The Student Room Group

1 hour commute to uni

Recently my dad lost his job so I don't think it would be a good idea to add an extra burden of living in student halls. The commute is a one hour bus and since I'm in Scotland I have a free bus pass so it's basically a free commute and free uni which is huge financially. I was wondering do you think my social life would be ok? I'm doing a law degree so I'm worried about being tired but I personally enjoy long rides as I can read webnovels the whole time and the time passes before I realise. I also love sports and play badminton and want to try many other sports, clubs and societies. Do you think it's possible for me to make plenty of friends and have a good experience with all this in mind?
First of, think it's totally cool how your thinking about your dad. Yeah totally think you'll be able to have a good social life whilst commuting! I commuted for a year and did my uni reading on the bus (really helped with making the most of my free time!) and I actually ended up meeting some interesting people on the commute too! I would say though, look at your bus timetable... my last bus would be pretty early in the evening so missed out on the night social life. But usually friends are there to help with that and let you crash 😂
Original post by Hyacinth*
Recently my dad lost his job so I don't think it would be a good idea to add an extra burden of living in student halls. The commute is a one hour bus and since I'm in Scotland I have a free bus pass so it's basically a free commute and free uni which is huge financially. I was wondering do you think my social life would be ok? I'm doing a law degree so I'm worried about being tired but I personally enjoy long rides as I can read webnovels the whole time and the time passes before I realise. I also love sports and play badminton and want to try many other sports, clubs and societies. Do you think it's possible for me to make plenty of friends and have a good experience with all this in mind?

Hi there

That it is a really thoughtful decision. 🙂 Many of my friends also take 1 hour or so to commute to University, and they have enjoyed their University experience. Many choose to come in on specific days that they have lessons or events planned (and in between these, there are many spaces across campus which students can chill and hang around).

Good luck with your decision.
Chloe
University of Kent Student Rep
Reply 3
Thanks for the replies it's very reassuring :smile:
Yes, just takes a bit more planning.

When your dad's income resumes you should be able to find a tenancy to takeover in halls. The time of year will determine how easy this will be (tougher at the start of the first term but easier after a few months when people drop out of Uni or move places).
Original post by Hyacinth*
Recently my dad lost his job so I don't think it would be a good idea to add an extra burden of living in student halls. The commute is a one hour bus and since I'm in Scotland I have a free bus pass so it's basically a free commute and free uni which is huge financially. I was wondering do you think my social life would be ok? I'm doing a law degree so I'm worried about being tired but I personally enjoy long rides as I can read webnovels the whole time and the time passes before I realise. I also love sports and play badminton and want to try many other sports, clubs and societies. Do you think it's possible for me to make plenty of friends and have a good experience with all this in mind?

Hi,

I’m sorry to hear about your dad, that is a huge shame and it’s admirable you want to make things easier. I think if you want to make it work, it will. Although there are some opportunities you’ll miss out on by having to commute, these would mostly be things like clubbing super late, unless you have a place to stay at a friend’s house. So if you’re not the kind of person who’d engage a bunch in that kind of thing, I think you’d be absolutely fine! You can make many friends through societies and clubs, which you’ve already said you’re into sports so I’m certain you’ll make plenty of friends through that!

I hope this helps! 🙂

Estelle
Third Year Psychology
University of Huddersfield
Original post by hyacinth*
Recently my dad lost his job so I don't think it would be a good idea to add an extra burden of living in student halls. The commute is a one hour bus and since I'm in Scotland I have a free bus pass so it's basically a free commute and free uni which is huge financially. I was wondering do you think my social life would be ok? I'm doing a law degree so I'm worried about being tired but I personally enjoy long rides as I can read webnovels the whole time and the time passes before I realise. I also love sports and play badminton and want to try many other sports, clubs and societies. Do you think it's possible for me to make plenty of friends and have a good experience with all this in mind?

I think that commute doesn't sound too bad. When you end up making friends but say you had a late evening/night event, you could always go and crash on your mates sofa afterwards (definitely isn't unusual). Definitely recommend joining a few societies :smile:
(edited 8 months ago)
Original post by Hyacinth*
Recently my dad lost his job so I don't think it would be a good idea to add an extra burden of living in student halls. The commute is a one hour bus and since I'm in Scotland I have a free bus pass so it's basically a free commute and free uni which is huge financially. I was wondering do you think my social life would be ok? I'm doing a law degree so I'm worried about being tired but I personally enjoy long rides as I can read webnovels the whole time and the time passes before I realise. I also love sports and play badminton and want to try many other sports, clubs and societies. Do you think it's possible for me to make plenty of friends and have a good experience with all this in mind?

Hi there,

I think that lots of people commute, probably more than you would think, and it won't affect your social life.

Lots of my friends from my course commute and I still see them lots and we just try to plan things on days that we are already going to be in uni and just do something after our classes. One hour is quite long to be going back and forth so it would be a good idea to try and plan things on days that you know you are already going to be in uni so you can do both!
When you are at uni, ask people if they want to go out for food or do something after uni and I am sure they will be up for it. You could also ask them to go to the library etc with you, especially when you have lots of deadlines coming up.

In terms of societies, you can still join whichever you want and if they fall on a day when you are already at uni this is great! There will be lots of places on campus where you can stay and do work, or read etc so you will be able to hang around until your society is starting. If you don't happen to have uni that day, as long as you don't mind getting the bus, you can just get the bus to go to the society. Especially as the bus is free this seems like it wouldn't be too much of a problem!

The only thing I would say with commuting is that you might have to put a bit more effort in or put yourself out there a little bit more. This isn't really a problem as long as you are happy to do this as you will still make loads of friends who want to do things with you, you might just have to be the one to make the plans at first as you won't necessarily be there if they are making plans as they will be living there. Like I said, this isn't a bad thing, you might just have to be willing to put more effort in to make the plans.

I hope some of this helps 🙂

Lucy -SHU student ambassador.
Original post by Hyacinth*
Recently my dad lost his job so I don't think it would be a good idea to add an extra burden of living in student halls. The commute is a one hour bus and since I'm in Scotland I have a free bus pass so it's basically a free commute and free uni which is huge financially. I was wondering do you think my social life would be ok? I'm doing a law degree so I'm worried about being tired but I personally enjoy long rides as I can read webnovels the whole time and the time passes before I realise. I also love sports and play badminton and want to try many other sports, clubs and societies. Do you think it's possible for me to make plenty of friends and have a good experience with all this in mind?

Hey @hyacinth*

This absolutely doesn't stop you from having a social life, it just means that you may have to plan a little more! I lived at home for the first couple of years at university and I just found that I had to plan any nights out a bit more (e.g. if I was going to stay at a friends or get a taxi home). Please don't think that it stops you having a social life!

Best of luck and university and enjoy it!
-Rebecca, UCLan
Original post by Hyacinth*
Recently my dad lost his job so I don't think it would be a good idea to add an extra burden of living in student halls. The commute is a one hour bus and since I'm in Scotland I have a free bus pass so it's basically a free commute and free uni which is huge financially. I was wondering do you think my social life would be ok? I'm doing a law degree so I'm worried about being tired but I personally enjoy long rides as I can read webnovels the whole time and the time passes before I realise. I also love sports and play badminton and want to try many other sports, clubs and societies. Do you think it's possible for me to make plenty of friends and have a good experience with all this in mind?

Hey there,
I’m sorry to hear about your dad’s job situation, but it’s great that you’re making smart decisions to minimize the financial burden. Many of my friends and people I know from university commute for that long if not even longer, so you're definitely not alone in this. Your commute sounds manageable, especially since you enjoy reading webnovels and can make good use of the travel time. Plus, having a free bus pass is a huge financial advantage. As for your social life, it’s absolutely possible to make plenty of friends and have a great experience, even with a one-hour commute. Just plan your schedule efficiently, join clubs, societies, and try to stay on campus as long as you can to participate in events and social gatherings. Let your friends know about your commute; most people will understand and appreciate the effort you’re making to stay involved. Balancing a law degree and an active social life with sports and other activities is definitely doable with a bit of planning. Best of luck !!

RAUL Student Ambassador
Hiba
Original post by Hyacinth*
Recently my dad lost his job so I don't think it would be a good idea to add an extra burden of living in student halls. The commute is a one hour bus and since I'm in Scotland I have a free bus pass so it's basically a free commute and free uni which is huge financially. I was wondering do you think my social life would be ok? I'm doing a law degree so I'm worried about being tired but I personally enjoy long rides as I can read webnovels the whole time and the time passes before I realise. I also love sports and play badminton and want to try many other sports, clubs and societies. Do you think it's possible for me to make plenty of friends and have a good experience with all this in mind?

How often will bad weather stop the buses? Won't your loan be lower if you live at home?
Reply 11
Original post by Muttley79
How often will bad weather stop the buses? Won't your loan be lower if you live at home?

Because of the free tuition and living at home I won't be applying for a loan. The bus might pose an issue but as a last resort my parents could drive me there instead (or drive myself when I get a driving license). I think the buses are quite reliable so it should hopefully not be a problem :smile:
Reply 12
Thanks everyone for all the replies it's made me a whole lot more confident for the coming year!
Original post by Hyacinth*
Recently my dad lost his job so I don't think it would be a good idea to add an extra burden of living in student halls. The commute is a one hour bus and since I'm in Scotland I have a free bus pass so it's basically a free commute and free uni which is huge financially. I was wondering do you think my social life would be ok? I'm doing a law degree so I'm worried about being tired but I personally enjoy long rides as I can read webnovels the whole time and the time passes before I realise. I also love sports and play badminton and want to try many other sports, clubs and societies. Do you think it's possible for me to make plenty of friends and have a good experience with all this in mind?

Hiya,

It’s so lovely that you’re thinking about the pressure this might put on your dad!

I personally live roughly an hours commute and I haven’t found it to be an issue in terms of my social life. Although I haven’t joined any societies, I also have friends that commute and have joined societies. It’s a normal one to have but I’m sure you’ll find that it won’t bother you at all! Especially if you quite like the time spent travelling (it can be a great way to unwind).

If after the first year you find that it hasn’t worked for you, you can always look into moving into student accommodation then. Nothing you decide now is set it stone. So I’d suggest sticking to staying at home and then you can evaluate it at a later stage, if need be.

Good luck. I hope you enjoy uni life!

Sophie (ARU)
I had a 1.5hr commute to university and it didn't impact my social life at all. I was out most nights after uni and if there was something running really late I'd get the last train home or crash on a friend's couch/floor.
Original post by Hyacinth*
Recently my dad lost his job so I don't think it would be a good idea to add an extra burden of living in student halls. The commute is a one hour bus and since I'm in Scotland I have a free bus pass so it's basically a free commute and free uni which is huge financially. I was wondering do you think my social life would be ok? I'm doing a law degree so I'm worried about being tired but I personally enjoy long rides as I can read webnovels the whole time and the time passes before I realise. I also love sports and play badminton and want to try many other sports, clubs and societies. Do you think it's possible for me to make plenty of friends and have a good experience with all this in mind?

Hey @Hyacinth*,

A one-hour commute is definitely possible, especially if you enjoy long rides and can pass the time rather quickly. The main downside of a long university commute is usually the cost of transport, especially if you're expected to be on campus multiple times a week - however, if you have a free bus pass and the buses are generally reliable, this shouldn't be too much of an issue.

Over half of Kingston University students commute, and many still manage to play an active role in campus life through societies, sports and extracurricular activities. The university experience is what you make of it, and I can't see your commute being too much of a problem if you plan your route/transport home ahead of any nights out.

Hope you have a great time at university in the coming months! 🙂
Eve (Kingston Rep).
Original post by Hyacinth*
Recently my dad lost his job so I don't think it would be a good idea to add an extra burden of living in student halls. The commute is a one hour bus and since I'm in Scotland I have a free bus pass so it's basically a free commute and free uni which is huge financially. I was wondering do you think my social life would be ok? I'm doing a law degree so I'm worried about being tired but I personally enjoy long rides as I can read webnovels the whole time and the time passes before I realise. I also love sports and play badminton and want to try many other sports, clubs and societies. Do you think it's possible for me to make plenty of friends and have a good experience with all this in mind?

Hi there,

I can totally see where you are coming from here. I commuted in my first year of university and I still made my group of friends no problem, I think that you meet people in lectures and things, and while some people do make really good friends with their flatmates, that is not the same for everyone. I don't think that commuting in first year put me at a disadvantage for making friends, so I don't think it will for you either. I think it is important to still join societies and clubs which you are interested in, as you will meet likeminded people there who you can become friends with. So make sure to do this regardless of whether you are commuting!

I hope this helps

Ellen
Y4 Medical Student
Uni of Sunderland

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