If you’re a UK student, you can choose to live at home while studying at Westminster. Explore the benefits and things to consider when deciding if it’s the right choice for you.
What is a commuter student?
More students than ever are choosing to stay at home while they study. Sometimes called 'commuter students', these students travel to university from their family home rather than moving into student accommodation.
Our campuses in central London and Harrow offer a great opportunity for students living in or around London to stay at home while still enjoying everything the university has to offer.
Benefits of living at home while studying
Living at home while you study can offer flexibility, support and help you save money. We've summarised some of the key benefits below.
- Save on accommodation costs – if living in halls doesn’t feel realistic for you financially, staying at home can be a more affordable option
- Keep your job and earn while studying – if you already have a part-time job, living at home can allow you to continue earning while you study
- Stay close to your family – being near loved ones can offer extra practical and wellbeing support
- Live locally with easy access to campus – if you're already based near one of our campuses, commuting can be a convenient option
- Balance study with personal commitments – if you have caring responsibilities or other commitments, staying at home can help you manage these alongside your studies
- Ease into independent life – if you're not quite ready to move out, living at home can give you more time to adjust while still enjoying student life
Will it impact my university experience?
It’s natural to wonder whether living at home means you’ll miss out, but you’ll still have access to the same benefits as students living on campus. And you won’t be alone – many students live at home and still build lifelong friendships and experiences.
The key is to get involved. Taking part in the activities, events and opportunities we offer can help you feel connected, build friendships and make the most of your time at university.
Below are just some of the benefits you’ll have access to as a Westminster student.
- Free breakfast across all our campuses
- Free gym membership
- Free clubs and societies
- On-campus contemplation and prayer rooms
- Support throughout your studies from a dedicated personal tutor
- 24-hour access to library and study spaces
- Access to our laptop loan scheme
- Online access to your reading lists, plus hundreds of thousands of e-books and journals
- Work-related experience and industry insights built into your degree
- A student buddy to help you settle in during your first few weeks
- Dedicated wellbeing support
- Specialist counselling and mental health services
- Money off travel, including 30% off Travelcards, bus and tram passes with TfL student discounts
- Access to between £100 and £3,000 per year through the Living Expenses Support Scheme (LESS)
- A £250 grant to help with everyday costs via the Cost of Living Assistance (COLA) scheme
Can I change my choice if I decide to live on campus?
Yes – if you decide to live at home but change your mind, you can still apply for student accommodation. However, as places are limited, you may be added to a waiting list if halls are full.
To find out what’s available, how to apply and when the deadlines are, visit our Accommodation pages.
If you originally said on your UCAS application that you’d be living at home, you may need to update this. For guidance, get in touch with our Student Advice Team.
Book a campus tour
Want to explore our fantastic teaching spaces, libraries, gyms and accommodation? Experience Westminster up close by booking a campus tour.
Contact us
Get in touch with our Course Enquiries Team:
T: +44 (0)20 7911 5000 ext 65511
E: [email protected]
Opening hours (GMT): 10am–3pm Monday to Friday