensuring that living at home does not mean missing out on the wider student experience.

Freya Rowley, Activities and Opportunities Officer at University of Gloucestershire Students’ Union, said: “Commuting students are an important part of our University community and we want them to feel just as connected to student life as anyone else.

“We run more than 60 clubs and societies and many of our events and activities take place during the day or early evening, making it easier for students who travel to campus to get involved. We’re also creating welcoming spaces where students can spend time between lectures, meet people and feel part of the community rather than simply coming onto campus for their classes.”

UoG’s campuses are well placed for students who want to study while living at home. Its new City Campus is in the heart of Gloucester, close to the city’s railway and bus stations, making it accessible for students travelling from across Gloucestershire and from cities including Bristol, Birmingham and Cardiff.

The University is also making it easier for students currently studying elsewhere to transfer to UoG if they decide they would prefer to continue their studies closer to home. Its Admissions team can advise students about transferring courses and, where appropriate, recognising credits for study they have already completed, meaning students may be able to continue their undergraduate studies at UoG without starting their degree again.

Main image: Students enjoying time with friends at University of Gloucestershire