A third of Sheffield Hallam students stay at home and travel into university each day. Read about how BA Business and Human Resources student Katie makes the most of commuting to uni from her home in Barnsley.

I chose to stay in my hometown to save money. I get the train to Sheffield which takes around 20 minutes. I spend the time listening to music and podcasts, catching up on emails, or reading a book.

Commuting hasn’t meant missing out on the social side. I met some of my classmates in the Sheffield Hallam Student Commuters Facebook group before I started. We all have a group chat and, with a little bit of planning, I can be in Sheffield to spend time with them outside of uni. I enjoy having the choice of places to study. I can either study from the comfort of my own home without any distractions, or on campus with friends.

I regularly speak to my academic adviser and student support adviser, who help me if I face difficulties such as mental health struggles or not being able to get to uni due to train strikes.

The best thing about commuting is being able to explore Sheffield while also being able to see my family regularly. Every week, I get to spend time with my uni friends and my family.

Katie Beasley, BA Business and Human Resources student

Commuting tips

• Plan your route to uni and where you’ll park (if driving) before you start your course
• Research train/bus timetables, any student railcards or tickets and how much will it cost
• Put effort into making friends with people on your course
• Let friends or tutors know if you get stuck in traffic or trains/buses are going to be cancelled or late
• Take advantage of student cafes for cheap food/drink and to catch up on work while waiting for trains/buses