Two parents from Brighton have set up a scheme where parents can "swap" their children when they go away to university.
The idea is that parents who have a spare room while their child is away might take in a student from the town where their child is studying.
Their child would go to that student's home - for free.
It is the brainchild of Hermione Pask, of Unihomeswap, who says it could save families thousands of pounds a year.
The mother of a teenage girl, Ms Pask says she had the idea when talking to a friend during a car journey.
"Her son was already at university and we were discussing how expensive it was," she said.
"I was saying because I can't afford it, I would have to send my daughter to Brighton and that might be a shame because it might not have the course she wants.
"I said it would be good if students could swap - and suddenly had this idea. I rushed home and bought up eight website domain names and began work on the idea."
She enlisted the support of her friend Becci Cari.
The website links students and families interested in organising such a swap. They pay a joining fee of £25 and then make any arrangements themselves, using a guide from the website.
Students do not pay for their rooms but might contribute to the food bill if they share meals with the family.
Hermione Pask "This could help integrate students in the community," says Hermione Pask
The website's founders have been in touch with universities about their idea and are visiting colleges on careers days to talk to student and parents about it.
Ms Pask said: "In the '60s, students used to stay in family houses then in the '80s, there was a 'Young Ones' approach, with students living in a mad house.
"Now I think it is going to change again. Students are getting more serious and some might like this set-up.
"It could appeal to second and third years when they move out of halls and want to knuckle down and get their work done, or hard-working students going away from home for the first time who might like a home-from-home."
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-16872455
No-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o!!
No-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o!!
The whole idea of them going to Uni is to get shot of the buggers, not to get someone else's!
“If you trust in yourself, and believe in your dreams, and follow your star. . . you'll still get beaten by people who spent their time working hard and learning things and weren't so lazy.”