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For some students, it means a rethink about what university looks like.
The Open University, which offers distance learning and online courses, says more teenagers than ever are starting courses with it.
Almost 3,400 18-and 19-year-olds joined the university last year – making up 9.5% of new starters, compared with 5.7% six years ago.
Traditionally, it has been popular with mature students wanting to continue working while studying from home.
Its vice-chancellor, Prof Dave Phoenix, says it points to a shift in how younger people are thinking about university, adding that studying online "means they can avoid moving costs and high accommodation bills and, for others, it means keeping a job".
But a recent report, external by Prof William Whyte, from the University of Oxford, argues that the value of on-campus life extends far beyond the price of accommodation, and plays an important role in personal development and the wider university experience.
"The question isn't simply where students live. It's what they gain from living and learning together as part of a university community," he says.
"Currently, we have no real policy on accommodation for the overwhelming majority of students who want to leave home for study. It's time for a serious debate about the role accommodation plays in the university – and how we will pay for it."
A spokesperson for the Department for Education says the government recognises that too many students are facing financial hardship.
They say they are increasing maximum maintenance loans and reintroducing maintenance grants to help with living costs, as well as working with universities and councils to improve access to student housing.
Data analysis by Isobel Cottam & Phil Leake. Additional reporting by Emily Doughty
