By Maddie, BA(Hons) Creative and Professional Writing
In this blog, Maddie shares what it’s like travelling in each day and finding her feet on campus. She talks about the challenges, the small wins, and what’s helped her feel at home at university while living off‑campus. Read more.
Have you ever found yourself sprinting for your train with a half-finished cup of coffee and a heavy backpack weighing you down, terrified to miss that important 9am lecture? If so, you’re not alone. The number of commuter students is on the rise at UWE Bristol. Whether it’s because you want to save money, stay close to family, or just can’t find a home that suits you, what’s being a commuter student really like?
Why do some students choose to commute?
Students choose to live off-campus for many reasons; some find it gives them the best of both worlds: the experience of university whilst still upholding their home life. As a commuter myself, I’ve enjoyed both sides of the page. Many students find it daunting moving to a new city, into a new house, let alone with people you’ve never met! It’s totally normal to have anxiety about these things: it’s a huge step in your early adult life. Being a commuter can also make higher education more affordable and accessible, especially in a city as busy and vibrant as Bristol.
With the cost-of-living crisis in full blast, accommodation prices all over the UK are skyrocketing, this can really deter new students from moving into accommodation as other options can be more financially manageable. Another reason many students choose to commute is if they are already local. I know many other students who chose to stay living at home with family, as UWE Bristol was just a bus ride away.
My journey
So, what’s it like to make the journey? My commute from North Bristol takes around 40 minutes: A 10-minute walk to the bus stop and a 30-minute bus journey. To me, this time is precious. I try to use it as best as I can, for example, doing the required reading for my lectures that day so it’s fresh in my mind, catching up on some notes, or listening to music and podcasts to get myself prepared for the day ahead.
One of the most accessible things about Bristol is the public transport system. There are so many options! Bristol has its own internal overground trainline, with stations dotted in most neighbourhoods, allowing you to get from the top to the bottom of the city in around 10 minutes.
Bristol also has Metrobuses, which take the motorway, cutting the usual city route time in half. Plus, if you’re close enough to commute by foot, Bristol is full of vibrant art, greenery and parks, even walking is pleasant and care-free.
Pros and cons
Commuting isn’t without the odd challenge. For example, early mornings and transport delays, missing out on spontaneous campus events, or even getting stuck in traffic. But there’s always some good to come from the bad. Commuting has taught me key time management skills, the importance of planning ahead, and how to make every minute on campus count. Joining societies, spending time in the library, and grabbing lunch with friends all help make UWE Bristol feel like home.
Whether you’re 10 minutes away or an hour, what truly matters is how you make use of your time at UWE Bristol. Commuting doesn’t limit your experience; it just shapes it differently. Sooner than later, you’ll find your groove, your best friends, and your new favourite study spot (most likely near the Greggs!).
Find out more about undergraduate study at UWE Bristol.