Accomodation or Commuting? Is it worth it getting a part time job

So next year i hope to study a Music Degree Plus Foundation Year which would put me in the Creative Campus

I currently live with my mum in Bootle about a 15 minute walk away from a merseyrail station, which takes about half an hour give or take to arrive at central station, with trains every 15 minutes on normal days.

From what i can tell, the commuting route would be the same i've been doing at my college for the last three years with the only change being that i would need to take the 21 Bus instead of the 86 bus after getting out at central if i want to avoid walking the rest of the way (and given i'll have a guitar strapped to my back i probably will)

This route worked fine for me in college, the latest any day there would end would be 5 in the evening but i am aware University is structured different from college in terms of scheduling.

I am already planning on moving out into Accomodation for the third and fourth year there but would it be worth it to move into accomodation for my foundational year and my first proper degree year as well?

Along with that, even if i don't move into accomodation, would it be a good idea to get a part time job? I receive PIP and would be eligible for the DSA but i've heard from a friend that working a job around the music course is a nightmare (at least in other Uni's.)

Reply 1

LHU Billie

Official Rep

Hey! I'm Harry, glad to hear you'll be joining Hope in the coming year all being well!!

Commuting from Bootle to Creative Campus is very doable with the usual scheduling patterns undergraduate degrees have - of course this depends from course to course but the latest anything would be usually is 5pm/6pm (if that!).

Creative Campus is also an excellent study space with a lovely and welcoming atmosphere and café I love to go to quite a bit! So you're sorted for somewhere to hang out and study in between lectures if needed.

Definitely consider the option of moving for your foundation year - Hope makes sure to get you accommodation for your first year of study!! - to find out what it's like, you could always decide to move home in your second year of study if it's not for you for whatever reason!

It is always worth looking into part-time employment, the sooner the better in my experience - so you could start looking now and get used to it before you start, and get some savings in, or wait until you start studies and get used to that dynamic first instead. It's good to note the university offers student jobs through a platform called HopeWorks too!! Also, our careers team will help with anything part or full-time employment related throughout your studies at Hope, so be sure to consider these as avenues of support.

I hope this helps!

All the best wishes,

Harry, Liverpool Hope University Student Ambassador

Reply 2

ARUStudents

Official Rep

Hi there,

My name is Lily and I’m a third psychology student at ARU and I am also a commuting student and thought I would give my opinions on it.

Firstly, obviously you are used to so that is a massive positive as you won’t have to trial to see how long it will take you to get there. If you enjoy home comforts and want to Embrace them for as long as you can then I would suggest stay home as this one will not only save money but also is a stress which you won’t have to endure in the first few years.

However, there is also the side of social life and a real feel of independence. I was wondering if you have anyone that you would move in with in your third and fourth year. Many of my friends live on campus moved in with friends from first year who they lived with in student accommodation. so I think to build those relationships moving in to student accommodation in first year is really beneficial. So I guess my opinion is if you want to save money then stay at home as you already know the routes. however if you want to build those relationships then I would suggest to move away.

Also in terms of part-time work, I still work part time in my course. Jobs such as pubs and Cafes are really flexible if you are a uni student and I would really suggest getting a part-time job as one it helps with learning how to deal with money, as well as being something separate from studies.

I hope this helps and if there’s any questions, please feel free to ask!

Lily
ARU Digital Student Ambassador