{"id":6171,"date":"2024-01-10T10:58:13","date_gmt":"2024-01-10T10:58:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sites.manchester.ac.uk\/humanities-blog\/?p=6171"},"modified":"2024-01-10T10:58:13","modified_gmt":"2024-01-10T10:58:13","slug":"from-home-to-halls-managing-the-ups-and-downs-of-commuting","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sites.manchester.ac.uk\/humanities-blog\/2024\/01\/10\/from-home-to-halls-managing-the-ups-and-downs-of-commuting\/","title":{"rendered":"From Home to Halls: Managing the Ups and Downs of Commuting"},"content":{"rendered":"

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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.<\/p>\n

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?<\/p>\n

Get involved:<\/p>\n

The Student\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

Become part of the commuter community:<\/p>\n

At the University of Manchester, there is support inclusive of those students living at home. This includes the \u2018home away from home\u2019 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.<\/p>\n

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:<\/p>\n