From train rides to lecture halls: my Brighton commuter story

When I decided to commute to university, I had no idea what to expect. At that time, I didn’t know anyone else who commuted to campus, and I was worried about how I could connect with my peers who would likely have already bonded in their halls of residence. Thankfully, these fears were unfounded. I’ve made some wonderful friends at university and have found being a commuter student actually helps me to be more productive! So, if you’re considering commuting to university, I’d like to share my experience and offer you some useful advice/tips.

Why I chose to commute to university

There were many reasons why I chose to commute. I considered all of my options before making my decision and I advise you to do the same. For me, commuting has definitely been the correct choice. My course is based at the Moulsecoomb campus, which is only an hour’s train ride from my hometown, and it was financially convenient for me to live with my parents as I wasn’t able to secure full funding to live in Brighton – the city is incredible, but pricey! Living at home also allowed me to keep my part-time job in the area rather than applying for a new position closer to campus. I found commuting helped me to develop a healthier work-life balance; as someone who can get slightly obsessive over tasks, I was able to say ‘no, I’m switching off now’, when I got home. Work stayed on campus, study sessions in the library, and on trains, but it didn’t come home with me; once I step off the train, it’s time to wind down and relax with my cat – that’s another benefit of commuting: you still get to see your pets every day!

My commute to university

The other choice I had to make was which transport to use. I decided on trains as the service is frequent, it’s cheaper than paying for petrol, and it allowed me to be productive during my commute; unlike in a car, I’m able to read through my lecture material and prepare for my seminars. And, of course, taking the train is more environmentally friendly, which is always good! Unfortunately for me, I started commuting when the rail services were on strike, but the university was very helpful and provided me with a parking permit so I could still get to campus even when the trains weren’t running. The strikes are now over so you won’t have this problem, but if you run into any travel issues, please contact the university; they are super supportive and will help you find the solution that works best for you. 

When I started commuting, I learned very quickly that being organised is a necessity. As a somewhat chaotic person who procrastinates a lot, this was a challenge, but I’ve developed a routine that works for me. I buy my train tickets the day before (if you buy them before your day of travel, they’re cheaper) and I prep my backpack for the morning (side note: tote bags are cute but if you’re going to commute, I’d really recommend investing in a sturdy backpack for comfort and practicality). I plot my tasks for the train and choose a playlist (super important: trust me, you’ll need some good music or an interesting podcast but make sure you’ve downloaded it because train WiFi can be unreliable).  

When I get to campus, I usually get a hot drink (here’s a tip if you’re on the Moulsecoomb campus: the Basement Café hot chocolate is incredible and it’s cheap too!) and then find my lecture/seminar room. There are usually other people waiting too, so I get to catch up on all the campus gossip, and it’s a nice quiet time in which to chat with friends.

My commuting tips

I have many tips for commuter students, but I’ve narrowed them down to my top five: 

1. Plan ahead. This is the ultimate advice; train and bus timetables are frequently updated, and you don’t want to turn up at the station at half past only to learn it now leaves ten minutes earlier and you’ve just missed it – I’ve been there, it’s not fun! Also, check your university email/timetable before you leave just in case there’s been a last-minute change; your lecturers can get sick too and if your class has been cancelled, you don’t want to spend time and money travelling unnecessarily. If you’re driving, keep an eye on travel alerts; this applies to buses too – if there’s been a major traffic incident, your bus is probably going to take longer than usual, so you’ll know to leave earlier. Oh, and here’s a tip for any of my fellow train-users: don’t trust Trainline. It’s not always truthful! Pay attention to station announcements and, if in doubt, speak to a member of staff! 

2. Be productive. All of that time spent travelling to and from campus might not seem like much at the start of term, but it soon adds up. Use it wisely! I decide what work I want to complete during my journey and set myself targets; for example, I’ll plan to read a specific extract for my lecture and aim to be finished by the time my train passes through Hove station. A good pair of headphones will also help as trains can get noisy! 

3. Talk to people. I know, I know, it’s scary, especially for my fellow introverts, but it’s important. Talk to people or even just smile at them – sometimes you might be lucky, and they’ll start the conversation first! Remember that everyone is nervous at the start of the semester, so they’ll probably be relieved to have someone to chat with. Even something as simple as complimenting someone’s cool shirt can spark a new friendship. And this doesn’t have to be just with people on your course; you’ll see a lot of the same faces on your commute every morning, so you can make friends there too. I always sit opposite the same woman on my Monday train journey, and we’ve become good friends. I won’t lie to you – commuting can feel isolating, so you’ve got to connect with as many people as possible. It gets easier the more you try, I promise. Joining societies is also essential! There are so many available, so you’ll definitely find one that interests you. The Student Union also runs trial events where you can try new things and meet new friends, so I’d recommend turning up to one of those too. And if your social battery starts to run low, just remember you get to go home to all your creature comforts at the end of the day! 

4. Romanticise your commute. Hear me out: it genuinely helps. Make a playlist, stare out of the window, and pretend you’re in a movie. Pay attention to the little details. Pick up your favourite drink and have a cosy study session at one of the campus cafes. Commuting can be tiring, especially in winter when it gets dark early, so indulge yourself a little! 

5. And lastly… if you’re commuting by train GET A RAILCARD. Seriously. The 16-25 railcard has saved me over £100. It’s worth it. And if you’re commuting from somewhere closer to Brighton, look into the Unizone railcard. I live too far away to use it, but I know other commuters who do and they all recommend it. Save your money! 

Final thoughts: why commuting to Brighton works for me

Did you get all that? I know it was a lot! Here, I’ll summarise it for you: commuting to university can actually be rewarding. I know I would never have seen some really beautiful sunrises if it weren’t for those winter trains to 9am lectures! If you’re not sure if you’re ready for university (you’re not alone: a lot of people find it really daunting) then commuting allows you to make a start on your degree whilst also keeping your home comforts. Also, it can save you money and everyone loves that!  

If you have any questions, there are lots of helpful resources on the university website or you can get in touch directly. I wish you the best of luck with your journey!

Author: Sophie Mason-Griffiths, Creative Writing BA(Hons), School of Humanities and Social Science