Communte or stay in halls

I'm torn between commuting approximately 45 mins to an hour each way or staying in halls. What are the advantages and disadvantages of each? Do commuters miss out on societies etc?

Reply 1

AzureCeleste

It's more of an effort having to commute, your less likely to go out or do things in the evening
Personally, I would say if you can afford to live out then do it. Even if it's just for first year- purely from the social side of things

Reply 2

SarcAndSpark

Upsides of commuting:
-save loads of money on accommodation
-less stress with e.g. rubbish housemates or landlords.

Downsides of commuting:
-Lots of hanging around between lectures
-Dead time spent commuting when you might want to study or work.
-Having a social life takes a lot more effort- it is possible, but you have to put more effort in.
-You may feel isolated from the student "community"
-Tiring

Upsides of accommodation
-Usually convenient
-Usually easier to socialise and feel like you're part of student life.

Downsides of accommodation
-The expense
-You may end up with rubbish flatmates
-You may end up with unexpected expenses- especially if your rubbish flatmates damage things
-You have to be responsible for all of the "adulting" such as cooking, cleaning, food shopping etc.

If you decide to commute initially, then you can often change your mind as people do drop out and look for people to take over their rooms in halls. If you commit to accommodation, you're usually financially tied in for the year.

Reply 3

Rabbit2

I flunked out of two Unis trying to live in 'halls'. I am an only child, and have never learned to work in a 'boiler factory'. Every dorm i have ever been in, simulated an active 'boiler factory. I finally got into a 3rd Uni - despite my failing grades, and rented a room from an old retired couple. I was about a 20 minute walk from campus, and i made sure that nobody on campus knew where i lived - because i didn't want any 'drop-ins' a> disturbing my landlords, or b> me!

It worked - i made deans list all 3 quarters i was there - and was able to transfer to a reputable engineering school. I guess that the thing to ask yourself is: "Am i here to run up a big debt, and party, party, party, or am i here to get an education?? After you get a 'salable' degree [you ARE studying something that you can earn a living in, aren't you???], you can party all you want. Cheers & best of luck!!

Reply 4

hallamstudents

Official Rep

I have a friend who commutes who loves it - he lives around an hour away and saves loads of money, stays with his friends at home, has friends on the course. But, I've noticed that he doesn't go out much with our friends on the course, he misses out on a few parties because he'd have to find somewhere to stay.

Personally as someone who doesn't commute, staying in halls put me away from my parents - put me out there. Took me out of my comfort zone and forced me to grow as a person. Because I can't rely on my family, (unless it's something I really really need), I found myself becoming more of the person I wanted to be. I would advise anyone to try out halls even for a year. If you hate it, commute the next.

It's a great way to meet new friends and experience everything.

Josh :smile: