Home vs. Away Ashleigh and Elen

Who we are Ashleigh From Newcastle Studied at Newcastle University English Literature Lived at home in first year Moved to Leeds in 2013

Who we are Elen From Norwich Studied at the University of York Applied Social Science Moved to York in 2008 Moved to Leeds in 2013

How we made our decisions AshleighElen No suitable course offered locally Wanted to go to a research intensive University Big brother helped. Investigated costs of travel home Applied to university based on reputations and courses – attended Open Days for different universities Attended post-applicant days at Loughborough, Cardiff and York Fell in love with York University and the city York wasn’t too big and similar to home School didn’t really push students to move away First in the family to go to university Younger brother – didn’t want to move away Only looked as far as Durham Attended Open Days at Newcastle and Northumbria Applied for various English courses at both universities and received offers for all Firmed Newcastle as entry requirements were reduced due to Partners Ultimately a home bird!

What we will look at: Geography Accommodation Cost Experience

Geography Things to think about: – Where do you live now? – Do you like where you live? What are opportunities like for students and graduates? – Which universities are a possibility for you? – Which universities offer your course? – Is it easy to travel to university from your home? – Is the cost of travel realistic? (for home and away!)

Activity On the blank map of the UK locate where you live. Then draw a radius of how far away you would be willing to move from home. Can you pin point where the RO Universities are?

Geography If you were to move away, how will you get to the university/home? – Driving? – Trains? – Bus? – Parents?! Activity: How long does it take and how much does it cost on the train?

FromToChanges?How long will it take (approx.)? Without Railcard With Railcard NewcastleLondonNo3hr 15£64£42.25 SheffieldExeterNo3hr 50£131.70£86.95 LeicesterLeedsYes (1)2h£43.60£28.80 LondonManchesterNo2h 10£110£72.60 LeedsBirminghamNo1hr 50£58.10£38.35 NewcastleYorkNo1hr£20.50£13.55 Trains checked on Monday 29 th February for travel departing between 4pm-5pm on Friday 4 th March.

FromToChanges?How long will it take (approx.)? Without Railcard With Railcard With Railcard in advance NewcastleLondonNo3hr 15£64£42.25£26.40 SheffieldExeterNo3hr 50£131.70£86.95£41.60 LeicesterLeedsYes (1)2h£43.60£28.80 LondonManchesterNo2h 10£110£72.60£109.55* LeedsBirminghamNo1hr 50£58.10£38.35£18.75 NewcastleYorkNo1hr£20.50£13.55£4.55 *This journey the week before is £27.70 – timing is everything!! Trains checked on 02/03/2016 for travel departing between 4pm-5pm on Friday 6 th May.

Accommodation Things to think about: – What sort of accommodation is on offer? – Is accommodation guaranteed? – How attached are you to home comforts? – Are you ready to leave home?

Activity Write down your 3 top priorities for accommodation.

Accommodation Catering Henry Price The Refectory Leodis

Accommodation Bathroom Leodis Charles Morris Henry Price

Accommodation Room size Henry Price Concept Place

Location Accommodation

Location Oxley Central Village Liberty Dock Lyddon Hall

Accommodation Social life Devonshire Hall Charles Morris Liberty Dock

Accommodation Don’t forget though – accommodation can influence your decision but should not be the be all and end all as you might not get allocated to the one you want! Accommodation at the University of Leeds

Experience Student life – Think about your personality and what you enjoy – what sort of student life do you want? Independence – University does not only get you a degree – you learn very important life skills. Living with new people – Can make it easier to make friends as they are readily available. Living at home can ease the transition – Lots of universities have a ‘home’ students society – you could create your own support network! Money management – Both offer experience of this, but at different levels

Cost - Home Staying at home can be cheaper – Last year, 78% of students who planned to stay at home said they did so in order to save money. Will your parents ask you to pay rent? What other expenses will you incur? – Travel to university – Social life – Study materials

Cost - Away Universities offer halls of residence to suit a range of budgets. – At Leeds accommodation costs range from £83-£194 per week. – Different factors affect the cost of accommodation – so if you’re on a stricter budget, you could rule out extras like en-suite, double bed, catered, and on campus when choosing halls – All rents are inclusive of energy costs (heating, lighting and water), Wi-Fi internet, contents insurance and 'Edge Club' Sports membership. What other expenses will you incur? – Travel home – Social Life – Food – Deposit – Cost of living in future years – Items for your flat

Home: The pros Free/inexpensive Close to friends and family Home comforts Able to switch off from student life Get looked after (?!) Feel secure Can move out if you want!

Home: The cons Less independence Could be further from campus More challenging to adapt to student life Family might not always understand Will your friends be moving away? Unexpected costs

Away: The pros Independence Maturity Living with other students Easy to get involved Close to university New experiences Money management ‘Grown up’ life skills Looking for new accommodation

Away: The cons Can be expensive Missing home – friends and family Looking after yourself Making grown up decisions Looking for new accommodation Might not like everybody

Any Questions?

No matter what you decide, University is a fantastic experience and you will have an amazing time and develop your skills and confidence! Student Life