Top tips for life as a commuter student

As a commuter student myself, I know that getting to grips with a new routine and learning to deal with all the challenges that commuting has to offer can be a tricky task to navigate. But don’t be dissuaded! Whether you commute for practicality, cost-effectiveness or just because, you can still have the ‘University Experience’ and make the most of your studies! Here are some of my top-tips on how to really make the most of the University experience as a commuter.

Travel

• Weigh up your options - There isn’t just one way to commute. Buses, trains or driving are all viable options. Explore your area and work out costs to figure out what will work for you.
• Look for deals - I use a West Midlands Rail termly ticket which offers me unlimited travel on my trains to and from UOB, all day, every day.
• Leave with plenty of time to spare - be adaptable to changing routes if needed.

Studies

• Plan your time effectively - Learning to time-block in my first year helped me out so much. Come up with non-negotiable study periods and break up your day into manageable blocks, so you don’t get overwhelmed. I find that having a structured day means that in my downtime I can relax knowing I've done everything I wanted to do. Top tip - include in your calendar your tutor’s office hours!
• Allocate work and non-work areas - Sometimes, working at home when family and pets are around can be a challenge. I allocate myself places where I will do work and where I won’t. For example, I try to get all of my studies done on campus in the library so that when I come home I can switch off and maintain a separation. This can be applied at home too - setting rules for yourself like only doing work up the kitchen table and never in bed can be helpful.
• Take advantage of online resources - As a commuter student, the amount of digitised resources UOB grants me access to has been a genuine lifesaver. If I am working at home, I know that I can always find helpful materials - so working away from campus never diminishes my ability to work.
• Zoom Calls - If your preferred travel times clash with your lecturer’s office hours, ask to zoom call! This worked for me because it allowed me to still use office hour times without sacrificing my own structure.

Social life

One thing I often heard when discussing my plans to commute prior to coming to University was the idea that commuters don’t have the same opportunities for a social life at University as live-in students, but this doesn’t have to be the case.

• Societies - Joining a society as a commuter student can really help with finding a group, especially if you lack flatmates/housemates. University of Birmingham has a massive range of societies to choose from, which all take place at different times throughout the week. It can be hard to put yourself out there as a commuter in the early stages of your degree, so having societies where you can find people with shared interests and build instant connections is great.
• Events - As a history student, there are so many socials I can attend to meet people. From course events such as History and Hobnobs to SHAC or CAL socials, there are loads of opportunities to get stuck in and meet new people. Joe’s Bar also holds weekly events, such as the Thursday Quiz Night, so keep your eyes out for a great (and affordable) night out.
• Social Life at Home -. Family and friends from home can also be a great support network and you can maintain a social life both in and outside of University as a commuter student.

Miscellaneous tips

• Budgeting - I use the app Budget on the IOS app store which is completely free and lets me keep track of my money. Remember that commuting is generally a cost-effective option and you will likely come out of University with less student debt.
• Wellbeing - University of Birmingham offers a comprehensive wellbeing programme. There are so many resources so that if you are struggling, help is really accessible. This help isn’t just available to live-in students, as a commuter you are just as entitled to take advantage of all the support networks available to you.
• Share your knowledge - As a commuter, you likely know Birmingham and its surroundings better than your peers. This knowledge can be great for building connections as you can recommend the best spots and act as a guide for your friends.