Commuter student experience
Many of our students choose to live at home and travel to campus to study during their time at Manchester.
We know balancing study with your extracurricular responsibilities can be difficult, and we’re here to support you with any of the unique challenges you face as a commuter student. Find out more about the support available to you, opportunities to meet other commuter students, and information on where to study – including our purpose-built commuter student space.
Living at home
If you decide to live at home while you study, you’ll still have plenty of opportunities to get involved in student life.
The University and Students’ Union both run tailored support services for those living off-campus, including:
- Commuters Society
- Commuter cafes
- Commuter student spaces
- Transport buddy system
As a commuter student, you have access to all of the same support, opportunities and guidance as a student who lives on campus.
Visit our Student Support site to find out more.
Watch the video below to discover how commuter student Hanifah manages travelling to university.
Meeting people and making friends
Each September, we hold a range of events aimed at new students commuting to university from home.
You’ll be able to meet fellow commuter students, get familiar with campus and learn more about some of the support available while you study.
The Commuters Society runs day trips and networking events throughout the year, scheduled at times that accommodate diverse schedules. Come along to an early morning coffee meet-up or afternoon social session for the chance to get to know your fellow students.
On-campus study spaces
We are committed to connecting our communities and offering opportunities for new learning, whether that’s on campus, hybrid or online.
At the heart of this is our renovated Booth Street East building, which comes equipped with a range of spaces and facilities designed to boost your learning.
Find out more in the video below:
Booth Street East building offers our students the following:
Commuter Student Space
Open Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm, our Commuter Student Space on the fourth floor of Booth Street East offers dedicated facilities for you to study on campus. Here you’ll find:
- comfortable lounge seating for unwinding
- study pods and quiet zones for focused work
- kitchen facilities for meal prep and refreshments
- lockers and drying room for convenience
- multi-faith prayer spaces for reflection
- shower facility to freshen up
Commuter Peer Mentoring Scheme
Our Commuter Peer Mentoring Scheme is an opportunity for all first-year undergraduates to receive a trained higher-year commuting student as a mentor. Through the programme, you can receive student-led support with socialising, traveling, and transitioning to university life.