Why I chose to commute to University

Financial benefits of commuting

Whilst commuting is a normal part of life for most full-time workers, it is far less common for the average university student. Even so, there are several benefits that prospective students might not be aware of. Those lucky enough to still be living at home can save a significant amount on rent by commuting rather than opting for student accommodation, particularly if they live within an hour or two of campus.

Transport links with Birmingham

Birmingham is actually the only university in the UK with its own train station, just a six-minute journey from Birmingham New Street. I can speak from experience about how useful it is to have the station only a few minutes from the centre of campus, especially since there is a train to New Street every ten to 15 minutes. As well as the train station, there are several bus stops around the edges of campus, which makes the University even more connected to the rest of Birmingham.

Routine and productivity

Beyond the financial benefits, I feel that commuting gives me a real sense of routine. Having to leave the house early gives me a productive start to the day, and I have even found that I can get some work done on the train, which eases me into a day of studying. Living at home also makes it much easier to balance life outside of university, particularly when it comes to maintaining friendships and having a support network close by.

Social life without pressure

Although university life is often associated with partying, it is not for everyone, and that is completely normal. I’ve found that living off campus removes the pressure to socialise constantly. At the same time, there are still plenty of opportunities to make friends through societies, which run both during the day and in the evenings. With trains to Birmingham New Street running until midnight, it is perfectly possible to enjoy a late night on campus and still get home afterwards.

Balancing work and study

As someone who has had to work a part-time job to fund my studies, I’ve found that living at home makes it far easier to balance work and university. The extra rest, the familiarity of home, and the flexibility with schedules have all made a positive difference. For anyone considering commuting, it can be a genuinely rewarding way to experience university life while keeping both costs and stress levels down.