Should you commute to University or find student accommodation?
Let’s face it, where to live when you go to Uni is not an easy decision. Choosing where to live during your time at Lancaster University is a significant decision, and many students grapple with the choice between staying at home and commuting or moving into halls or other student accommodation. Before you make up your mind, let's explore the pros and cons of both options!
Staying at Home and Commuting:
Pros:
Money: Commuting can be a cost-effective option, especially if you can avoid the expenses associated with living away from home.
Home Comforts: Staying at home provides the comfort of familiar surroundings and the support of family.
Extra Study Time: Commuting time can be utilised productively for studying or revision.
Cons:
Having fun: Some students express concerns about potentially missing out on social events and the traditional university experience.
Longer Commutes: The length of your daily commute can impact your energy levels and may pose challenges, especially for early morning classes.
Staying at home can be a great option if you are on a tight budget and live near Lancaster University, this is traditionally a route taken by mature students. However, anything over an hour's commute can be challenging, especially if you consider getting to 9am lectures during rush hour. Before you make the decision to stay at home, make sure that you are 100% comfortable with missing out on “University life”. This doesn't necessarily mean partying, but can just mean missing out on grabbing a coffee with friends after lectures or not being able to fully commit to a sports team if the commute is challenging.
Moving into Halls or Other Student Accommodation:
Pros:
Having fun: Living on or near campus can enhance your chances of participating in social events, clubs, and societies.
Independence: Moving out provides a valuable experience of living independently, managing household tasks, and developing life skills.
Proximity to Campus: Being closer to university facilities may reduce commuting time and increase convenience. (If you choose to live with us at Bailrigg Student Living, you can wake up, dress and make your way to lectures at the Health and Innovation campus in under 10 minutes!)
Cons:
Money: Living in halls can be expensive, and the costs should be carefully weighed against potential benefits.
Missing loved ones: While gaining independence, you may miss the comforts and support of home.
Student accommodation can offer a fantastic social experience and help you make friends easily. However, that isn’t to say that moving out of home does not come with it’s own challenges. You’ll have to budget, as well as do your own laundry, shopping and cooking as well as manage your university lectures and lifestyle. It’s a very serious decision to make and we would recommend taking a tour of our student flats and speaking to fellow students before booking your student accommodation in Lancaster.
Considerations for Commuting:
Money: Evaluate the potential cost savings of commuting versus living in halls, factoring in travel, and food expenses.
Commute Length and Reliability: Consider the distance between home and university, potential delays, and the reliability of your daily commute.
Study Time: Assess whether you can use commuting time effectively for studying or if it might be less productive.
Having fun: Reflect on whether commuting could impact your ability to attend social events and make friends.
Considerations for Moving into Halls:
Money: Determine if the benefits of living in halls justify the associated costs.
Proximity to Campus: Consider how living closer to university facilities might affect your daily routine and overall experience.
Independence vs. Home Comforts: Weigh the desire for independence against the comfort and support provided by living at home.
Ultimately, the choice between commuting and moving into halls is a personal one. Consider writing a pros and cons list and chatting to friends about the advantages and disadvantages of each option. Ask yourself questions about finances, commute logistics, social life, and personal preferences - don’t purely make a decision based on someone else’s option. Your wellbeing should guide your decision, and you need to ensure that you prioritise yourself and make the most of your university experience at Lancaster.
