Staying at Home

Studying from home is an increasingly attractive option for students at conventional universities - hardly surprising given the economic pressures. It obviously cuts down on food and rent (assuming your family don't push you for every penny they can), then there's the tantalising possibility of a laundry and ironing service and the feeling of generally being looked after - a place where the food includes fresh vegetables. And you don't have to feel like some weird stay-at-home - studying at a university near home is the norm in continental Europe and a long tradition in big (and expensive) cities in the UK, such as London or Glasgow.

In addition to living at home whilst at a convential university a growing number of prospective students are choosing the OU, perhaps because a disability makes it easier to live at home, or they want to hang on to a job while they study part-time. Or perhaps because the threat of long-term debt after three years of study is just too overwhelming. The fees at the OU are cheaper (as it's part-time) and you do save money on the rent - but it's not an easy option: it's six years' work, with a minimum 20 hours of study a week. It will stretch your staying power - so if you're thinking of it as an option straight after school, be very sure of yourself: the OU itself reckons 18-year-olds tend not to he as motivated as more mature students. If you're considering the OU, there's more about it in our University Guides .

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