Commuter students make up 18% of the student body here at the University of Manchester, including me! For many students, the journey to university is one of growth and self-discovery, but for others, this journey is more than just academic and involves grappling with public transportation, traffic and bustling streets. Being a commuter student has its own set of unique challenges and sometimes, despite being surrounded by fellow commuters on your route to university, you can begin to feel alone. We recognise how the university experience can be shaped by whether you commute to your classes or not, and if this speaks to you, you might want to keep reading to discover tips on managing the hurdles involved in commuting and how the University can support you as a commuter student.

The choice to commute to university is not a decision made lightly. Often, financial considerations come into play since commuting to the University is a cost-effective option for some students. Although living off campus can mean you benefit from lower living expenses and have more flexibility with housing arrangements, the social aspect of living on campus is something commuter students feel they miss out on. So how can you overcome this challenging part of being a commuter?

Get involved:

The Student’s Union here at UOM has over 400 societies and joining a society that aligns with your interests is a great way to meet students and build a network of friends who have similar interests. Attending networking events, careers and volunteering fairs are also a great way to socialise and connect with fellow students.

Become part of the commuter community:

At the University of Manchester, there is support inclusive of those students living at home. This includes the ‘home away from home’ initiative: a space dedicated to commuting students over at the Dover Street Building. This is the perfect space to seek out other commuters and spend time between classes! Keep an eye out for commuter-specific events held by the university where you have an opportunity to connect with fellow students.

Aside from the social aspects of commuting, travelling to and from university poses its own difficulties. How do you manage your time effectively? How do you cope with disruptions to your usual route to university? How do you stay energised and productive as a commuter? Here are some tips that will help you to answer these common concerns:

• Plan your commute by considering potential delays and disruptions. Stay adaptable to changes in your schedule that may unexpectedly arise by incorporating extra time for your commute and making sure you have a secondary route to the University in case of major disruptions.
• Use your commuting time productively by completing required reading or reviewing your notes on the go. This will allow you to spend more time doing academically challenging tasks during study sessions.
• Pack snacks or a meal to help you stay energised and alert on the go! This will also save you from having to search for food while travelling.
• When taking on commitments be mindful of your energy levels and factor in travel time to avoid
  overwhelming yourself.
• Take advantage of on-campus facilities such as the Main Library and the Allen Gilbert Learning Commons. Some other spots include Stopford Library, and study spaces in Alliance Manchester Business School and the Engineering Building which are open to all students. These spaces are perfect for studying between classes during your busy schedule.

Links:
https://manchesterstudentsunion.com/livingathome
https://www.studentsupport.manchester.ac.uk/tailored-support/commuterstudents/ 
https://studentnews.manchester.ac.uk/2023/11/22/secret-study-spaces/ 

Written by Quratulain Ahmed, a 1st year BSocSc Sociology student

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