Making the most out of your uni experience as a commuter student

Study spots and social spaces

Finding the right study environment can make a huge difference to how you spend your day. If you love peace and quiet, the Sheila Silver Library on City Campus is a lifesaver. It has dedicated silent study zones, but if you prefer a bit of background noise, the group study areas are great too.

Sometimes a change of scenery helps keep things fresh, especially if you're spending a full day on campus. There are loads of cafes both on and near campus where you can sip on a good coffee while getting some work done. One of my favourites is the Café Nero next door to the Leeds School of Arts building - it’s got a great buzz to it, and their coffee is just what I need to power through a long study session. I remember one particularly long break between lectures where I set up camp there with my laptop and ended up getting more work done in two hours than I had all week. Making the most of your study breaks in places like these can turn long gaps between lectures into productive (and enjoyable) sessions.

Leeds Beckett also has great social study spaces where you can work in a more relaxed setting. The Student Union and common areas across campus are perfect if you want to get some work done while still being in a lively environment. I’ve had some of my best study sessions with coursemates in these spaces.

Free activities on campus

Leeds Beckett has so much to offer beyond just lectures! The university regularly hosts events, from guest lectures to student society meetups. The Headingley Campus has beautiful green spaces that are perfect for relaxing between classes, and the City Campus often has pop-up events in the Rose Bowl and the Student Union, like free film screenings or live music.

Taking advantage of these activities makes campus feel like more than just a place to study — it becomes a space where you can unwind and will help you feel more connected.

Time for friends

One of the biggest challenges of commuting is making sure you stay connected with friends. It can be easy to feel like you’re missing out, but a little planning goes a long way. I always make time for lunch meetups on campus, Student Union events, or just grabbing a coffee between lectures. One of my best nights at uni was an impromptu trip to a pub quiz with my society — we didn’t win, but we laughed so much that it didn’t matter!

Leeds Beckett has loads of student societies, and joining one is a great way to meet new people and stay involved without having to travel off-campus. Whether you’re into sports, gaming, debating, or film, there’s something for everyone.

Campus facilities

Leeds Beckett has so many resources that make commuting easier. The on-campus gym is a convenient way to stay active between or after lectures. I was hesitant at first, but after realising how much better I felt squeezing in a quick session, I started going regularly between classes.

The Student Hub is also a great place for support, whether you need help with an assignment or just want someone to talk to. The staff there are always friendly and approachable, which makes a big difference when you’re juggling everything as a commuter. I remember one particularly stressful deadline week when I popped in for a bit of essay advice — the 20-minute chat ended up saving me hours of stress later!

Being a commuting student does take some extra planning, but trust me — it’s worth it! Taking advantage of campus study spots, events, and facilities can make your university experience feel more connected and enjoyable. Just remember to strike a balance between productivity and relaxation, and you’ll make the most of your time at Leeds Beckett!