Official statistics reveal that more than two-thirds of university students leave their parents' home to live on their own, but they are far from being completely independent. Several factors explain this situation, some of which are economic and residential. Indeed, students receive family support in various forms to compensate for the financial fragility that accompanies their need for independence.
According to figures published in 2013, some 32% of students continue to live with their parents, while 35% live alone or with a partner. On the other hand, 13% opt for shared accommodation, while 12% choose shared accommodation. The data reveals that students gain housing independence with age. In this regard, 45% of those under 21 live with their parents, while this proportion does not exceed 12% for those 24 and over.
The indicators also highlight that the size of the municipalities, as well as the region, influence young people's housing independence. The proportion of students affected reaches 57% in Paris. While in medium-sized and large provincial municipalities, this share remains within the range of 22 to 32%. This disparity is explained by the distance between the parental home and the university, in addition to the migration of young people to large cities that offer more attractive educational opportunities. It should also be noted that in the Paris region, for example, it is difficult to find student housing , in addition to the availability of transportation to the various universities.
Leaving home doesn't necessarily mean breaking ties with parents. In fact, figures show that 32% of young people return to their parents' home for two to three weekends a month. This percentage rises to 43% for students living in shared accommodation. Statistics also indicate that 69% of students receive food supplies, while 32% use a family vehicle. On the other hand, 75% of young people receive gifts from their families to improve their daily lives.
Economic independence, a different reality
The studies conducted, which focus on the economic conditions of university students, demonstrate that, given the same housing arrangements, disparities are observed in the economic independence of young people. Indeed, the observations made it possible to establish four distinct groups. The first group concerns “economically dependent cohabitants,” who represent 29% of the population surveyed, who live with their parents and who remain totally financially dependent on the family.
The second group is that of “economically dependent cohabitants,” who represent 43% of students. These young people occupy independent accommodation, but still benefit from parental assistance for their various financial needs. The third group is that of “economically independent cohabitants,” who live with their parents, but they provide for their material needs, by exercising a paid activity or work-study internship , alongside their studies. This group constitutes only 3% of young university students. While the last group is that of the “emancipated” who constitute 25% of young students, who have their own accommodation and total financial autonomy.
More than 50% of students experience financial difficulties, while 16% report not having sufficient financial resources to cover their monthly needs. This reflects the economic fragility, particularly among economically dependent students living apart and economically independent cohabitants. Ultimately, independence is far from being achieved by young university students who still face financial difficulties.
