Aodhan's commuting insight

My Commuting Experience

Thinking of commuting to university but unsure whether it’s the right option for you?

I commute to Worcester from a town called Stourbridge. It takes me around 45 minutes to travel to Worcester which isn’t at all that bad considering. I initially took the nearby train to the city but as I became more confident driving I have started to travel in my car. The parking isn’t all that bad although it is about a 10-minute walk from there to the City Campus – which is where I have most my lectures and of course you then have to pay for a parking permit usually around £100 for the year.

The main thing people want to know about commuting is about whether they get to experience the true student social life and the simple answer is – no. However, this can depend on your social life back where you live. For me personally, I already have friends in full time work and most of my closest friends are still local which means I’m accustomed to still going out when I feel like it. For you, this may be different and you may wish to live in Halls to gain that social experience.

Another reason I stayed at home and commuted was because I wanted to keep my local part time job. I never really wanted to risk losing income and since Halls are quite expensive I felt uneasy about spending more and earning less. As well as this, I am still blessed to have cooked meals at home which I don’t have to worry about each night, although I do cook extra daily meals for my gym routine.

Finally, what encouraged me to stay at home was my close family and circle of friends. I have a big family who are all very close and it just feels more comfortable to be staying in this environment and not missing out on family moments. Moving out your comfort zone can be a good thing but for me I guess I know who I am already and feel the change isn’t needed. Then there is my circle of friends who are all productive positive people in my life that I don’t want to distance from.

Ultimately commuting is an option that can work for some and not others. It really does depend on your circumstances. I would encourage anyone who feels that they need to further develop themselves in social situation to try Halls, but if you feel you are already in a good circle you may choose the same option as me. I hope my short insight into my commuting lifestyle can assist you in making up your mind. Good luck

Living in Halls

Before starting University, I had mixed emotions about going to University. One particular worry of mine was living in halls. Now, if you’re a second year reading this, you’re probably thinking “halls/being a fresher is probably the best experience of university”, and as a second year now, I totally agree!

I spent my freshers year in the “fancy halls” that is Chancellor, which is based on the City Campus. The reason I chose to live here was because it was literally steps away from where all of my lectures will take place. Also, there’s the pleasure of having an en-suite too!! Although this year was absolutely brilliant, I still can’t help but think what it’d be like living in St Johns campus, or Butlins as I like to call it!

In both halls, all people signed up to live in halls will be divided randomly into a flat. You will be sharing this flat with at least 4 other people, who you will not meet until that first awkward conversation you have with them asking “where are you from?” or “what course are studying”. Don’t worry; everyone is in this boat together, so although you’ll feel you’re fighting these worries on your own, you’re not. Eventually you and your newly met housemates will all agree there’s only one thing that will melt that awkward ice in conversations, alcohol! Your first night out in freshers is truly brilliant, and you’ll end the night thinking you want to be friends with these people for the rest of your life!

Well, sorry to burst your bubble reader, but this is unlikely. Throughout the course of the year, you will eventually grow tired of the behaviour of some of your flatmates. Yeah, they’re nice people, however little things such as taking the bins out, not washing up, not buying kitchen essentials will wear you down. Little arguments will occur, sides will be taken. However, you will meet lots more brilliant people in your halls! I now live in a house with people in the flat across from me, and also with one in the flat below.

All in all, the experience of halls is not one you want to miss! The late night talks, the spontaneous takeaways, the random conversations, the little arguments, it’s all worth it! You will learn so much more about yourself and it will make your Uni experience so much more worthwhile.