What I wish I knew before becoming a commuter student

Student travel discounts

Getting around as a student can be pricey, but there are plenty of discounts out there that make commuting much more affordable — you just need to know where to look!

If you’re a regular train traveller, I’d highly recommend getting a railcard. When I first got mine, I was surprised at how quickly the savings added up! It cuts a third off your fare, which makes a huge difference over time. Definitely worth the investment!

For those who rely on buses, research which bus passes are available. A few friends of mine swear by them, especially when juggling lectures, part-time jobs, and social plans. It’s a great way to avoid the stress of topping up fares every time you hop on.

If you drive, consider carpooling with your friends or classmates. Not only does it save money on fuel, but journeys feel much less tedious when you’ve got company (plus, you can split the playlist duties!).

The key is to explore all your options and ask around — other students will be in the same boat as you and often have the best tips for cutting costs and making your commute as smooth as possible.

Best transport routes

Figuring out the best routes to and from campus can save you a ton of time, uneasiness, and even money. Thankfully, there are lots of apps that help you find the quickest or most reliable way to travel, so you can dodge delays and disruptions before they become a problem. Some of my personal go-tos are:

• Citymapper
• Trainline
• Moovit
• Google Maps

I can’t stress enough how important it is to have a backup plan. There’s nothing worse than turning up at the station only to find your train’s been cancelled—or realising mid-commute that your usual bus isn’t running. I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve had to quickly reroute because of bus strikes or unexpected diversions. Trust me, knowing an alternative way to get to campus can be an absolute lifesaver!

So, do yourself a favour—get familiar with different routes, keep an eye on travel updates, and always have a plan B up your sleeve. You’ll thank yourself later!

Plan for the unexpected

Time is your friend — leave at least 30 minutes early, if not more. This is a key thing to consider for early morning lectures or when you’ve got a deadline looming. Giving yourself that extra time means you’re not rushing or panicking if there’s a delay. And honestly, even if you arrive too early, you can use that time to get some work done, grab a coffee, or just take a breather before the day kicks off.

Oh, and one absolute lifesaver? A portable charger. Always keep one in your bag! You wouldn’t believe how inconvenient it is to have your phone die mid-commute—especially when you need it for tickets, maps, or last-minute emails. Trust me, you don’t want to be that person desperately hunting for a plug socket on campus. Yes, I’ve been that person… and it wasn’t fun!

Relax and socialise

As a commuting student, knowing the best spots to relax, eat, study, or just hang out with  your friends can make a huge difference — it’s something I wish I’d figured out sooner!

On campus, the various cafés are my go-to between lectures. Whether I needed a quick coffee, a bite to eat, or just somewhere to sit and people-watch, it always had a good atmosphere. If you’re looking for a study space, the Sheila Silver Library is a lifesaver. I’ve spent countless hours there, whether cramming solo or working on group projects (or, let’s be honest, procrastinating in one of the quieter corners). And if you just need a break, the lounge areas around campus are great for putting your feet up for a bit.

Off campus, Woodhouse Moor is an absolute gem. It’s only about a 10-minute walk from the City campus, and on sunny days, you’ll find lots of students there, either having a picnic, revising outside, or just soaking up the fresh air. I’ve taken more than a few ‘clear my brain’ walks there after long study sessions — it’s a great way to reset before heading home.

Finding these little spots makes all the difference, so take the time to explore!

Utilise campus facilities

When you commute, it can be easy to overlook some of the fantastic facilities available to you on campus. I know I definitely missed out on a few things in my first year, simply because I wasn’t always on campus long enough to make the most of them.

The library is the obvious choice for studying, but what I didn’t realise at first is that you can actually book study rooms for group projects or quiet, personal study time. Having a dedicated space has really helped me focus, especially when juggling assignments and lectures.

If you’re someone who likes to stay active, you’ll be pleased to know there’s a student gym on both the City and Headingley campuses. I can honestly say it’s been a lifesaver for me. Nothing beats a good workout to clear your head before the commute home, or even a quick morning session before lectures.

The Students' Union also offers support, volunteering opportunities, and part-time work for students. I’ve got involved in a few volunteering projects myself, and it’s been a brilliant way to meet new people and develop new skills.

When deciding whether to become a commuting student, I was worried that I would be disconnected from everything happening on campus but trust me - make the effort to explore and take full advantage of what is available to you. You'll be surprised at how connected you'll feel and how many opportunities are waiting for you if you just take a stop outside of your comfort zone.

Commuting as a student doesn’t have to be difficult or overwhelming — once you get the hang of it, it can be a breeze. The key is planning ahead, making the most of the resources available to you, and staying open to new opportunities. I’ve found that when you embrace the whole experience, commuting can become a smooth and even enjoyable part of your university life.