Commuting to university

Whether you're commuting by car or public transport, we have a range of support available to help you make the most of your studies.

Brighton Boost

Going to university is a great investment, but we know the cost can be a worry.

The Brighton Boost will help you to make the best possible start – with discounts and bursaries to support your cost of living and university services that make everyday things just that little bit easier.

Our support for commuter students includes:

• Travel Boost: £700 for first-year travel costs for full-time undergraduates from eligible IMD Q1, Q2 or Q3 postcodes
• Upgrades to the Travel Boost for students eligible for the University of Brighton Bursary
• Upgrades to the Travel Boost for students eligible for the Estranged Student or Care Leaver Bursaries.

Find out more about the Brighton Boost.

Resources and personal support

Being a commuter student doesn't mean missing out on your studies - each student is assigned a Student Support and Guidance Tutor (SSGT) and a Personal Academic Tutor (PAT). They will help you manage the transition to university and achieve your goals.

There are lots of places to study on campus, including our 3 campus libraries packed with resources and support. There are also cafes and casual study spots, as well as our Students’ Union spaces.

We also have a range of online resources available that can be accessed from anywhere, including:

• My Studies and My Brighton - online portals to your university
• recordings of lectures (where available)
• LinkedIn Learning
• online library resources
• Blackboard Ally, which allows you to download learning resources in a format that works for you
• and an Office 365 subscription for every student.

Brighton Students' Union also holds regular online events, as do many of its societies.

Find out more about wellbeing at Brighton.

Cost saving tips for commuters

Managing travel costs is a priority for many students. Here are some top tips to save money while commuting:

1. Buy season tickets: For frequent train or bus users, season tickets or travelcards can save you a significant amount over time.
2. Take advantage of discounts: Apply for student-specific discount cards like the 16–25 Railcard or Unizone for rail travel.
3. Combine travel options: Some students use a mix of public transport and cycling to reduce costs and stay active.

• How far is too far to commute to university?

  The answer to this depends on your personal circumstances. Some students think nothing of a 1.5-hour commute, but others want to be as close to university as possible.

  If you're thinking of driving to university, research the traffic conditions and parking availability for your commute, along with running costs for your car. You'll also be able to listen to podcasts or audiobooks relevant to your studies along the way, so your commuting time doesn't have to be wasted.

  If you want to take public transport, research commute times, prices, and any season tickets you may be eligible for. Commuting by public transport is often the most environmentally friendly option, and you'll be able to read, write, and do research during your journey!

  Student blogger Sophie Mason-Griffiths has some advice for commuting:

  Romanticise your commute. Hear me out: it genuinely helps. Make a playlist, stare out of the window, and pretend you’re in a movie. Pay attention to the little details. Pick up your favourite drink and have a cosy study session at one of the campus cafes. Commuting can be tiring, especially in winter when it gets dark early, so indulge yourself a little!

  And Chun Hin Siu has some advice on time management:

  As a commuter, planning is key. I must think ahead more than most students, whether it’s packing lunch, keeping track of train schedules, or carrying all the materials I’ll need for the day. It’s a juggling act, but it’s taught me valuable time management and organisation skills.

• Is commuting to university worth it?

  There are many benefits to commuting, including:

  Flexibility

  Commuting can give you more flexibility in your life, allowing you to fit your studies around work, family, or personal commitments. Student Blogger Chun Hin Siu says:

  Flexibility and convenience also played a significant role in my decision. My university’s location in Brighton is well-connected to my hometown in Lewes, making daily travel manageable. With trains running frequently and campus located close to transport links, commuting became an accessible and stress-free option.

   

  Cost savings

  Commuting can save you a lot of money compared to living in halls, especially if you're eligible for student tickets (such as the Southern Rail Unizone ticket, or the Brighton & Hove Student bus tickets).

  Student blogger Ketan Srivastva says:

  I found commuting to be a more cost-effective option, allowing me to better manage my budget while studying. Saving significantly on accommodation costs was an essential factor in managing my finances as a student.

   

  Lifestyle

  Brighton can be a busy and fast-paced city. If you prefer a slower pace, you can have that whilst still having access to all that Brighton has to offer, along with getting an education and becoming career-ready.

  Student blogger Abbie Kitson says:

  I like being close enough to Brighton to study and socialise, but I prefer living somewhere quieter and more homely – plus it’s still by the sea! I like having the balance of a busy study life in Brighton, but a cozy and quiet home life in Eastbourne, that way I feel I get the best of both worlds.

   

  Work-life balance

  For some people, it's easier to separate their studies from the rest of their life when commuting. Commuting can also allow them to keep working in their existing jobs, which helps with the cost of living.

  Student blogger Sophie Mason-Griffiths says:

  Living at home also allowed me to keep my part-time job in the area rather than applying for a new position closer to campus. I found commuting helped me to develop a healthier work-life balance; as someone who can get slightly obsessive over tasks, I was able to say ‘no, I’m switching off now’, when I got home.

• Do students pay council tax if they live at home?

  Local authorities offer council tax exemptions and discounts for students. The details of the discount or exemption differs from council to council. Councils near the University of Brighton include:

  • Brighton & Hove City Council
  • Lewes and Eastbourne Councils
  • Crawley Borough Council
  • Mid Sussex District Council

  The above links will take you straight to that council's page on council tax discounts and exemptions.

• What are the benefits of living at home and commuting to university?

  There are many benefits to living at home and commuting to university, including:

  Cost saving

  As a commuter student, you'll enjoy free parking at our campuses, along with discounted tickets from Southern Rail and Brighton & Hove Buses. We also have the Brighton Boost, which can help make commuting costs easier.

  Student blogger Abbie Kitson says:

  If you are eligible for the Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) then I would highly recommend talking to the university about your commuting options. There is also the Brighton Boost, which has a bursary for commuting students, so be sure to check that out on the website!

   

  Proximity to family

  If spending time with your family is important to you, commuting is your best option. As a commuter student, you'll have much more time with your family, and you won't have to travel far to see them. Homesickness can affect a lot of students, but it's not something you'll have to deal with!

  Student blogger Aadhi Pazhuparambil Suresh says:

  Sure, some people will find it easier to live independently and keep contact with their family through calls and text messages, but for me, I preferred to stay close to my family so I always have someone to talk to, I also like being available to them in case of any issues that they might be facing. Commuting to university is a way I can remain close with my family while also going out to explore and see new places and people.

   

  Reduced living expenses

  Commuting can be more cost-effective than living in halls. Saving money on rent means that you'll be able to enjoy a higher standard of living, and can spend your money on the things you actually want instead.

  Student blogger Chun Hin Siu says:

  [Commuting] made sense financially, commuting eliminated the costs of student accommodation, utilities, and meals out, which can quickly add up. The money saved has gone toward travel costs and other important expenses, giving me greater control over my budget.

   

  Flexibility

  Commuting can give you more flexibility in your life - for example, if you have a part time job, care for relatives, or just don't want to leave your friend group!

  Student blogger Molly Harper says:

  Be flexible with your routines and think about the different transport methods that you can use, and when each one might be suitable. For example, I know that I don’t love driving in the dark, so if I have a long day which finishes late, or if I am going to see friends after university, I will opt to get the train!

Commuting to university doesn’t mean missing out on a vibrant social life. Many students have shared their tips for staying connected and building friendships while living off-campus. Here’s what they recommend:

1. Join societies and clubs:
   
   "Societies are a great way to meet people with similar interests, and most events happen during the day when I’m already on campus."
   
   Societies and clubs offer opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals. Check out the university’s student union page for a list of societies you can join, ranging from sports and hobbies to academic interests.
2. Participate in campus events:
   
   "I make it a point to attend open events like workshops, socials, or networking sessions. It helps me feel more integrated with campus life."
   
   The University of Brighton hosts a variety of events throughout the year. From fresher fairs to cultural festivals, there’s always something happening that can fit around your schedule.
3. Make use of common spaces:
   
   "The library and campus cafes are my go-to places to meet friends or find study groups between lectures."
   
   Spending time in social areas on campus can naturally lead to conversations and friendships. Plan to arrive early or stay after classes to maximise your time on campus.
4. Use digital tools to stay connected:
   
   "I’m part of a course group chat where we share notes and plan meetups. It’s a lifesaver for commuters!"
   
   Join WhatsApp or social media groups for your course or society to stay updated on events and discussions. These can help you maintain connections even when you’re off-campus.
5. Schedule your day for social time:
   
   "I schedule library sessions or lunches with classmates before heading home. It’s a great way to make the most of my time on campus."
   
   Planning your day to include time for casual meetups or group projects can help balance social life with academic responsibilities.
6. Attend commuter-specific events:
   
   "Brighton’s student union sometimes hosts events tailored for commuter students, which makes it easier to meet people in similar situations."
   
   Keep an eye out for events specifically for commuters, such as morning coffee meetups or study sessions.
7. Get involved in volunteering or campus roles:
   
   "Volunteering with the student union not only helped me meet people but also gave me experience for my CV."
   
   Consider taking up roles like student ambassador, peer mentor, or volunteering in university-led programs. These are excellent ways to expand your social network while contributing to the community.
8. Make the most of your commute:
   
   "I sometimes travel with classmates from the same area. It makes the commute more fun and gives us extra time to chat."
   
   If possible, coordinate travel with other commuting students to build connections on your journey to university.

How commuting shaped my life as a student

Being a commuting student has been a unique and transformative part of my university journey.

From train rides to lecture halls: my Brighton commuter story

When I decided to commute to university, I had no idea what to expect.

My experience as a commuting student to Brighton

At first, I was incredibly apprehensive about commuting to university and that’s not the only thing that has changed since then!

The ins and outs of the student commuting experience

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to juggle the thrill of university life with the reality of a daily commute?

Read more from our blog