find your perfect postgrad program
Search our Database of 30,000 Courses
- by Charlotte King
- In Budgeting
Posted Nov. 1, 2013
Commuting: Timesaver or Timewaster?
One of the biggest problems associated with being a postgraduate student is the decision about where to live. And this could be the difference between finding the ideal student house or not. Do you want to live close to your university or do you want to commute on a daily basis? Commuting offers both advantages and disadvantages for postgraduate living.
Budgeting In general, accomodation in the suburbs is cheaper than living in the centre of town, particularly if you are able to live and share some meals with your family. In addition, family life can provide support, encouragement and an environment in which you are comfortable and feel valued. But living in the suburbs, while at university, also has the potential to interfere with relationships and friendships with other students, limit your use of the university’s library, fitness facilities and possibly prevent you joining in the social activities, which are a valuable part of university life. Before you reach the decision that you don’t want to live in the suburbs and commute, check out the budget for a postgraduate student here . It covers rent, food, transport, entertainment, books and clothes.
Disadvantages
The main disadvantages to life in the suburbs are the costs, associated with transportation to and from your university, and the possible waste of valuable time spent travelling. Maybe, you are lucky and can get a ride in a car with a member of your family, a neighbour or a friend, if you contribute to the cost of the petrol. This is definitely cheaper but not as convenient as having your own car to travel at the times most appropriate for you. Owning and maintaining your own car, however, can be an expensive proposition, and the cost of petrol, parking, repairs and servicing might just cancel out any money saved by living in suburbia. A part-time job is feasible wherever you decide to live, but it could interfere with your studies, and leave you feeling tired and stressed. If you don't want to live in the suburbs, but you need to find accommodation that you can budget for properly, privately-owned student accommodation such as that provided by Fresh Student Living is a great choice as it offers easy living in city centre locations with all bills included.
Freedom!
Commuting by bicycle or walking, if it’s possible, provides the freedom to choose the best route and time for you to travel between your home and the university. Biking or walking are time consuming, but not really a waste of time, because both provide physical exercise, an opportunity to think clearly about school-related problems and a way to control stress or your weight. A disadvantage of either walking or cycling is the weather. Make sure that you are dressed appropriately for wet days and have a cycle helmet, which fits well. Walking after dark is probably best avoided, unless you can find a companion going in the same direction.
Travelling by bus or train is quicker than biking or walking, and offers an opportunity to catch up on necessary reading or other work. You may also live in an area that offers bus passes at a discounted price to students.
As a postgraduate student, you probably have the freedom to work at home some of the time. Research using the library’s vast array of electronic resources or Facebook pages is easy via the internet, and e-mail is useful for keeping in touch with other postgraduate students. Check out our list of essential online resources and tools for postgraduate students located here .
Related articles
Budgeting In general, accomodation in the suburbs is cheaper than living in the centre of town, particularly if you are able to live and share some meals with your family. In addition, family life can provide support, encouragement and an environment in which you are comfortable and feel valued. But living in the suburbs, while at university, also has the potential to interfere with relationships and friendships with other students, limit your use of the university’s library, fitness facilities and possibly prevent you joining in the social activities, which are a valuable part of university life. Before you reach the decision that you don’t want to live in the suburbs and commute, check out the budget for a postgraduate student here . It covers rent, food, transport, entertainment, books and clothes.
Disadvantages
The main disadvantages to life in the suburbs are the costs, associated with transportation to and from your university, and the possible waste of valuable time spent travelling. Maybe, you are lucky and can get a ride in a car with a member of your family, a neighbour or a friend, if you contribute to the cost of the petrol. This is definitely cheaper but not as convenient as having your own car to travel at the times most appropriate for you. Owning and maintaining your own car, however, can be an expensive proposition, and the cost of petrol, parking, repairs and servicing might just cancel out any money saved by living in suburbia. A part-time job is feasible wherever you decide to live, but it could interfere with your studies, and leave you feeling tired and stressed. If you don't want to live in the suburbs, but you need to find accommodation that you can budget for properly, privately-owned student accommodation such as that provided by Fresh Student Living is a great choice as it offers easy living in city centre locations with all bills included.Freedom!
Commuting by bicycle or walking, if it’s possible, provides the freedom to choose the best route and time for you to travel between your home and the university. Biking or walking are time consuming, but not really a waste of time, because both provide physical exercise, an opportunity to think clearly about school-related problems and a way to control stress or your weight. A disadvantage of either walking or cycling is the weather. Make sure that you are dressed appropriately for wet days and have a cycle helmet, which fits well. Walking after dark is probably best avoided, unless you can find a companion going in the same direction.
Travelling by bus or train is quicker than biking or walking, and offers an opportunity to catch up on necessary reading or other work. You may also live in an area that offers bus passes at a discounted price to students.
As a postgraduate student, you probably have the freedom to work at home some of the time. Research using the library’s vast array of electronic resources or Facebook pages is easy via the internet, and e-mail is useful for keeping in touch with other postgraduate students. Check out our list of essential online resources and tools for postgraduate students located here .
Related articles
How To Find The Ideal Student House
Postgrad student accounts explained
Why choose online study?
Postgrad accommodation
Student wellbeing
Categories
- Accommodation
- Budgeting
- Coronavirus (Covid-19)
- Courses
- Distance Learning / Online Study
- Fees
- Funding
- General
- Infographic
- International Students
- Jobs and Careers
- Mature Students
- MBA Programs
- Other
- Personal Statement
- PGCE
- PHD
- Student Life
- Student Welfare
- Study Abroad
- Study Advice
- Study In Australia
- Study In Europe
- Study In Ireland
- Study in UK
- Study In USA
- Theses and Dissertations
- Top 10 Lists
- Universities
