Douglas Olsen
University students are generally free to go home whenever they want, provided they don't have any in-person university commitments such as lectures, seminars, or tutorials. While there are no restrictions on how often a student can go home, it is advised not to go home too frequently, especially during the term, as it may negatively impact their university life and social experiences. Students typically go home 3 times a year during university holidays, after the winter, spring, and summer terms.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Living arrangements | In some countries, university students live at home, while in others, they relocate to another city. |
| Benefits of living away from home | Students learn to take on adult responsibilities, manage finances, and become self-reliant. |
| Drawbacks of living away from home | Mental stress, loneliness, homesickness, and financial burden. |
| Official guidance | Students advised to stay home but with exceptions; some courses require face-to-face teaching. |
| University support | Some universities accommodate students who can't go home during breaks, providing food, clothing, and other necessities. |
| Student experiences | Students who live away from home may feel excited and liberated but also stressed and homesick. |
| Frequency of visits home | Students typically go home 3 times a year during holidays but can also visit on free days, provided they don't miss university obligations. |
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What You'll Learn
The benefits and drawbacks of living away from home
Students may face a dilemma when deciding whether to live at home or move away for university. Official guidance often advises students to remain at home, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there are exceptions, and some students may choose to live away from home regardless.
Living away from home while attending university has its benefits and drawbacks. Here is an exploration of these advantages and disadvantages.
Benefits of Living Away from Home
One of the most significant benefits of moving away from home for university is the opportunity for newfound independence. Students can experience living in a place of their own, free from the comforts and constraints of their family home. This independence allows students to do things their own way and make their own decisions, fostering a sense of self-reliance and maturity.
Moving away from home also facilitates easier social connections and larger social circles. Living in student accommodation or shared housing means being surrounded by a group of peers who are also eager to get to know one another. This environment enhances the likelihood of making new friends and expanding one's social network beyond just classmates.
Additionally, living away from home can improve an individual's relationship with their parents. The distance and space allow students to become their own person, appreciate their parents' efforts, and strengthen their bond by reducing potential conflicts and nagging.
Drawbacks of Living Away from Home
One of the main drawbacks of living away from home is the potential for mental stress and loneliness. Students may experience homesickness and have to navigate daily life without the immediate support of their family. This adjustment can be challenging and may negatively impact academic performance if not properly managed.
Financial constraints and living costs can also become a significant burden when living away from home. Students may need to take out loans, incur debt, or seek part-time work to cover their expenses, adding pressure to their academic commitments.
In conclusion, while there are benefits to living away from home, such as independence and expanded social circles, it is essential to consider the potential drawbacks, including mental health challenges and financial burdens. Students must carefully weigh these factors when deciding whether to stay at home or move away for their university studies.
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Practicalities of going home during university
University life can be challenging, and sometimes students feel the need to go home. The decision to go home during university is a personal one and may depend on various factors, including homesickness, financial constraints, and mental health. While some students may choose to remain on campus or in their university accommodations, others may decide to return to their family homes for various reasons.
Frequency of Going Home
University students typically go home three times a year during the winter, spring, and summer breaks. However, students are generally free to go home at any time during the year, provided they do not have any in-person university obligations or commitments. It is important to remember that being at home is usually not considered a valid excuse for missing university classes or other academic responsibilities. Therefore, students should plan their trips home accordingly.
Travel Options
For students who live far away from their universities, travelling home may involve long-distance travel, which can be costly. To mitigate this, students can consider investing in a student railcard, which offers discounted train tickets for students aged 16 to 25. Alternatively, students can suggest that their families visit them in their university town or city for a weekend or during the breaks.
Homesickness
Homesickness is a common issue among university students, and it is normal to miss one's family and the comfort of home. While going home may seem like an appealing solution, it might not always be the best long-term strategy for managing homesickness. Returning home during periods of homesickness could potentially make it more challenging to adjust to university life afterward. Instead, students can consider other ways to cope with homesickness, such as establishing a regular contact routine with their families, which can include weekly phone or video calls.
Financial Considerations
Financial constraints are another factor that may influence a student's decision to go home. Living away from home can be expensive, and students may feel the financial burden of accommodation costs, especially if they are also paying for university accommodations they cannot currently use due to online learning. In such cases, returning home may be a practical solution to save on living costs. However, it is essential to consider the potential impact on academic performance and the need to develop life skills such as budgeting and self-reliance.
University Policies and Support
University policies regarding students returning home may vary, especially during exceptional circumstances such as the COVID-19 pandemic. In some cases, universities may advise students not to travel back and forth between their permanent homes and university accommodations during term time. Additionally, some universities may have support systems in place for students who cannot go home during breaks, such as keeping campus accommodation open and providing food and other necessities for those in need.
Ultimately, the decision to go home during university is a personal one, and students should consider their unique circumstances, academic responsibilities, and the potential impact on their well-being.
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Official guidance on returning home
At the same time, universities like the University of Leicester supported vulnerable students who didn't have anywhere else to go, and some students remained on campus during the holidays. The University of Edinburgh suggested that students establish a contact routine with their families before leaving for university to help manage the emotional burden of being away from home.
In Scotland, students were told they could return home from university accommodation as long as it was on a long-term basis. The Scottish government urged students to self-isolate and avoid using public transport when moving back home permanently.
Outside of pandemic restrictions, university students are generally free to go home whenever they choose, as long as they don't have any in-person university obligations. However, being at home is not considered a valid excuse for missing classes, and students are advised to prioritize their university responsibilities. Most students go home during university holidays, which occur three times a year after the winter, spring, and summer terms.
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How to cope with homesickness
For many students, relocating for university is a significant life change, and it is normal to experience homesickness. Research suggests that 94% of students experience homesickness during their first ten weeks, and it can occur at any time during your university years. Here are some ways to cope with homesickness:
Stay Connected with Loved Ones
Regular phone calls, video chats, and visits can help you stay connected with your loved ones back home. While social media, text messages, and emails are convenient, they may not be as effective in combating homesickness as hearing a familiar voice or seeing a friendly face.
Find a Community
University is an excellent opportunity to find a community and make new friends. Joining clubs, special interest groups, or campus organisations can help you connect with students who share similar interests, providing a support network away from home.
Take Care of Your Wellbeing
Homesickness can impact your mental and physical health, so it is crucial to prioritise self-care and maintain healthy habits. Get enough sleep, eat nutritious meals, and stay active. Cooking and sharing meals with flatmates or roommates can be a great way to bond and improve your well-being.
Acknowledge Your Feelings
It is important to acknowledge and accept your feelings of homesickness. Give yourself permission to feel sad for a while, but try to limit the duration, perhaps to an hour or two. Writing about your feelings can help you process and understand them better.
Seek Professional Help
If homesickness is affecting your academic performance or daily life, consider seeking professional help. Most universities offer counselling services and mental health support, so don't hesitate to reach out and ask for assistance.
Remember, it is normal to experience homesickness at any point during your university journey, and there are steps you can take to cope with and overcome these feelings.
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The transition to independent living
University is a significant transition for young people, and one of the most notable changes is living away from home. This can be a liberating experience, allowing students to feel independent and free to be themselves. However, it can also be challenging, as students must adjust to multiple new educational, social, and physical environments simultaneously.
The financial burden of independent living can be significant, with the cost of accommodation, utilities, and food adding up quickly. This may lead students to take on part-time work to support themselves, which can impact their studies. However, some see this as a positive aspect of the transition to independent living, as it teaches valuable life skills and encourages personal growth.
In some countries and cultures, it is more common for university students to live at home with their families, which can alleviate some of the challenges associated with independent living. However, this may also limit the sense of freedom and independence that students experience. Ultimately, the decision to live at home or move away for university is a personal one, and students should consider their financial, emotional, and academic needs when making this choice.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, as long as students don't have any in-person university obligations, they can go home. However, being at home is not a valid excuse for missing university classes.
During term time, some students go home once a month, whereas others go home about once a term. Outside of term time, students typically go home 3 times a year, after the winter, spring, and summer terms.
Try to schedule your visits during occasions like a friend's birthday or Mother's Day. If you live far away, consider investing in a student railcard to get discounted train tickets. If your family is able to travel to you, it might be a good idea to arrange to meet up with them.
