I think moving out for University is a great idea, something I'll definately recommend to my kids. Only if you can afford it though, which was why when I was younger I couldn't. I was the same as you (OP) - travel time about 2ish hours in total averaging a fiver a day in costs, but at the end of the day it was obviously cheaper than moving out by myself. Sure, what I lost during those years for an early chance to gain some independence and maybe a bit of social time with friends. But by postponing that sort of "segment" of life I made sure I was able to move out after I graduated and got a job - that way I knew I could afford it and not be in debt.