Accommodation or commute

I’ve got an unconditional offer at University of Glasgow for nursing studies, I live outside of Glasgow and would be getting public transport but it’s an hour commute and that’s if there’s no delays and my buses arrive on time.

I originally wanted to go into student accommodation because its much more convenience, I wanted a full university experience and it’d be far easier to make friends since I’d get such bad FOMI, but part of me worries I won’t be able to support myself.

I would be receiving a 10k bursary for going into nursing with most single room accommodation going for around £160 a week, is it worth it? I’d hopefully have a part-time job on the side of that (currently working 8 hours a week on £6.40 an hour with tips).

Reply 1

Xxdjdjdjjejea

Receiving a bursary like that you're already financially better off than most students honestly 🤣

In terms of commuting though, every single one of my friends that commute find it deeply frustrating but they still do it. However, I think you just have to consider how much travel expenses you'd be spending weekly and how much time you'd be dedicating to commuting and whether those expenses can be offset by being employed. Like for me personally, the time spent commuting and paying for travel would be offset by my job so I would choose the accommodation for less stress and for a more traditional university experience. But that dosent mean that would be the case for you.

Regardless of what you choose, just know that it isn't a permanent decision and you could always switch if you find commuting or accommodation not for you :smile:

Reply 2

LancashireRep1

Official Rep

Original post

by Anonymous

I’ve got an unconditional offer at University of Glasgow for nursing studies, I live outside of Glasgow and would be getting public transport but it’s an hour commute and that’s if there’s no delays and my buses arrive on time.
I originally wanted to go into student accommodation because its much more convenience, I wanted a full university experience and it’d be far easier to make friends since I’d get such bad FOMI, but part of me worries I won’t be able to support myself.
I would be receiving a 10k bursary for going into nursing with most single room accommodation going for around £160 a week, is it worth it? I’d hopefully have a part-time job on the side of that (currently working 8 hours a week on £6.40 an hour with tips).

Hi there,

Congratulations on receiving your unconditional offer. Well done! 😊

This varies so much from one person to another however, I would always recommend starting with a pros and cons list for both. Researching the accommodations is something that could help, also adding up the costs for both and comparing. Commuting can be great as you can always spend your time commuting getting on with some work to make the most of your time.

Starting university and moving out can seem scary but everyone is in a similar boat. When I moved to halls, it was an adjustment and a big change but there is so much support universities can offer in times like these. I would recommend accommodation for commutes longer than an hour but like you said, sadly trains aren't always on time.

I managed to get by in my first year without a part time job but this was also just after covid so there wasn't much to do as a student. I worked part time during the rest of my years studying as I didn't get any bursaries. It's great that you are getting one!

Lastly, I would also recommend viewing the accommodation if possible. You can get a feel for it yourself and see if you can see yourself living there.

Hope this helps and you make the decision that is best for you 😊
^Zac

Reply 3

YSJstudents

Official Rep

Original post

by Anonymous

I’ve got an unconditional offer at University of Glasgow for nursing studies, I live outside of Glasgow and would be getting public transport but it’s an hour commute and that’s if there’s no delays and my buses arrive on time.
I originally wanted to go into student accommodation because its much more convenience, I wanted a full university experience and it’d be far easier to make friends since I’d get such bad FOMI, but part of me worries I won’t be able to support myself.
I would be receiving a 10k bursary for going into nursing with most single room accommodation going for around £160 a week, is it worth it? I’d hopefully have a part-time job on the side of that (currently working 8 hours a week on £6.40 an hour with tips).

Hi!

Obviously this is a very personal decision and it is worth considering what your priorities are. Additionally, I would look into extra financial help available to you.

Hope this helps! Faye 🙂

Reply 4

hallamstudents

Official Rep

Original post

by Anonymous

I’ve got an unconditional offer at University of Glasgow for nursing studies, I live outside of Glasgow and would be getting public transport but it’s an hour commute and that’s if there’s no delays and my buses arrive on time.
I originally wanted to go into student accommodation because its much more convenience, I wanted a full university experience and it’d be far easier to make friends since I’d get such bad FOMI, but part of me worries I won’t be able to support myself.
I would be receiving a 10k bursary for going into nursing with most single room accommodation going for around £160 a week, is it worth it? I’d hopefully have a part-time job on the side of that (currently working 8 hours a week on £6.40 an hour with tips).

Hi there,

Lots of people have this dilemma and are unsure whether to commute to uni or live in university accommodation. With your bursary and maintenance loan, you should have enough to cover your accommodation, even if you are getting the minimum loan. Have a look and see if there is any additional financial support you could receive too as this may also help you out if there is some funding you could receive.

I would say that these are some of the pros and cons of commuting and you can see which you think you would prefer!

Pros of commuting:

•

You save money on accommodation. Even with transport costs, you would be saving lots of money compared to living in halls.

•

You can keep the job that you currently have at home which would save you from finding a new job at uni.

•

You will be close to your friends and family.

Cons of commuting:

•

You don't get the same experience of moving out and being independent - cooking for yourself, cleaning, living independently.

•

You will be further away if you want to go on nights out/out with friends.

•

You will be further away from uni and you might get tired on the commute, and the commute could be long if you are only in uni for an hour or two.

•

It's typically easier to make friends as you meet people in your accommodation, but this doesn't mean you wouldn't make friends if you did commute.

I think that it's a very personal decision if you commute as everyone has different priorities, so have a think about it and see what is best for you!

I hope some of this helps,

Lucy -SHU student ambassador 🙂