For many students, choosing between living on campus and commuting is a tough choice. In this article, I’ll explore how I knew commuting was right for me and what you need to know about commuting to university.
Why commute?
There were a few factors influencing my decision to commute:
- It is more cost-effective for me.
- Staying with my family is another big reason to commute, missing my mum’s home-cooked meals is out of the question!
- I see my friends at home at the weekend whilst still spending time with my friends on campus during the week.
My commute
I live in Surrey, about an hour and a half away via train. I have a 16-25 Railcard which makes travelling into London more affordable.
Time Management
A unique benefit to a longer commute is being able to use the time however you want to!
I use it to my advantage, tackling small tasks I need to do for my classes: I listen to podcasts related to my modules, complete my reading, and practice for any presentations. On the way home, I can relax and unwind, listening to music.
Challenges
Using public transport can be tricky. It’s always good to keep track of any potential delays. I try to leave early so that I have some extra time, just in case.
Resources
The calm environment on campus helps me focus and achieve more so I can relax when I get home.
I prefer studying in the library and using the resources we have on campus, but at home I can use the online resources on Moodle or the library website.
Facilities
Roehampton has amazing facilities that make my commute less complicated.
A well-equipped kitchen with a microwave, sink, and fridge makes a long day on campus more comfortable. Having lockers on campus makes it easy to store my belongings safely!
Socialising
A big concern for a lot of commuters is missing out on the ‘university experience’.
I was also worried about that, but I found as soon as classes started, I was surrounded by friendly and welcoming people. I also made plenty of friends at all the freshers events.
Joining a society is another great way to get involved. No matter what you’re interested in, there’s truly something for everyone.
Saving £££
Buying a 16-25 Railcard, 18+ Student Oyster card, or investing in an annual bus/train ticket can make travelling a lot more affordable.
Find out more about rail cards and transports discounts here:
Khaula, Student Life magazine
It shows that commuting to university can be a great option when managed well. I especially like how Khaula shares both the benefits and challenges honestly, while giving practical tips about time management and staying involved in campus life. It’s reassuring to see that commuters can still enjoy the full university experience and build strong friendships.