In June 2026, we surveyed 250 UK students who lived away from home during term time to find out how long their parents or guardians waited until they repurposed their room. Some even went a step further, sharing exactly what their room was turned into, and how they really felt about it.
How long did parents and guardians wait to repurpose students’ bedrooms?
While students may be hoping their room remains untouched for when they return, the reality appears to be far less sentimental.
Most parents seem eager to claim the space back, with some not even waiting until students have fully moved out:
- 7.2% of students said their rooms were repurposed before they’d fully moved out for university.
- 12.4% said their parents/guardians repurposed their room within a week of them moving out.
- 30.4% said it was within the first month.
- 22% said it happened in 1-3 months.
- Only 17.2% of the students said their room wasn’t changed at all.
For students heading home between each year of their degree or for short-term breaks during the academic year, this can mean coming back to a space that no longer quite feels like theirs or, in some cases, no space at all.
How did London students fare?
In London, where space is tighter and homes are often under more pressure, students appear even more likely to see their rooms repurposed quickly.
Of the students in London that responded to our survey, 1 in 10 (10.11%) had their rooms repurposed before they moved out, 2 in every 10 (19.1%) said their parents waited a week, and 3 in 10 (29.21%) said their parents waited just a month.
With spare rooms in particularly high demand, whether for working from home, extra storage, or accommodating other family members, this suggests sentimentality may take even more of a back seat in the capital.
What were students’ bedrooms turned into?
Some of the students that took part in our survey opted to tell us what their rooms were actually turned into; and it seems parents and guardians are driven by practicality over sentimentality, or desire to claim something back for themselves.
Of those that did offer that did offer their insight, we uncovered:
- 20.8% said their room became storage space.
- 19.4% became offices or studies.
- 19.4% became guest rooms or spare rooms.
- 12.5% were given to siblings or other family members.
- 8.3% became gyms, yoga rooms or fitness spaces.
- 8.3% were changed into games rooms, playrooms or dens.
- 4.2% became hobby rooms, craft rooms or libraries.
- 4.2% become dressing rooms or walk-in wardrobes.
- 2.8% were turned into rental rooms or Airbnb spaces.
Considering rooms being used for storage was the most common answer, it’s likely many households were already feeling the pressure of limited space. And, while this is helpful for the parents, it can create new challenges for students when they return home.
What were the students’ reactions?
While the practical reasons are perfectly clear, the emotional responses of the students affected were much more mixed. For some, the repurposing was the next natural step but, for others, it felt like losing their home entirely.
Many Student Weren’t Happy
For many, the shift came with a sense of displacement; especially when it happened quickly or without warning. 18.9% of the students who commented said they felt negatively about the change.
One said:
“After I moved to university, my parents turned my bedroom into a home office and storage room, and I was surprised by how quickly all traces of me seemed to disappear.”
Another added:
“My brother made it his gaming room and I felt replaced.”
Some were also worried about where they’d be sleeping when they come home:
“[They] turned [my room] into my little brother’s bedroom. I was furious because I’m living back with my parents for my master’s degree and I have to sleep on the sofa or OUTSIDE.”
“[My room became] a tip of bits and bobs while [they were] sorting things out. I was a bit angry and upset as I was concerned what would happen when I return home for holidays.”
Some liked the fact their room was being put to good use
6.8% of students who commented had a positive reaction to their rooms being changed, with some being particularly happy that it was being put to good use or making a loved one happy:
“[My room was turned into a] study, which I always suspected my dad always wanted. A nice little man cave where he can watch football.”
“After I moved out, my bedroom became a study area for my younger sibling. I felt proud knowing the space was helping someone else.”
“My old bedroom became a guest room for visiting family and friends. I thought it was a great idea and was glad it could still make people feel comfortable.”
“The room was transformed into a hobby and craft space. I thought it suited my parents’ interests perfectly and was pleased to see it being enjoyed.”
Some weren’t sure how to feel
12.2% had mixed feelings, recognising the need for the change, while still feeling a little sad or caught off guard. One said:
“My bedroom was turned into a home office and storage space almost immediately after I moved out for university. My parents added a desk, shelves, and boxes of things they’d clearly been waiting years to move in there. I was a bit shocked it happened so quickly, but I also found it funny because it felt like they’d been planning it the whole time. It definitely made coming home feel different, like I was visiting instead of properly living there anymore.”
Another said
“Firstly, [I was] in denial because now I’m sharing with a sister, but then I guess I shouldn’t [be]. It really would help her be more comfortable and I’m away anyway. My mum still keeps all my stuff, and she did an amazing job making the room look big enough for two when I thought it was impossible.”
Some found the timing pretty ruthless
For some students, it wasn’t just the change itself, but how quickly it happened that stood out:
“After I moved to university, my parents turned my bedroom into a home office and storage room, and I was surprised by how quickly all traces of me seemed to disappear.“
“It felt strange seeing my “private kingdom” become a family dumping ground so quickly.”
“As soon as I packed my bags my parents didn’t waste a second. My bedroom was immediately turned to home gym and yoga space.”
Some parents went rogue with their transformations…
Some parents opted not to follow suit and instead completely reimagined the space. One student didn’t even find out their room had changed until they came home:
“I opened the door and heard a sewing machine immediately. My mum had made herself curtains using my old band posters as lining. I was horrified and impressed at the same time. My 2013 Chemical Romance poster is now a valance.”
Another said:
“My bedroom got turned into my mum’s quiet crafting and online yoga studio, and I found out when I video-called home to see her critiquing my old posters and calling my desk her zen cutting station.”
What does this mean for students?
For a lot of students, losing their bedroom changes what going home actually looks like.
If your room has been turned into storage, a home office, or something more unusual, those short trips back or gaps between tenancies can get a bit more complicated; especially when there isn’t always a clear place to put your things anymore. This feels evermore true in London, where space is already tight.
But, when there’s no room waiting for you at home, even storing clothes, books or university bits can be a juggling act.
Sophie Bagnall, Marketing Director from Attic Self Storage said:
“We’re seeing more students face this exact situation, where going home doesn’t necessarily mean having a room waiting for them. Whether that’s because the space has been repurposed or given away, many students are needing flexible options to store their belongings short term.”
“Having access to secure student storage can take that pressure off, and that’s where we’re able to help.”
Methodology
The research was conducted by Censuswide, among a sample of 250 UK students who lived away from home during term time. The data was collected between May 26th 2026 and June 1st 2026.
74 of the students surveyed answered an optional second question in which they shared what their room was turned into and how they felt about the change.