Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Halls or commuting - which university living style is right for you?
Hey! I’m Ash, a third-year student studying Sociology and Psychological Studies. Choosing between living in halls or commuting to university is an exciting decision, and I know it can feel a bit overwhelming with all the nerves that come with starting uni. In this blog, I’ll explore both options and hopefully make your decision a little easier.
There are a lot of things to consider when deciding whether to live in halls or commute. While finances are a key factor, it’s also important to think about the lifestyle each option offers. Both have their own unique benefits, and by weighing them up alongside your financial situation you’ll be able to choose the option that suits you best and makes you feel most comfortable.
Distance from uni and planning your transport
One of the key factors to consider is the distance to uni, especially if commuting is your option. I’ve met a few people who commute from home in Leeds — some live just a bus ride away, while others are a bit further out, even taking the train. It’s a good idea to plan ahead and get familiar with your route to uni, just in case your bus or train is delayed. Knowing your journey and timetable will help you stay stress-free and arrive on time.
Your timetable is also important when deciding whether to commute. If you have long breaks between lectures, it’s worth considering whether you’d like to stay on campus to study or explore the city, or if it’s more practical to commute home and return later. Understanding your day-to-day schedule can really help you decide what works best for you.
For me personally, my hometown is about an hour from Leeds, so I chose to move into halls. I lived in Arena Village, just a 5-10 minute walk from uni, which was especially convenient during bad weather or late finishes. For some, the commute offers a good opportunity to catch up on work before class or focus on essays.
If you do decide to commute, many transport companies offer discounts for students, like rail cards or reduced-price seasonal bus tickets, which can help save you money!
Independence of halls or comfort of home?
For me, moving into halls was an exciting opportunity to gain independence and truly experience "living as an adult." However, commuting can offer that same sense of independence in its own way. Living at home can offer unexpected freedoms, like developing a routine for when to catch transport to uni and planning your da to make the most of your time and money. The level of independence you feel may depend on your family dynamics too. For example, when I lived at home, my mum would often worry if I was out late. Moving into halls gave me the freedom to be more independent without having to reassure her.
Living in halls also gave me the chance to explore more and socialise in ways I hadn’t before. My hometown is small, with limited things to do, so Leeds felt like a whole new world for me. It’s been amazing embracing the independence this city offers.
Think about your lifestyle preferences and what will make you feel most comfortable. Whether you’re looking for the independence of living in halls or the comfort of commuting from home, it’s important to think about what will work best for you.
How your social life may impact your decision
Everyone has different social lives and ways they prefer to socialise, so it’s important to keep your personal preferences in mind when deciding whether to commute or live in halls. For example, I’m someone who enjoys a quiet night in, so if I were commuting, I wouldn’t have to worry about missing trains or buses since I wouldn’t be out late. I’d have the peace of mind that I could relax at home without the pressure of needing to get back at a certain time.
However, I understand that many people love to go out and enjoy the social side of university life, and for them, commuting might require a little extra planning. If you decide to commute but still want to join in on the fun of a night out, it’s important to think ahead about transport options. Whether it’s checking the last train, bus times, arranging a lift or planning to stay with a friend, knowing how you’ll get home will help avoid any stress or last-minute scrambling.
Ultimately, it’s all about balancing your lifestyle preferences with practical considerations to ensure your social life is enjoyable!
Most importantly, never feel pressured by what others think or choose. This decision is yours to make, and it’s all about what works best for you, trust yourself to make the choice that feels right.
Deciding whether to commute or live in halls depends on how you envision your university experience and what you hope to gain from either living situation. It’s all about choosing the option that aligns with your lifestyle, your needs, and what makes you feel most comfortable. Everyone’s experience is different, so there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.
