Imagine waking up before dawn, braving the cold, and traversing a bustling city—all in pursuit of an education. This is the daily reality for 19-year-old Amelka Zambrzycka, who finds herself on an overcrowded train headed to Manchester, surrounded by other commuters. Unlike them, however, Amelka is not commuting for a job; she is a first-year biology student, keenly aware that her decision to live at home, rather than in university accommodation, has saved her a significant amount of money—£7,000 to be precise.
As the Ucas application deadline approaches on January 14, many prospective students are weighing the pros and cons of living at home versus paying for on-campus housing. In fact, across the UK, there are over 700,000 "commuter students" like Amelka, choosing to maintain their family ties while pursuing higher education.
In response to this growing trend, universities such as Manchester have developed dedicated spaces designed specifically for these commuter students. The University of Manchester's commuter lounge, which opened toward the end of 2024, provides a cozy spot to relax between lectures. It features comfortable lounge seating, study pods, kitchen facilities, lockers, and even showers—everything a student might need to feel at home.
Amelka typically arrives at the commuter lounge just before 8:30 AM, after completing the first leg of her daily commute. She takes advantage of the kitchen to brew some tea or grab a breakfast snack, and she can catch up on studying in a private pod or freshen up after a morning workout. While her peers in nearby halls may still be asleep, Amelka has already been awake for hours, having embarked on two separate 90-minute journeys from her home in Horwich to the Manchester campus.
The financial implications of living at home are substantial. The University of Manchester estimates that first-year students will spend around £7,875 on accommodation alone in the academic year 2025/26. When taking into account additional expenses—ranging from groceries and takeout food to clothing and educational materials—the total estimated cost for first-year students this year reaches approximately £13,685. As costs continue to rise, the Higher Education Policy Institute (Hepi) notes that students in England will need around £61,000 over three years just to maintain a minimum socially acceptable standard of living.
Fortunately for Amelka, her mother does not charge her rent, and although she spends about £700 yearly on public transport, her overall expenses are significantly lower compared to living in university halls. Recent data from the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) indicates that a growing number of students—over 40% as of 2023/24—are opting to live at home during their studies.
Nick Weise, who oversees the university's commuter peer mentoring initiative, mentions that roughly one-quarter of the student population comprises commuters. The new lounge was created to serve as a "home away from home," alleviating the stress many commuters experience when arriving early to avoid traffic or delays. Instead of wandering the streets waiting for class, students now have a welcoming place to unwind, recharge, and store their belongings.
For Amelka, the commuter lounge has been life-changing. "I practically live there; it feels like my home. Without it, I'd have nowhere else to go besides the library, which isn't conducive to making friends," she explains. The lounge offers a social atmosphere where she can connect with fellow commuters, share stories about bus delays, and find common ground with others who understand the unique challenges of commuting.
Every day, regardless of the weather, Amelka wakes up around 7:00 AM to commence her 25-minute walk to the train station. Following a 25-minute train ride to Manchester Oxford Road, she ends her journey with a half-hour trek across campus to reach her first lecture. After classes, she often returns to the lounge to socialize or study, usually leaving around 6:00 PM and arriving home by 8:00 PM. Despite the demanding schedule, she believes the effort is worthwhile, noting that her mental well-being has improved thanks to regular exposure to sunlight and the physical activity of walking 15,000 steps each day.
However, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Amelka acknowledges the challenges of socializing as a commuter. "It’s tough to connect with others when most social activities revolve around nightlife and late-night outings—things I can't participate in because of the long commute back home," she shares.
Nonetheless, she has cultivated a solid friendship network through the university's commuter group, boasting about 40 friends from just one group chat. Initially feeling isolated, Amelka has grown in confidence and is now contemplating her options for the following academic year, including the possibility of living in accommodation with friends.
"I've experienced multiple instances where my train has been delayed for up to two hours, so I'm considering my choices seriously," she admits. However, her commitment to maximizing her investment is evident, as she has purchased a three-year railcard, determined to make the most of her travels.
So, what do you think? Is the sacrifice of commuting worth the financial relief it offers? Or do you believe that the university experience is best enjoyed on campus? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
