Choosing a university is one of the biggest decisions young adults face. Among the countless options, one factor that often comes into play is location. While moving away has its appeal, many students find that studying close to home brings unique advantages. If you’re considering a nearby university, here are some perks that might make it the ideal choice.
- Significant Cost Savings
Studying close to home can be a huge money-saver. You can avoid the additional costs that come with moving to another city, like pricey accommodations or frequent travel expenses to visit family. Living at home can also drastically reduce your daily expenses—whether that’s saving on rent, groceries, utility bills, or transportation costs. Not having to worry about rent and bills can free up your budget, giving you the option to invest more in your studies, save for future goals, or even plan for memorable travels during uni breaks.
2. Local Internship and Job Opportunities
Universities tend to have strong connections with local companies, opening up valuable work experience options such as internships, placements, and part-time jobs in the area. Being local gives you an edge in landing these roles because employers often prefer students who understand the area and have established roots there, as they may stay on after graduation. Not only does staying nearby make it easier to gain industry experience that aligns with your studies, but it can also help you build a professional network that could benefit you in the long term, especially if you’re interested in building your career close to home.
3. Flexibility to Keep Working Part-Time
For many students, having a part-time job is essential to cover costs and save for the future. Staying close to home means you can keep any existing part-time roles or find work locally with more ease, which can provide you with stable income and add to your savings. By saving on accommodation costs and having a flexible part-time job, you can reduce financial stress and focus more on your studies. You might even find that you have more flexibility to balance your academic workload, social life, and work commitments, which can be harder to manage if you move to a completely new location with fewer support structures in place.
4. Strong Support Network
Moving away can be challenging, especially when you’re adjusting to a new environment and increased academic demands. Studying close to home allows you to maintain a strong support network of family and friends who can offer advice, motivation, and companionship during your university journey. Being close to people who know you well can make a huge difference when you’re going through exams or facing tough deadlines. They can offer practical help, like giving you a lift when you need it or sharing a cup of tea and a chat when you’re stressed. This support network can also offer a sense of stability and grounding, making it easier to tackle new experiences at university without feeling overwhelmed.
5. Home Comforts (Including Free Laundry!)
If you’re staying at home while studying, you’ll enjoy all the familiar comforts that come with it. No need to worry about lugging laundry up and down to the campus laundrette or spending on washing and drying cycles! Plus, you’ll always have a comfortable and private space to unwind after lectures, along with access to home-cooked meals and your own personal space. These small comforts can add up, making it easier to handle the demands of university life while keeping a healthy balance between your academic and personal life. In fact, being able to come home to a familiar space can be incredibly comforting during stressful times, adding a level of relaxation that’s hard to replicate in a shared flat.
While moving away can be exciting, attending a university close to home offers plenty of benefits. Cost savings, local work opportunities, family support, and more make it a practical choice for many students. Ultimately, the best choice is one that aligns with your personal goals and lifestyle, but staying near home could be a wise and rewarding option.
If you’re exploring university options, why not sign up for National University Week 2024?! Join us for a week jam-packed with opportunities, top tips from leading universities and exciting resources from 9th-13th December. Register now at nationaluniversityweek.co.uk, see you there!