New research from Aldermore1 has found that parents are still holding their student children’s hands when they move off campus, with a quarter having their parents’ (23%) or flatmate’s parents’ (26%) input when choosing university accommodation.
Parents easing stress but curbing students’ independence
Nearly four in 10 students (38%) are not sure they’d be able to cope managing their accommodation entirely on their own, with almost half (47%) happy their parents/guardians are involved.
However, one in eight (13%) feel their parents/guardians have too much influence over their living situation, with many feeling less independent than expected because of their parents’ involvement (16%).
One in seven said their parents even made in-person visits to potential accommodation while they were house hunting (15%). What’s more, parents are often footing the bill, with 44% of students saying their parents pay part or all of their rent.
House shares boost student know-how
Despite the move to live independently, students are not confident they can carry out basic household maintenance. Students feel least confident in fixing a tripped fuse (64%), bleeding a radiator (66%) or checking a smoke alarm (41%).
Students who live in a house in multiple occupation (HMO) – a property rented out by three or more people, with shared facilities e.g. kitchen or bathrooms – often think the experience has helped to build their confidence in home maintenance tasks.
A large majority (83%) say living in a shared house at university has taught them basic home maintenance skills and nearly nine in 10 (86%) feel more confident about looking after a property because of their student housing.
Lack of life skills leave students struggling
Students felt that their pre-university experience should have included more life skills education. One in four (26%) said their family gave them no advice about living at university before they moved in.
A quarter (24%) went as far as to say they felt completely unprepared for the responsibilities of living independently at university. It comes as one in three (34%) have contacted their landlord whilst at university for minor issues they could have probably fixed themselves.
Jon Cooper, director of mortgages at Aldermore said:
“Independent living can be a big leap for students, with many relying on their parents for support as they feel unprepared for the practical side of managing a home. Encouragingly, we’re seeing that shared student housing – particularly HMOs – can play a positive role in helping young people gain valuable life skills and confidence in looking after a property.
“Many landlords are investing in high-standard, modern homes that not only meet the needs of students but also give them a safe, supportive environment in which to learn and grow. We’re proud to work with these responsible landlords, helping to raise standards across the sector and provide students with places they’re happy to call home.”
ENDS
1 Research conducted on behalf of Aldermore bank by Opinium Research between 4th – 14th July 2025 among 1,000 UK university students
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