In article , Stimpy
writes
Certainly back in the 70's/80's, almost all universities expected first (and
often third) years to live on site

That may have been because there were fewer "new" universities then, but
even in those days there were few students at London University living
anywhere near their lecture facilities, even if they were in halls of
residence.
--
"now, the thing you type on and the window you stare out of are the same thing"