commuting to uni? will it ruin my experience?
13
so I've applied for university.
I'm lucky enough to live less than half an hour's bus/drive from 3 different universities (between 2 different cities). the thing is, I'm not sure whether it is a good idea to commute to uni or not - I have applied to these unis close to home as well as 2 far away. The university I would love to go to most is literally 25 mins max from my house and so paying for accom when I'm so close makes no sense, does it?...
But now, I'm not sure whether commuting will mean I have a worse experience at University or not. I'm scared I won't be able to make friends, or that I'll just miss out completely - especially clubbing, as i don't live in the cities... I'd have to get home somehow because I wouldn't be able to walk home. Also, I would have to be working A LOT to afford to live away from home.
However, it would mean that I would save money, and could actually afford a car. I should probably be able to afford to move out in second year. Also, the course I'm doing doesn't really involve lectures - it's typically taught in group work - so I would probably not have an issue with making friends via my course.
overall, do you think that staying at home will ruin my experience? or does it actually make sense to do this? thanks for any advice you can give
I'm lucky enough to live less than half an hour's bus/drive from 3 different universities (between 2 different cities). the thing is, I'm not sure whether it is a good idea to commute to uni or not - I have applied to these unis close to home as well as 2 far away. The university I would love to go to most is literally 25 mins max from my house and so paying for accom when I'm so close makes no sense, does it?...
But now, I'm not sure whether commuting will mean I have a worse experience at University or not. I'm scared I won't be able to make friends, or that I'll just miss out completely - especially clubbing, as i don't live in the cities... I'd have to get home somehow because I wouldn't be able to walk home. Also, I would have to be working A LOT to afford to live away from home.
However, it would mean that I would save money, and could actually afford a car. I should probably be able to afford to move out in second year. Also, the course I'm doing doesn't really involve lectures - it's typically taught in group work - so I would probably not have an issue with making friends via my course.
overall, do you think that staying at home will ruin my experience? or does it actually make sense to do this? thanks for any advice you can give
Commuting will only ruin the experience if you let it. I never let commuting get in the way of my social life. For nights out, I 'd either get the last train home or arrange to crash on a mate's floor.
Reply 2
I commuted and it made little or no difference to me. However many people consider the social side to be paramount and find it harder if they commute.
I think that you’re so close that you’re not likely to see much difference from someone that lives on the outskirts of campus.
I think that you’re so close that you’re not likely to see much difference from someone that lives on the outskirts of campus.
Reply 3
Original post
by iz.05so I've applied for university.
I'm lucky enough to live less than half an hour's bus/drive from 3 different universities (between 2 different cities). the thing is, I'm not sure whether it is a good idea to commute to uni or not - I have applied to these unis close to home as well as 2 far away. The university I would love to go to most is literally 25 mins max from my house and so paying for accom when I'm so close makes no sense, does it?...
But now, I'm not sure whether commuting will mean I have a worse experience at University or not. I'm scared I won't be able to make friends, or that I'll just miss out completely - especially clubbing, as i don't live in the cities... I'd have to get home somehow because I wouldn't be able to walk home. Also, I would have to be working A LOT to afford to live away from home.
However, it would mean that I would save money, and could actually afford a car. I should probably be able to afford to move out in second year. Also, the course I'm doing doesn't really involve lectures - it's typically taught in group work - so I would probably not have an issue with making friends via my course.
overall, do you think that staying at home will ruin my experience? or does it actually make sense to do this? thanks for any advice you can give
I'm lucky enough to live less than half an hour's bus/drive from 3 different universities (between 2 different cities). the thing is, I'm not sure whether it is a good idea to commute to uni or not - I have applied to these unis close to home as well as 2 far away. The university I would love to go to most is literally 25 mins max from my house and so paying for accom when I'm so close makes no sense, does it?...
But now, I'm not sure whether commuting will mean I have a worse experience at University or not. I'm scared I won't be able to make friends, or that I'll just miss out completely - especially clubbing, as i don't live in the cities... I'd have to get home somehow because I wouldn't be able to walk home. Also, I would have to be working A LOT to afford to live away from home.
However, it would mean that I would save money, and could actually afford a car. I should probably be able to afford to move out in second year. Also, the course I'm doing doesn't really involve lectures - it's typically taught in group work - so I would probably not have an issue with making friends via my course.
overall, do you think that staying at home will ruin my experience? or does it actually make sense to do this? thanks for any advice you can give
@iz.05
It might be worthwhile to give commuting a go for the first year.
There is likely to be other people who commute as well, so you may find that you form friendships with other commuters.
If you are able to save for a car, that may give you more flexibility.
If you feel like commuting really does affect your ability to get to know people and to build friendships, then you could always move out in the second year.
All the best,
Oluwatosin – 2nd year podiatry student – University of Huddersfield
Reply 4
Original post
by iz.05so I've applied for university.
I'm lucky enough to live less than half an hour's bus/drive from 3 different universities (between 2 different cities). the thing is, I'm not sure whether it is a good idea to commute to uni or not - I have applied to these unis close to home as well as 2 far away. The university I would love to go to most is literally 25 mins max from my house and so paying for accom when I'm so close makes no sense, does it?...
But now, I'm not sure whether commuting will mean I have a worse experience at University or not. I'm scared I won't be able to make friends, or that I'll just miss out completely - especially clubbing, as i don't live in the cities... I'd have to get home somehow because I wouldn't be able to walk home. Also, I would have to be working A LOT to afford to live away from home.
However, it would mean that I would save money, and could actually afford a car. I should probably be able to afford to move out in second year. Also, the course I'm doing doesn't really involve lectures - it's typically taught in group work - so I would probably not have an issue with making friends via my course.
overall, do you think that staying at home will ruin my experience? or does it actually make sense to do this? thanks for any advice you can give
I'm lucky enough to live less than half an hour's bus/drive from 3 different universities (between 2 different cities). the thing is, I'm not sure whether it is a good idea to commute to uni or not - I have applied to these unis close to home as well as 2 far away. The university I would love to go to most is literally 25 mins max from my house and so paying for accom when I'm so close makes no sense, does it?...
But now, I'm not sure whether commuting will mean I have a worse experience at University or not. I'm scared I won't be able to make friends, or that I'll just miss out completely - especially clubbing, as i don't live in the cities... I'd have to get home somehow because I wouldn't be able to walk home. Also, I would have to be working A LOT to afford to live away from home.
However, it would mean that I would save money, and could actually afford a car. I should probably be able to afford to move out in second year. Also, the course I'm doing doesn't really involve lectures - it's typically taught in group work - so I would probably not have an issue with making friends via my course.
overall, do you think that staying at home will ruin my experience? or does it actually make sense to do this? thanks for any advice you can give
I'd say live at uni at least for the first year you'll find it easier to make friends and things I mean if your not in halls aside from it being harder to bring a girl or guy home you might have a curfew which will make life much harder and you'll miss out on so much stuff:
•
Movie nights
•
pre drinks
•
hall parties
•
video game tournaments
•
unplanned trips out
•
planned clubbing
Among so much else it's called the university experience for a reason you'll also notice all the societies are aimed mostly at students in halls lets say you go off skiing you get back late after the trains (because you don't want to leave your car abandoned for a week) you'll be dropped back at the halls also the nights out usually finish at about 2:30 or earlier/later (depending on how you look at it) so you'd be back home by about 3 (your parent's wouldn't like that.
it your decision but why not live out for first year just to see how you like it and if you like it keep doing if not well don't simple as that.
Reply 5
20
I commuted and I found it would have been harder to do the social stuff had I been interested in it. But I was already in my mid 20s with a settled social group so I wasn't fussed about the social side of things too much. I still did the odd thing but only a couple of times per term. I had my mates and my fave boozers already so it wasn't a big deal to me.
I dunno whose parents whinge about them going home at 3 but I used to routinely be out till gone 5am and mine weren't arsed
I dunno whose parents whinge about them going home at 3 but I used to routinely be out till gone 5am and mine weren't arsed
(edited 3 years ago)
Original post
by iz.05so I've applied for university.
I'm lucky enough to live less than half an hour's bus/drive from 3 different universities (between 2 different cities). the thing is, I'm not sure whether it is a good idea to commute to uni or not - I have applied to these unis close to home as well as 2 far away. The university I would love to go to most is literally 25 mins max from my house and so paying for accom when I'm so close makes no sense, does it?...
But now, I'm not sure whether commuting will mean I have a worse experience at University or not. I'm scared I won't be able to make friends, or that I'll just miss out completely - especially clubbing, as i don't live in the cities... I'd have to get home somehow because I wouldn't be able to walk home. Also, I would have to be working A LOT to afford to live away from home.
However, it would mean that I would save money, and could actually afford a car. I should probably be able to afford to move out in second year. Also, the course I'm doing doesn't really involve lectures - it's typically taught in group work - so I would probably not have an issue with making friends via my course.
overall, do you think that staying at home will ruin my experience? or does it actually make sense to do this? thanks for any advice you can give
I'm lucky enough to live less than half an hour's bus/drive from 3 different universities (between 2 different cities). the thing is, I'm not sure whether it is a good idea to commute to uni or not - I have applied to these unis close to home as well as 2 far away. The university I would love to go to most is literally 25 mins max from my house and so paying for accom when I'm so close makes no sense, does it?...
But now, I'm not sure whether commuting will mean I have a worse experience at University or not. I'm scared I won't be able to make friends, or that I'll just miss out completely - especially clubbing, as i don't live in the cities... I'd have to get home somehow because I wouldn't be able to walk home. Also, I would have to be working A LOT to afford to live away from home.
However, it would mean that I would save money, and could actually afford a car. I should probably be able to afford to move out in second year. Also, the course I'm doing doesn't really involve lectures - it's typically taught in group work - so I would probably not have an issue with making friends via my course.
overall, do you think that staying at home will ruin my experience? or does it actually make sense to do this? thanks for any advice you can give
Hi @iz.05I live 15 minutes away from my university and I chose to live at home and commute! I didn’t see the point spending more money to pay for accommodation and then have to work to afford food etc. I had no issue making friends and going out at night is just a taxi back home
I save tons of money living at home so paying for the taxis isn’t an issue really.Hope this helps!
Estelle
Second Year Psychology
University of Huddersfield
Reply 7
Original post
by iz.05so I've applied for university.
I'm lucky enough to live less than half an hour's bus/drive from 3 different universities (between 2 different cities). the thing is, I'm not sure whether it is a good idea to commute to uni or not - I have applied to these unis close to home as well as 2 far away. The university I would love to go to most is literally 25 mins max from my house and so paying for accom when I'm so close makes no sense, does it?...
But now, I'm not sure whether commuting will mean I have a worse experience at University or not. I'm scared I won't be able to make friends, or that I'll just miss out completely - especially clubbing, as i don't live in the cities... I'd have to get home somehow because I wouldn't be able to walk home. Also, I would have to be working A LOT to afford to live away from home.
However, it would mean that I would save money, and could actually afford a car. I should probably be able to afford to move out in second year. Also, the course I'm doing doesn't really involve lectures - it's typically taught in group work - so I would probably not have an issue with making friends via my course.
overall, do you think that staying at home will ruin my experience? or does it actually make sense to do this? thanks for any advice you can give
I'm lucky enough to live less than half an hour's bus/drive from 3 different universities (between 2 different cities). the thing is, I'm not sure whether it is a good idea to commute to uni or not - I have applied to these unis close to home as well as 2 far away. The university I would love to go to most is literally 25 mins max from my house and so paying for accom when I'm so close makes no sense, does it?...
But now, I'm not sure whether commuting will mean I have a worse experience at University or not. I'm scared I won't be able to make friends, or that I'll just miss out completely - especially clubbing, as i don't live in the cities... I'd have to get home somehow because I wouldn't be able to walk home. Also, I would have to be working A LOT to afford to live away from home.
However, it would mean that I would save money, and could actually afford a car. I should probably be able to afford to move out in second year. Also, the course I'm doing doesn't really involve lectures - it's typically taught in group work - so I would probably not have an issue with making friends via my course.
overall, do you think that staying at home will ruin my experience? or does it actually make sense to do this? thanks for any advice you can give
Hi there
I have many friends who commute to uni and they are still able to have a great experience. I think as long as you immerse yourself in activities and events put on by the uni then it is unlikely that you will miss out on making friends. Joining a society is also a great way to meet likeminded people and socialise with others. That being said you will have to commute to socials and events so as long as you are able to do that and are happy to do so then there is no real reason why you shouldn't live at home. The only thing I can think of that might impact your experience is going on nights out. This is where you might struggle to commute to and from clubs. There are definitely some ways around this such as staying with friends that live near the club or getting an uber home (although please be careful). I know sometimes my friends had people who could pick them up from the club such as parents, hometown friends etc. This might not be the right option for everyone but from memory I do remember one of my friends who lived around 30 mins from campus booked a cheap hotel near campus for freshers week. This meant that she didn't have to worry about getting to and from clubs and bars that week.
What you're saying definitely makes sense and I think that a lot of people would choose to live at home if their uni was based closer to their homes. It helps you save an extortionate amount of money and you are still able to get a university experience. Choose whatever feels right for you!
Hope this helps a bit
Best wishes
Joanna
-Uni of Kent Rep
Reply 8
Hi @iz.05
I currently commute to uni and it takes me about 45 minutes there have been some positives and some negatives to it. However, overall it hasn't;t had a major impact on my uni experience or meant that I have missed out.
It was difficult, to begin with especially on days when I would go in and only have a lecture for an hour and that was all for the day, it was hard to find the motivation to go in. However, when I got more used to the journey and being on campus I would make the most of going in such as making it my library day, or doing some ambassador work etc but definitely something to fill the day and add extra motivation to go in!
The journey is never too bad as I am able to use this to do a bit of extra reading, studying for exams and reading journals etc which I found beneficial as I found it easier to do than when I was at home and would get distracted!
It hasn't;t had too much of an impact on my social life as a member of three societies as lots of the events are not solely aimed at drinking and include things such as a movie night or bowling etc that I can plan getting home for (that can always be a bit of a pain checking the time and being on a time limit), but I never attended the nights out to clubs which would have meant finding an alternative, however, a few people have offered their sofas to me!!!
Money-wise it has been really beneficial as it has been cheaper and I have been able to put a little bit of money aside which has helped and not led to any stress or concerns around finance. And also it hasn't stopped me from making friends and doing things with friends, and I am still able to do lots of different social activities and go out with them regularly without it impacting or limiting this.
I hope this helps and you have a great uni experience
Luke - Portsmouth Student Rep
I currently commute to uni and it takes me about 45 minutes there have been some positives and some negatives to it. However, overall it hasn't;t had a major impact on my uni experience or meant that I have missed out.
It was difficult, to begin with especially on days when I would go in and only have a lecture for an hour and that was all for the day, it was hard to find the motivation to go in. However, when I got more used to the journey and being on campus I would make the most of going in such as making it my library day, or doing some ambassador work etc but definitely something to fill the day and add extra motivation to go in!
The journey is never too bad as I am able to use this to do a bit of extra reading, studying for exams and reading journals etc which I found beneficial as I found it easier to do than when I was at home and would get distracted!
It hasn't;t had too much of an impact on my social life as a member of three societies as lots of the events are not solely aimed at drinking and include things such as a movie night or bowling etc that I can plan getting home for (that can always be a bit of a pain checking the time and being on a time limit), but I never attended the nights out to clubs which would have meant finding an alternative, however, a few people have offered their sofas to me!!!
Money-wise it has been really beneficial as it has been cheaper and I have been able to put a little bit of money aside which has helped and not led to any stress or concerns around finance. And also it hasn't stopped me from making friends and doing things with friends, and I am still able to do lots of different social activities and go out with them regularly without it impacting or limiting this.
I hope this helps and you have a great uni experience
Luke - Portsmouth Student Rep
Reply 9
Original post
by iz.05so I've applied for university.
I'm lucky enough to live less than half an hour's bus/drive from 3 different universities (between 2 different cities). the thing is, I'm not sure whether it is a good idea to commute to uni or not - I have applied to these unis close to home as well as 2 far away. The university I would love to go to most is literally 25 mins max from my house and so paying for accom when I'm so close makes no sense, does it?...
But now, I'm not sure whether commuting will mean I have a worse experience at University or not. I'm scared I won't be able to make friends, or that I'll just miss out completely - especially clubbing, as i don't live in the cities... I'd have to get home somehow because I wouldn't be able to walk home. Also, I would have to be working A LOT to afford to live away from home.
However, it would mean that I would save money, and could actually afford a car. I should probably be able to afford to move out in second year. Also, the course I'm doing doesn't really involve lectures - it's typically taught in group work - so I would probably not have an issue with making friends via my course.
overall, do you think that staying at home will ruin my experience? or does it actually make sense to do this? thanks for any advice you can give
I'm lucky enough to live less than half an hour's bus/drive from 3 different universities (between 2 different cities). the thing is, I'm not sure whether it is a good idea to commute to uni or not - I have applied to these unis close to home as well as 2 far away. The university I would love to go to most is literally 25 mins max from my house and so paying for accom when I'm so close makes no sense, does it?...
But now, I'm not sure whether commuting will mean I have a worse experience at University or not. I'm scared I won't be able to make friends, or that I'll just miss out completely - especially clubbing, as i don't live in the cities... I'd have to get home somehow because I wouldn't be able to walk home. Also, I would have to be working A LOT to afford to live away from home.
However, it would mean that I would save money, and could actually afford a car. I should probably be able to afford to move out in second year. Also, the course I'm doing doesn't really involve lectures - it's typically taught in group work - so I would probably not have an issue with making friends via my course.
overall, do you think that staying at home will ruin my experience? or does it actually make sense to do this? thanks for any advice you can give
Hi there!
I live in between two cities which is a 30 minute commute and I find that it does not ruin my university experience. I still have friends which I can see and can use the facilities on campus at ease.
I think paying for travel is something you will probably still need if you are commuting to other cities etc.
don’t let commuting put you off university because you will need to commute for a job in the future
You can always share taxis or get the last train home if you feel it will impact you
Reply 10
iz.05
OP
13
thank you so much for all of the advice spoken to some current students at the uni i want to go to and commuting is actually a lot more common there than in other places, think I will be staying at home!!
spoken to some current students at the uni i want to go to and commuting is actually a lot more common there than in other places, think I will be staying at home!!Reply 11
Original post
by iz.05thank you so much for all of the advice spoken to some current students at the uni i want to go to and commuting is actually a lot more common there than in other places, think I will be staying at home!!
spoken to some current students at the uni i want to go to and commuting is actually a lot more common there than in other places, think I will be staying at home!!I know it's been a while since this was posted but what did you decide?
And if you did commute how did it impact your experience?
Quick Reply
Related discussions
- Orthoptics Liverpool 2025
- Staying at home or staying on campus
- commuting
- Commuting or Living In
- Commuting to uni vs living on campus
- Commuting to university
- deleted
- is it stupid to get an accom if it’s only an hour and 20 commute
- london uni - move out or live at home?
- London unis
- Commuting or second year house
- Should I commute or live out?
- Going to uni and living at home
- Experience of commuting to uni
- Uni accommodation or commuting
- Commuting to the University of Kent. Ask Me Anything!
- Commuting student advice
- Commuting
- Pro and cons of living in at university
- Commuting or live out for uni!
Latest
Trending
Last reply 3 months ago
Laptop vs iPad for universityLast reply 8 months ago
living away from home for university- pros / cons, advice ?University life
15
15
Last reply 9 months ago
Should I Appeal an Academic Misconduct Finding at a UK University?Last reply 9 months ago
Will I be an outcast in uni if I don’t use social media?University life
14
13
How The Student Room is moderated
To keep The Student Room safe for everyone, we moderate posts that are added to the site.
