Even the DWP Guidance manual is unclear on this point.
Grown up children 4.1542 If a claimant’s grown up child is a student or trainee living away from home for periods of study or training, only include them in the referral to the rent officer if you are satisfied that the parental home is, at the time of referral, the dwelling normally occupied as their home.
4.1543 When the non-dependant moves away to live elsewhere for whatever reason, but not a student living elsewhere during term-time, do not include them as occupiers in the referral.
You could argue that the bit in bold would suggest that you would treat a student an an occupier if they are only away during term time (and presumably return home for holidays).
(although this mentions referrals, the guidance should hold true for determing who is an occupier for LHA)
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