Should I commute or accept the student accommodation
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Reply 20
Original post
by CuriousseventhHi I’ve just started university at the university of Surrey and I’m not sure if I should commute to university or just get a student accommodation since I live in London commuting will take me around 1 hour 40 to get to university from my house and I have 9am lectures every day with 2 hours + breaks every day in between lessons so I just need some help deciding on what would be better I am getting student finance which I will receive in the next couple of days
Hi,
Thanks for the question! If commuting is the right decision for you is entirely personal and depends if the pros outweigh the cons and it is different for everyone.
For me personally, I did not want to leave home or move out in my first year.😅 My first year went good so I continued commuting. My commute is an hour long so it is much shorter than yours. I also take my university's shuttle bus which is very reliable so I do not have to worry about being late or missing classes due to transport issues ( like delays or cancellations of bus or trains). It is important to consider is the transport services good and how expensive it is?
I was also worried about social life and missing uni experience but I actually made friends pretty quickly from attending welcome week events, joining the commuter chat and from my seminars as well. There are tons of daytime and evening welcome week events at my uni so it was easy as a commuter to attend most of them! I also joined societies and met new people there and it is a great way to socialize. However, I am not a party person so I did not feel bad about not going to really late night events but if you are and you love late night events then it feel annoying having to leave early to catch the train. Additionally, since you have 9ams everyday, it means you would have to wake up really early in the morning which might be draining. But then again, what matters is if your pros outweigh your cons. I can share mine
The pros for me are
🔹living with my family
🔹I was going through bereavement and family support was extremely important
🔹I got to have additional support from my family while I was learning to be independent
🔹Saving lots of money especially because my commute is also free
The cons are
🔹having to wake up at 6 for 9am lectures 😭
🔹travelling 2 hours for just one hour seminar🥲 ( but thankfully, last year my timetable was good so I did not have to travel for just one class)
🔹Feeling like your time is being wasted on commute when you have exams or academic deadlines
I am not a party person or into nightlife apart from few uni social events so I did not face the difficultly of finding transport to return home late at night but it might be a downside of commuting depending on the transport system around your area.
For me, the pros outweigh the cons and I have a good social life so I am happy with my decision of commuting in first year and continuing to to that for the remaining 2 years as well. I often do my seminar works, do my readings or just take a nap so most of the time my commute doesn't feel exhausting but it is different for everyone especially if the commute is much longer. Commuting or staying in the uni accom is a personal decision based on which one is more convenient for you as both options has its own benefits☺️
Best wishes
Srijita
Uni of Kent student reps
Reply 21
Original post
by CuriousseventhYea I meant halls since I got my offer from my university
I should clarify i was using halls and accommodation interchangeably.
Reply 22
what did you decide in the end
Reply 23
Original post
by Timarawhat did you decide in the end
Reply 24
Original post
by Curiousseventhi decided to commute and il probably look for other people going into Surrey to make the commute less tiring
Reply 25
Original post
by Timarawas it mostly the cost? i’m in such a difficult situation where i could commute to the uni closest to me in ireland like 1.5 hrs each way or go to surrey as i have accommodation there! it’s such a hard decision
It is a hard decision I had to make mine quick since I got my offer for student accommodation very quickly aswell
Hopefully the decision you make is the best one for you
Reply 26
Original post
by CuriousseventhYea for me it’s the cost as if I accepted my student accommodation offer I would be spending 7600 just for my room for the year that does include utilities but not food and laundry stuff like that compared to commuting which will come out to be 4800 or less depending on deals I get with specific train apps as well as I enjoy using the train so I made my decision off of that
It is a hard decision I had to make mine quick since I got my offer for student accommodation very quickly aswell
Hopefully the decision you make is the best one for you
It is a hard decision I had to make mine quick since I got my offer for student accommodation very quickly aswell
Hopefully the decision you make is the best one for you
yeah that makes a lot of sense! can i ask what course you are doing?
Reply 27
Original post
by Timarayeah that makes a lot of sense! can i ask what course you are doing?
Reply 28
Original post
by CuriousseventhHi I’ve just started university at the university of Surrey and I’m not sure if I should commute to university or just get a student accommodation since I live in London commuting will take me around 1 hour 40 to get to university from my house and I have 9am lectures every day with 2 hours + breaks every day in between lessons so I just need some help deciding on what would be better I am getting student finance which I will receive in the next couple of days
Hi @Curiousseventh ,
I understand where you're coming from. This is a common dilemma for new students, and I agree with what others have said.
Ultimately, it comes down to what you feel is best for you, both financially and personally. As a commuter myself, I can tell you that both options have some benefits.
•
Commuting is a great way to save money, which can be a huge help with student finance. Even if you commute, you can still have a social life! I've still managed to make friends and get involved in uni life. Yes, you do have to wake up early for those 9 am lectures, but if you stick to a routine, you'll get used to it.
•
Student accommodation gives you a sense of independence and a unique social experience. It also saves you the time and stress of a long commute, especially with those early morning lectures. It's worth remembering that it can be expensive.
Whatever you choose, you'll still have a brilliant time at uni! 😊
Rachel
(Third Year)
Undergraduate Multimedia Journalism
Reply 29
Original post
by CuriousseventhI’m doing Bsc Biomedical science
how do you find surrey uni so far?
Reply 30
Original post
by CuriousseventhFrom 1300-1600 a semester as I only have my timetable for the first semester so September to December
In that case, I can see where you’re coming from about accommodation being much more expensive. Yeah seeing as you want an ensuite, you’d be paying at least twice the cost accommodation.
Original post
by Timarawas it mostly the cost? i’m in such a difficult situation where i could commute to the uni closest to me in ireland like 1.5 hrs each way or go to surrey as i have accommodation there! it’s such a hard decision
I’d say that it depends on what university you prefer. I personally wouldn’t recommend doing a 1.5 hour commute (especially if you’re doing a course similar to OP that likely has high contact hours).
Simply isn’t sustainable in my opinion as Artful says especially seeing as this is uni and not a job (at least you get paid a salary/wage to go to work).
Reply 31
Hi I’ve been at the university of Surrey for a little over a week now studying biomedical science and I want to know if I should apply and see if there is any student accommodation left. I commute from London and it takes me around 2 hours from my house to the campus and my trains have so far only been on time once and I want to get some other people opinions before trying to see if there’s any accommodation left as I had an offer before but decided to decline it. I need to be on campus every day at 9am and have 2-4 hour breaks pretty much every day and sometimes multiple times a day and I usually finish from 4pm to 6pm I also do receive student finance and my student accommodation offer before was 7500-7700 for the entire year it was an en suite if I continue commuting the total price will be around 1100-1700 pounds per semester ultimately coming out to be 3300-5100 I’m also looking to join a society which mainly runs on the weekend from what I’ve heard
Any responses will greatly help in making a decision
If there’s any questions ask me them and il reply
Any responses will greatly help in making a decision
If there’s any questions ask me them and il reply
Reply 32
Original post
by Interested7Hi I’ve been at the university of Surrey for a little over a week now studying biomedical science and I want to know if I should apply and see if there is any student accommodation left. I commute from London and it takes me around 2 hours from my house to the campus and my trains have so far only been on time once and I want to get some other people opinions before trying to see if there’s any accommodation left as I had an offer before but decided to decline it. I need to be on campus every day at 9am and have 2-4 hour breaks pretty much every day and sometimes multiple times a day and I usually finish from 4pm to 6pm I also do receive student finance and my student accommodation offer before was 7500-7700 for the entire year it was an en suite if I continue commuting the total price will be around 1100-1700 pounds per semester ultimately coming out to be 3300-5100 I’m also looking to join a society which mainly runs on the weekend from what I’ve heard
Any responses will greatly help in making a decision
If there’s any questions ask me them and il reply
Any responses will greatly help in making a decision
If there’s any questions ask me them and il reply
I understand the situation you are in i remember when I was at a different uni two hours away from home by train but I decided to commute instead of moving out and one of my mates did move out but honestly I wish I had moved out. It makes everything much easier I remember always being exhausted and tired because it was so draining trains were late had to wake up extra early trains going back home were also always delayed and during winter they were cancelled quite a bit so I would just be all over the place made it harder for me to focus on my studies too as I was just tired more often and ended up being a waste of money on tickets as I missed so many lectures only after February I’d say trains were a bit more reliable but it was too late by then tbh. I’d say moving out would be a good option and you can always come back home every weekend my mate did that and honestly it would just be much easier for you. Hope this helps and good luck 😊
Reply 33
The 2-hour commute sounds terrible. Seek student accommodation.
Reply 34
20
I agree with @mike23mike.
2 hours each way is going to exhaust you.
Contact the university's accommodation office and see if there's anything available currently; if not then ask if they have a waiting list they can put you on. Some students drop out in the first few weeks of their course, and their accommodation will then become available. So it's possible there won't be anything available just yet, but there might be something in a week or two. Otherwise you'll need to look for private rented accommodation, and your university's accommodation office might be able to suggest where to look for that.
2 hours each way is going to exhaust you.
Contact the university's accommodation office and see if there's anything available currently; if not then ask if they have a waiting list they can put you on. Some students drop out in the first few weeks of their course, and their accommodation will then become available. So it's possible there won't be anything available just yet, but there might be something in a week or two. Otherwise you'll need to look for private rented accommodation, and your university's accommodation office might be able to suggest where to look for that.
Reply 35
Original post
by Interested7Hi I’ve been at the university of Surrey for a little over a week now studying biomedical science and I want to know if I should apply and see if there is any student accommodation left. I commute from London and it takes me around 2 hours from my house to the campus and my trains have so far only been on time once and I want to get some other people opinions before trying to see if there’s any accommodation left as I had an offer before but decided to decline it. I need to be on campus every day at 9am and have 2-4 hour breaks pretty much every day and sometimes multiple times a day and I usually finish from 4pm to 6pm I also do receive student finance and my student accommodation offer before was 7500-7700 for the entire year it was an en suite if I continue commuting the total price will be around 1100-1700 pounds per semester ultimately coming out to be 3300-5100 I’m also looking to join a society which mainly runs on the weekend from what I’ve heard
Any responses will greatly help in making a decision
If there’s any questions ask me them and il reply
Any responses will greatly help in making a decision
If there’s any questions ask me them and il reply
Are you the same person as who made this thread?
https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=7628390
If yes, as said by the majority, a two hour commute each way was bound to knacker you, it simply wasn’t a sustainable commute and you need student accommodation.
Reply 36
Original post
by Interested7Hi I’ve been at the university of Surrey for a little over a week now studying biomedical science and I want to know if I should apply and see if there is any student accommodation left. I commute from London and it takes me around 2 hours from my house to the campus and my trains have so far only been on time once and I want to get some other people opinions before trying to see if there’s any accommodation left as I had an offer before but decided to decline it. I need to be on campus every day at 9am and have 2-4 hour breaks pretty much every day and sometimes multiple times a day and I usually finish from 4pm to 6pm I also do receive student finance and my student accommodation offer before was 7500-7700 for the entire year it was an en suite if I continue commuting the total price will be around 1100-1700 pounds per semester ultimately coming out to be 3300-5100 I’m also looking to join a society which mainly runs on the weekend from what I’ve heard
Any responses will greatly help in making a decision
If there’s any questions ask me them and il reply
Any responses will greatly help in making a decision
If there’s any questions ask me them and il reply
Hi @Interested7,
It's completely understandable that you are doubting the commute as it is a long commute. Spending 2 hours each way is taking up 4 hours of your days, which is a good chunk of your day. You can definitely have a full university experience whilst commuting but it can be trickier the longer the commute is. I commuted an hour and half max each way during my placement year and it did get draining towards the end of it. Commuting isn't for everyone and that is okay, the type of commute and the length can really make a difference though.
I would suggest writing a pros and cons list even though it seems so simple but it can be really effective. This really helped me in seeing what would work for me, what uni to go to and still use it now after graduating. Doing research is also important and making sure the accommodation is the right one for you. You already seem to have looked at your finances which is a great start! Only you know deep-down what is right for you so I'm sure you will make the best decision for you.
Best wishes,
^Zac
Reply 37
Original post
by Talkative ToadAre you the same person as who made this thread?
https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=7628390
If yes, as said by the majority, a two hour commute each way was bound to knacker you, it simply wasn’t a sustainable commute and you need student accommodation.
https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=7628390
If yes, as said by the majority, a two hour commute each way was bound to knacker you, it simply wasn’t a sustainable commute and you need student accommodation.
Yea that is me I lost access to that account and it doesn’t let me log in so I thought I would remake the original post
Reply 38
Original post
by Interested7Hi I’ve been at the university of Surrey for a little over a week now studying biomedical science and I want to know if I should apply and see if there is any student accommodation left. I commute from London and it takes me around 2 hours from my house to the campus and my trains have so far only been on time once and I want to get some other people opinions before trying to see if there’s any accommodation left as I had an offer before but decided to decline it. I need to be on campus every day at 9am and have 2-4 hour breaks pretty much every day and sometimes multiple times a day and I usually finish from 4pm to 6pm I also do receive student finance and my student accommodation offer before was 7500-7700 for the entire year it was an en suite if I continue commuting the total price will be around 1100-1700 pounds per semester ultimately coming out to be 3300-5100 I’m also looking to join a society which mainly runs on the weekend from what I’ve heard
Any responses will greatly help in making a decision
If there’s any questions ask me them and il reply
Any responses will greatly help in making a decision
If there’s any questions ask me them and il reply
Hi there,
You have received some great insight on this post, and I would agree with what lots of people have said in that a 2 hour commute each way sounds very tiring and is going to exhaust you after a while. If you are already considering it after a week or so, it sounds like it would be very worthwhile to try and see if you can get into student accommodation.
If you want to join a society as well, it will be so much easier if you are living nearby as you will be able to get there so much quicker and it also saves you the commute on a weekend too.
I also think that once you start having exams, or deadlines for assignments are getting closer, you will be so tired from commuting that it might make it tricky to do all of your work and you will feel very tired. The 4 hours you will save commuting you can spend working instead, rather than having to do that on top of the commute too.
Of course, it is a more expensive, but it sounds like your commute is already going to cost quite a bit so it isn't that much more in the grand scheme of things to live in halls, and would leave you with a lot more free time. You might as well look into it and see if you can!
I hope some of this helps,
Lucy -SHU student ambassador.
Reply 39
Original post
by Interested7Yea that is me I lost access to that account and it doesn’t let me log in so I thought I would remake the original post
Is possible to contact the Surrey accommodation team to still see if a room or the room that you declined is available?
Edit: just realised that Martin7 gave the same advice.
(edited 1 month ago)
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