Nearly 8 in 10 Gen Z freshers want their parents out of sight within 180 minutes of dropping them off at university.
A survey of 2,000 young people aged 18–21, commissioned by easyHotel, found that 78% of students want their parents to leave within three hours. Only 1 in 10 want their parents to stay for the entire move-in day, while 19% of Gen Z Geordies want them to leave immediately after unpacking.
An overenthusiastic parent attempting to join flat socials is a bigger concern than an emotional goodbye, which worries 33% of students.
Top 5 cringiest things parents do on move-in day
- Say something embarrassing or revealing in front of new flatmates: 55%
- Try to drink and hang out with new flatmates: 41%
- Refuse to leave and stay for far too long: 36%
- Take over decorating or tidying the room: 34%
- Cry hysterically in front of new flatmates: 33%
A practical exit strategy for parents
While students want their space, 40% would prefer their parents to stay in a nearby hotel after unloading boxes.
To help parents driving long distances, easyHotel is introducing a free early 11am check in (normally 3pm, usually a paid upgrade) across key UK university cities for the weekend of 19th and 20th September. Parents can unlock the offer by presenting a photo of themselves helping their child move in alongside a tongue in cheek Parent Exit Pass.
The offer applies to key university hubs, including Newcastle, London Shoreditch, Manchester, Glasgow, Sheffield, Leeds, Oxford, Liverpool, and Cardiff.
Nathan White, UK operations director at easyHotel, said: “The traditional tearful university goodbye seems to have been replaced by something a little more urgent: ‘Mum, Dad, please leave before you meet my flatmates.’
“Those first few hours are a big moment for students. They’re meeting new people, finding their feet and starting university life, so it’s understandable they want some space to settle in on their own terms.
“At easyHotel, our hotels are conveniently located, meaning parents don’t have to travel far once the unpacking is done. The Parent Exit Pass gives them a comfortable, great value base nearby for an extra night, while students get the freedom to settle into their new home and start this new chapter independently.”