Have laptop, can travel: the rise and rise of the commuter student

Although students choosing to commute to uni often face big bills in train fares, it still costs less than renting. Photograph: Alamy

The university experience used to be characterised by moving away from home, living in halls, and being immersed in campus life. But with rents and living costs soaring, more students than ever before are staying at home and commuting to university.

Blackbullion, a financial education website for university-goers, describes the “relentless rise of the commuter student” in its Student Money and Wellbeing Report 2024.