The ins and outs of the student commuting experience

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to juggle the thrill of university life with the reality of a daily commute? For many students, including myself, commuting offers a unique blend of challenges and rewards that shape not just our education but our entire lifestyle. My decision to commute to Brighton wasn’t made lightly—it was a balance of financial practicality, personal comfort, and the desire to maintain connections with home.   

In this blog, I’ll take you through the ins and outs of my commuting experience. From the reasons behind my choice to the unexpected perks of this lifestyle, I’ll share tips that have helped me make the most of my journey, from efficient time management to staying socially connected on campus. Whether you’re contemplating commuting or simply curious about how it works, this blog is packed with insights that can make your student life smoother and more rewarding.   

Stay tuned as I dive into the highs and lows, the lessons learned, and how I’ve turned travel time into “me time.” By the end, you might just discover that commuting is more than a necessity, it can be an opportunity. 

Why I chose to commute to university 

When deciding whether to commute to university or live on campus, I considered many factors to find what suited my life best. Ultimately, commuting was the perfect fit for me, blending practicality with personal preference. 

One of the main reasons I chose to commute was my personal circumstances. Staying at home allowed me to maintain strong ties with my family while also keeping some of the comforts of home life, like home-cooked meals and my own space to relax and study. It also made sense financially, commuting eliminated the costs of student accommodation, utilities, and meals out, which can quickly add up. The money saved has gone toward travel costs and other important expenses, giving me greater control over my budget.   

Flexibility and convenience also played a significant role in my decision. My university’s location in Brighton is well-connected to my hometown in Lewes, making daily travel manageable. With trains running frequently and campus located close to transport links, commuting became an accessible and stress-free option. It also allowed me to maintain a work-life balance that fits my lifestyle preferences. I enjoy having time to unwind on the train and being able to switch between “student mode” and “home mode.”   

Environmental considerations factored into my decision too. Public transport is a greener alternative to driving or contributing to the growing demand for on-campus accommodation, aligning with my efforts to live more sustainably.   

Ultimately, commuting works because it offers the best of both worlds. I get to enjoy the vibrant campus atmosphere in Brighton while returning to a familiar and supportive environment at home. It’s a lifestyle choice that’s practical, cost-effective, and surprisingly enriching, proving that university life isn’t one-size-fits-all.

My commute to university

A typical day as a commuting student starts early. My alarm rings around 7:30 AM, giving me enough time to get ready, pack my essentials, and have a quick breakfast before heading out. I rely on public transport, usually the train, as it’s the most efficient and eco-friendly way to reach Brighton from my hometown. My commute is about an hour, which I’ve turned into a productive or relaxing part of my day.   

On the train, I either catch up on reading, review notes for my lectures, or listen to podcasts. It’s my chance to mentally prepare for the day ahead or simply enjoy a bit of downtime. Once I arrive in Brighton, it’s a short bus ride or a brisk walk to campus, where I dive straight into lectures, seminars, or study sessions at the library.   

You may think that commuting will impact your social life and your ability to join clubs or societies, but I have not found that to be the case; I regularly take part in the weekly badminton Park-life event by Sport Brighton. 

Normally, when I have an event at night, I will stay behind after the lectures and spend my time properly. For example, going to the library to do some research and having a chat or meeting with my friends. After that, I will go to the Park-Life event and commute back when finished.  Some events are made more accessible by being hybrid; when I was busy studying, I could join some of the Park-Life events remotely and was able to take part in meetings from my home, this helps me stay on track with my studies, while also building connections with other students. 

As a commuter, planning is key. I must think ahead more than most students, whether it’s packing lunch, keeping track of train schedules, or carrying all the materials I’ll need for the day. It’s a juggling act, but it’s taught me valuable time management and organisation skills.   

Commuting does add some structure to my day, and I appreciate the clear boundaries it creates between university and home life. While it means I can’t stay late on campus as easily, I make the most of my time there, often using breaks to socialise or study. Overall, commuting shapes my day in ways that keep me focused, flexible, and connected.

My commuting tips

Effective commuting to university requires careful planning, good time management, and the ability to make the most of your journey. The first step is to map out your route and understand the available transport options. Before term starts, research train or bus schedules and identify the best timings to minimise stress. Apps such as Google Maps and the Trainline app provide real-time travel updates that can help you avoid disruptions. Doing a trial run is particularly helpful to gauge how long the commute will take.  

Time management is crucial for commuting students. Mornings can be hectic, so packing your bag, preparing meals, and organising your outfit the night before can save precious minutes. Leave a buffer in your schedule to accommodate unexpected delays, especially if you rely on public transport.   

Your commute itself doesn’t have to feel like wasted time. If you use public transport, consider reading, reviewing notes, or listening to audiobooks or podcasts that align with your interests or studies. These activities can transform the journey into a productive or relaxing part of your day. For those who drive, curated playlists or educational podcasts are excellent companions.   

Cost-saving measures can make commuting more affordable. Investing in season tickets or student discount cards, such as a Railcard, can reduce travel expenses significantly. If you drive, consider carpooling with other students to share costs.   

Staying organised and prepared ensures your commute remains a positive part of your routine. With the right strategies, commuting can be a seamless and even rewarding aspect of student life. 

Final thoughts: why commuting to Brighton works for me

Looking back, commuting to Brighton has been a rewarding and enriching experience. While it may not be the traditional route many students take, it has offered me unique advantages that align with my personal goals and lifestyle. By choosing to commute, I’ve been able to enjoy the vibrant university atmosphere in Brighton while maintaining strong connections at home.   

The financial benefits are one of the most compelling reasons commuting works for me. Saving on accommodation costs has allowed me to invest in other priorities, like travel or academic resources. Moreover, the commute itself has become an integral part of my routine. It provides a structured start and end to my day, offering opportunities for productivity or relaxation, whether it’s catching up on reading, listening to inspiring podcasts, or simply reflecting.   

Of course, commuting comes with its challenges, like the need for meticulous time management and occasional disruptions in public transport. However, the tips I’ve shared, such as planning your journey, using time effectively, and exploring cost-saving measures like Railcards or season tickets, have made the process smoother and less stressful.   

Reflecting on my overall experience, I’ve learned that commuting isn’t just a compromise; it’s a lifestyle choice that has helped me grow. It’s taught me independence, resilience, and how to balance different aspects of life effectively.   

For prospective students considering commuting, I encourage you to weigh your priorities and embrace the journey with an open mind. It may not be the easiest path, but it can certainly be a fulfilling and practical one. Brighton’s vibrant campus life awaits, and commuting can be a bridge that connects you to the best of both worlds. 

Author: Chun Hin Siu, Physiotherapy BSc (Hons), School of Education, Sport and Health Sciences