Commuter students on the rise – the new normal?

Almost half (46%) of students say they are planning to commute instead of living in their university town, according to Black Bullion’s student money and wellbeing report

Yasmin Kumar a third-year media and communications student decided to start commuting from her home in Oxford to Kingston University in the final year of her degree.

Kumar said: “I have less stress about being on my own in a city and less responsibility for travel, money, bills and I get to be home and at the same time be in London, so I have the best of both worlds, whenever I want.”

According to research by Finder, the average monthly cost of living in university cities is £1,296 however, in London this figure increases to £2,210 per month.

The increasing cost of living, particularly in London, is a driving factor for a lot of students to make the switch to commuting.

Kumar said: “It’s also a lot cheaper too, no rent and bills and food, I have the choice of being able to stay out in London and do day trips…but get to come home too.”

Half of Kingston University’s students commute to the University from varying locations across the country.

The idea of commuting can seem daunting to many however there can also be significant benefits to your home life as a result.

Kumar said: “I feel like it benefits me as I can have a lot more space at home to complete uni work and it’s a more familiar, comfortable environment. I am only in two to three days so it’s manageable.”

The University also has several ways that they can help those commuting to still feel involved in university life.

Kingston University commuter student society offers a safe space to connect and talk to other students who also commute for their degree.

The University’s recent renovation of the Kingston Student Union (KSU) space also means that the University now also offers access to a new kitchen and showers.