should i commute ?
hi, I’m year 13 student!! I’m currently getting offers and if all goes to plan, I’d really like to go to LSE todo social anthropology.
I know that being in halls is such a big part of university life and that it kind of helps you make friends when you first get there. So I really do see the benefit of doing this however, it would be about £14,000. I would probably only do this for the first year and I would probably commute the other two.
I live roughly an hour out of central London which isn’t far at all and I totalled the costs of the transport and it should be only about £2000 a year.
I just wanna know what other people are doing and if they think this is a good idea?
I know that being in halls is such a big part of university life and that it kind of helps you make friends when you first get there. So I really do see the benefit of doing this however, it would be about £14,000. I would probably only do this for the first year and I would probably commute the other two.
I live roughly an hour out of central London which isn’t far at all and I totalled the costs of the transport and it should be only about £2000 a year.
I just wanna know what other people are doing and if they think this is a good idea?
Reply 1
Original post
by f10r_ahi, I’m year 13 student!! I’m currently getting offers and if all goes to plan, I’d really like to go to LSE todo social anthropology.
I know that being in halls is such a big part of university life and that it kind of helps you make friends when you first get there. So I really do see the benefit of doing this however, it would be about £14,000. I would probably only do this for the first year and I would probably commute the other two.
I live roughly an hour out of central London which isn’t far at all and I totalled the costs of the transport and it should be only about £2000 a year.
I just wanna know what other people are doing and if they think this is a good idea?
I know that being in halls is such a big part of university life and that it kind of helps you make friends when you first get there. So I really do see the benefit of doing this however, it would be about £14,000. I would probably only do this for the first year and I would probably commute the other two.
I live roughly an hour out of central London which isn’t far at all and I totalled the costs of the transport and it should be only about £2000 a year.
I just wanna know what other people are doing and if they think this is a good idea?
I live exactly an hour from London and travel to London weekly from a small dead town.
Planning on living in London for the convenience of getting to uni/libraries/shops as well as any (late night) outings with friends because the commute is honestly awful especially when its busy
Reply 2
Original post
by f10r_ahi, I’m year 13 student!! I’m currently getting offers and if all goes to plan, I’d really like to go to LSE todo social anthropology.
I know that being in halls is such a big part of university life and that it kind of helps you make friends when you first get there. So I really do see the benefit of doing this however, it would be about £14,000. I would probably only do this for the first year and I would probably commute the other two.
I live roughly an hour out of central London which isn’t far at all and I totalled the costs of the transport and it should be only about £2000 a year.
I just wanna know what other people are doing and if they think this is a good idea?
I know that being in halls is such a big part of university life and that it kind of helps you make friends when you first get there. So I really do see the benefit of doing this however, it would be about £14,000. I would probably only do this for the first year and I would probably commute the other two.
I live roughly an hour out of central London which isn’t far at all and I totalled the costs of the transport and it should be only about £2000 a year.
I just wanna know what other people are doing and if they think this is a good idea?
Hi there!
I agree with the above that there will be times, when its busy/bad weather, that commuting won't be much fun at all. However, as someone who did what you talked about and lived in halls 1st year and commuted from there on in, I do not regret it.
My journey was an hour and a half each way and whilst it was a lot, it was mostly buses so didn't cost as much as halls, meaning it saved a lot of money. Plus, I quite liked having a separation between my uni and home life - it helped me lock into 'work mode' when doing my work at uni and 'free time mode' when I was at home!
Students commuting is actually becoming more and more popular as the prices of halls and everyday living is going up and its a lot more common that you'd think. It just means you may have to be prepared to make the extra effort to get involved with things on campus if you live at home.
Have you thought about making a pros and cons list to visualise the arguments for/against?
Hoping this helps a bit! Best of luck 🙂
(edited 1 month ago)
Reply 3
Hi there,
You’ve already had some great advice, and it often comes down to weighing the social side of halls against the financial cost. If you do decide to commute, there are still plenty of ways to make friends and feel involved from the start. Here are a few tips:
Chat to People in Your Lectures
Even if it seems like everyone already has a group, most people are happy to chat! A quick “Hi, I’m [your name]—mind if I join you?” goes a long way. Lectures are an easy way to start conversations since you already share the same course. You could ask about modules, hobbies, societies they’re joining, or even suggest grabbing a coffee or starting a group chat.
Join Societies and Clubs
At uni, you’ll be able to join sports clubs and societies. Societies are really varied—they can be general interest, course-specific, or even networking-focused. Most societies have an Instagram page where you can check out what they do, and many hold taster sessions before you commit to anything. And if nothing takes your fancy, you could always start your own.
Consider an Occasional Overnight Stay
Commuting can be tiring, especially with early starts or late events. Staying overnight nearby every now and then can help you make the most of social opportunities without worrying about the journey home.
Part-Time Work & Volunteering
Getting involved in part-time work or volunteering can be a great way to meet people and feel connected to your university community. Even if your role isn’t directly related to your course, it’s a chance to meet others with similar interests or hobbies. Volunteering for student events, campus initiatives, or local charities can also be a fun way to socialise while gaining experience.
Get Involved Outside of Uni
Some of the closest friendships I’ve made didn’t come from classes—they came from local creative or hobby groups. Things like pub quizzes and open mic nights can be great ways to meet people outside the university setting. Don’t underestimate the social opportunities in your local area!
Being a commuter doesn’t mean missing out. It just takes a little initiative and planning, but loads of students make it work really well. There will always be people in the same boat, waiting for someone to take that first step 🙂
Megan (LJMU Rep)
You’ve already had some great advice, and it often comes down to weighing the social side of halls against the financial cost. If you do decide to commute, there are still plenty of ways to make friends and feel involved from the start. Here are a few tips:
Chat to People in Your Lectures
Even if it seems like everyone already has a group, most people are happy to chat! A quick “Hi, I’m [your name]—mind if I join you?” goes a long way. Lectures are an easy way to start conversations since you already share the same course. You could ask about modules, hobbies, societies they’re joining, or even suggest grabbing a coffee or starting a group chat.
Join Societies and Clubs
At uni, you’ll be able to join sports clubs and societies. Societies are really varied—they can be general interest, course-specific, or even networking-focused. Most societies have an Instagram page where you can check out what they do, and many hold taster sessions before you commit to anything. And if nothing takes your fancy, you could always start your own.
Consider an Occasional Overnight Stay
Commuting can be tiring, especially with early starts or late events. Staying overnight nearby every now and then can help you make the most of social opportunities without worrying about the journey home.
Part-Time Work & Volunteering
Getting involved in part-time work or volunteering can be a great way to meet people and feel connected to your university community. Even if your role isn’t directly related to your course, it’s a chance to meet others with similar interests or hobbies. Volunteering for student events, campus initiatives, or local charities can also be a fun way to socialise while gaining experience.
Get Involved Outside of Uni
Some of the closest friendships I’ve made didn’t come from classes—they came from local creative or hobby groups. Things like pub quizzes and open mic nights can be great ways to meet people outside the university setting. Don’t underestimate the social opportunities in your local area!
Being a commuter doesn’t mean missing out. It just takes a little initiative and planning, but loads of students make it work really well. There will always be people in the same boat, waiting for someone to take that first step 🙂
Megan (LJMU Rep)
Reply 4
Original post
by f10r_ahi, I’m year 13 student!! I’m currently getting offers and if all goes to plan, I’d really like to go to LSE todo social anthropology.
I know that being in halls is such a big part of university life and that it kind of helps you make friends when you first get there. So I really do see the benefit of doing this however, it would be about £14,000. I would probably only do this for the first year and I would probably commute the other two.
I live roughly an hour out of central London which isn’t far at all and I totalled the costs of the transport and it should be only about £2000 a year.
I just wanna know what other people are doing and if they think this is a good idea?
I know that being in halls is such a big part of university life and that it kind of helps you make friends when you first get there. So I really do see the benefit of doing this however, it would be about £14,000. I would probably only do this for the first year and I would probably commute the other two.
I live roughly an hour out of central London which isn’t far at all and I totalled the costs of the transport and it should be only about £2000 a year.
I just wanna know what other people are doing and if they think this is a good idea?
I live in London and go to LSE. I stayed out first year, which was definitely worth it. I stayed in Bankside which was around 10k back then, idk what it is now, and Bankside is definitely very sociable and a good location etc.
I have commuted since then, about an hour long commute as well (in third year now). My parents are very accommodating of when I come back and I had international friends who had accom/flats so honestly didn't feel like a hit to my social life - the upsides are so so good (hardly spend as much, way more comfortable, family, etc.) Much better to stay out if you can in first year imo, but after that commuting is great.
Reply 5
Original post
by f10r_ahi, I’m year 13 student!! I’m currently getting offers and if all goes to plan, I’d really like to go to LSE todo social anthropology.
I know that being in halls is such a big part of university life and that it kind of helps you make friends when you first get there. So I really do see the benefit of doing this however, it would be about £14,000. I would probably only do this for the first year and I would probably commute the other two.
I live roughly an hour out of central London which isn’t far at all and I totalled the costs of the transport and it should be only about £2000 a year.
I just wanna know what other people are doing and if they think this is a good idea?
I know that being in halls is such a big part of university life and that it kind of helps you make friends when you first get there. So I really do see the benefit of doing this however, it would be about £14,000. I would probably only do this for the first year and I would probably commute the other two.
I live roughly an hour out of central London which isn’t far at all and I totalled the costs of the transport and it should be only about £2000 a year.
I just wanna know what other people are doing and if they think this is a good idea?
Hi there!
I'm a level 4 student at LJMU and I decided to move into private halls for Level 3 (I study a foundation degree). I had the urge to live away from my home town so that I could grown my independence and also experience what the city life was all about! During this time I really enjoyed it and being so close to my uni made the transition from home life to studies that bit easier!
As I came to the end of my first year of uni, I realised that I wanted to save money so I could do more of the things I love, like traveling and exploring new opportunities outside of my studies and with that I started to pay closer attention to where my money was going, and that was mainly tied up in living out, paying for rent and weekly food shops etc. And so for Level 4 I decided to move back home and commute. This has allowed me to save a significant portion of my money and put it aside for my future!
Although I have moved back home, I don't regret moving out for that first year - it really helped me grow my independence and experience new things, and I loved being in the heart of the city! It's something I might revisit later in my studies, but for now I'm seeing the benefits of living at home and being able to save a much bigger portion of my money than I was able to while living out😊
I hope this helps!
Olivia
LJMU Ambassador
Reply 6
f10r_a
OP
4
Original post
by kk1805I live in London and go to LSE. I stayed out first year, which was definitely worth it. I stayed in Bankside which was around 10k back then, idk what it is now, and Bankside is definitely very sociable and a good location etc.
I have commuted since then, about an hour long commute as well (in third year now). My parents are very accommodating of when I come back and I had international friends who had accom/flats so honestly didn't feel like a hit to my social life - the upsides are so so good (hardly spend as much, way more comfortable, family, etc.) Much better to stay out if you can in first year imo, but after that commuting is great.
I have commuted since then, about an hour long commute as well (in third year now). My parents are very accommodating of when I come back and I had international friends who had accom/flats so honestly didn't feel like a hit to my social life - the upsides are so so good (hardly spend as much, way more comfortable, family, etc.) Much better to stay out if you can in first year imo, but after that commuting is great.
Reply 7
20
Original post
by f10r_ahi, I’m year 13 student!! I’m currently getting offers and if all goes to plan, I’d really like to go to LSE todo social anthropology.
I know that being in halls is such a big part of university life and that it kind of helps you make friends when you first get there. So I really do see the benefit of doing this however, it would be about £14,000. I would probably only do this for the first year and I would probably commute the other two.
I live roughly an hour out of central London which isn’t far at all and I totalled the costs of the transport and it should be only about £2000 a year.
I just wanna know what other people are doing and if they think this is a good idea?
I know that being in halls is such a big part of university life and that it kind of helps you make friends when you first get there. So I really do see the benefit of doing this however, it would be about £14,000. I would probably only do this for the first year and I would probably commute the other two.
I live roughly an hour out of central London which isn’t far at all and I totalled the costs of the transport and it should be only about £2000 a year.
I just wanna know what other people are doing and if they think this is a good idea?
When looking at the financial side, remember that you get a lower maintenance loan if you're living with parents.
With commuting, make sure you take into account the door-to-door journey time -- i.e. the time taken from closing your front door to sitting down in a lecture theatre. It's tempting just to look at the travel time on the train/tube/bus etc and call that your commuting time -- but the time spent walking also adds up.
Reply 8
Original post
by f10r_aThanks for this advice, im considering Bankside as accommodation. What was your opinion on it?!?!?
I enjoyed my time at Bankside - it is very sociable - especially in freshers the basement is very busy and you meet sooo many people.
Decent location too, about a 20 minute walk to campus, not too far to any clubs/other social stuff, tbh I prefer the area around Passfield and some of the other halls but that's just personal preference.
My room was a bit small and dingy (I was hardly in it to be fair) but some of my friends' were much nicer so I guess it depends on what you get (you're randomly allocated rooms).
Dinner is catered which is great, the food is good (the quality does drop off a bit as the year progresses tho). It is expensive but given it is catered, and taking the location into account, it's not too bad.
Also, the shared bathroom is a good option because you're only sharing with one other person, and the twin rooms aren't bad at all either (would recommend doing it with a school friend tho).
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