Commuting to University: Will I Miss Out?

The Social Side

Let's address what's probably your biggest concern: your social life. Your university experience depends on making connections, but here's something important to know - flatmates aren't your only source of friendships, and some of the strongest university friendships actually form outside of halls.

Join a club or a society

Seriously, this might be the single best decision you make in first year. Attending events with people who share your interests (no matter how niche) is one of the best ways to make friends. 

There are societies for everything, from football and dance to cocktails and film. The right group is out there waiting for you. Most universities have a Freshers' Fair where all the societies set up stalls - it's the perfect opportunity to explore what's available and sign up for a few that catch your eye.

The beauty of societies is that everyone's there for the same reason. There's an instant conversation starter, a shared interest that takes the pressure off those awkward first interactions. You'll see the same faces week after week, which gives friendships time to develop naturally rather than forcing connections with people you happen to live near.

Find Follow Commuters

Most universities have groups specifically for commuter students, so you can connect with others in the same situation. You're not alone in this. In a recent survey, 46% of UK undergraduates are commuter students.

Finding other commuters helps you discover social events that fit your travel schedule. You might even find a friend to join you for your daily journey.

The Money-Savvy Decision

Let's talk money. Student finances are tight, and living on campus means expenses add up fast - that extra coffee, the "must-have" item from TikTok shop, those clothes on sale. It all counts.

Rent takes the biggest chunk

The average UK student pays 50% of their monthly living costs toward rent alone. Then there's food, room decor, social activities, and everything else you need.

By commuting, you'll save significantly on rent, utilities, eating out, and room essentials (which you probably already have at home). Even with student discount apps and money-saving strategies, you won't save as much as you would living at home.

Your maintenance loan options are flexible.

If you're able to, you might not need to take out a maintenance loan at all, which means less debt when you graduate. If you do take one out, you could put it into a savings account and earn interest instead of spending it all on rent.

Skip the homesickness

Moving to university isn't for everyone, and that's completely okay. A new environment with new people can feel overwhelming. Starting university is already a significant transition, and staying home can make it easier to manage

Living at home means:

• You have a routine

• Your space is your comfort zone

• You don’t need time to adjust

• You have your family’s support.

Many students struggle with homesickness during first year, which can really affect their experience. If you're worried about this, staying at home could give you the stability you need to thrive.

Instead of thinking about what you might miss, consider what you're glad to avoid: arguments about household chores, flat drama, and of course, homesickness itself.

You know yourself best. If the comfort of home is where you need to be to succeed academically and socially, then commuting is the right choice for you.

Travel Tips

You're reassured about making friends, saving money, and avoiding homesickness. But the actual commute still feels daunting? There's a solution for that too.

Book your tickets early

Depending on your distance, you can book anywhere from a month to a few days ahead. Book early to get the best deals, familiarise yourself with your route, use a student railcard, and always leave buffer time. That's it - you're set.

Be productive on your commute

Turn your commute into productive study time. Use those hours on the train or coach to get ahead:

• Go through your reading material

• Start that report

• Work on internship or placement applications

Browse our 100 Top Student Employers and use your commute to apply to some you like.

You'll become that organised, never-stressed student who always has it together. The first few weeks might feel overwhelming, but remember - you have all year to get comfortable with your travel schedule. You're making the same journey multiple times a week, and before you know it, you'll know your route off by heart.

You've got this sorted. You can make friends easily, your savings will grow, travel is manageable, and you're feeling confident about your decision. Commuting gives you the best of both worlds – university and home life.

• You can stay close to your home-friends and make heaps of new ones at uni

• You can keep your local part-time job whilst getting a degree

• You can save a bucket-load of money and spend it on things that really matter. 

University is an individual experience. It's about making memories, learning, and becoming your own person. What you make of it matters more than where you sleep at night.

Go into it with an open mind and make it the best experience possible.