How to Enjoy University Life as a Commuter Student

A common worry among commuter students can be the idea that you won’t be able to live the real university experience that everyone raves about. That is simply not true! Other than living independently and being your own provider for a few years, you do not have to miss out on all the real good things (especially since moving away has its negatives too). Being a commuter and living at home means you can save your money on rent and put that towards maximising your experiences at university with trips, food, social events, societies and so much more!

First and foremost, it is important to understand that you are not the only student commuting among the sea of students from across the country (or world!). If you are nervous about being a commuter student and worried you won’t be able to enjoy your time at university, I would strongly recommend connecting with other students that commute. What better way to overcome those concerns than to find someone else who can you can relate with? If you’re able to make that friend, then you might also have someone to travel with and make those early mornings and late nights slightly easier. In fact, having a local friend means that during holidays and breaks when everyone is back home, you will still have people around you to spend your time with!

The sooner you realise that the commute is part of university life, the quicker you’ll get to enjoy it! Sometimes, through the rush of work and catching up on lectures and readings in between meeting friends and attending societies, you will find yourself appreciating the solitude of the commute which gives you the chance to reflect on where you are in life. The commute also gives you a chance to explore the city you’re in. In particular, my countless journeys to the University of Birmingham have meant that I have stopped in the city centre so much more often than I would have ever thought. Not only does it mean I can take some time out from studying to shop or have a bite to eat, but I can choose to study away from campus for a change of scenery in study spaces like the Library of Birmingham or The Exchange.

To top it all off, being a student from the city you live in means that you have an easy conversation starter when meeting new people. There’s nothing better than knowing someone who knows the city like the back of their hand and that person could be you! You’ll soon be the tour guide among your new friends and can explore parts of the city you’re in together.

So, despite being a commuting student, you can still have a good experience and the same experience as other university students if you choose to maximise the opportunities offered to you on campus and socialise with others - the only difference would be that you can go home to your family and your own bed every day!