Welcome to commuting 101: Tips for living that commuter life

Commuting to university? You’re not alone. Whether you’re living at home with family or living further out of the city to save on rent, being a commuter student at King’s can still mean making the most of the city and campus life.

Your mornings might not look like a quick roll out of bed and a five-minute walk to lectures — instead, they might be early trains, watching the sun rise over the city and dodging the rush hour crowd to get a seat (tip: always have your earphones ready). But after a while, it becomes part of your rhythm and, believe it or not, it can become one of the most unique and rewarding parts of your university experience.

I’ve had my share of commuting experiences when I've stayed out of the city with my family in Kent, plus my closest friends are full-time commuters, so I’ve got plenty of insider tips to share. Welcome to Commuting 101: your guide to not just surviving, but thriving as a commuter student at King’s.

• Student Services Online has tips on how to keep travel costs down. Your Student Oyster card and 16–25 Railcard are your new BFFs.
• Let your lecturers, personal tutor and your friends know you’re a commuter student. It helps them understand that your routine might look a bit different from other students’. 
• Make sure someone knows where you are, especially if you're heading home late. SafeZone (free for King’s students!) helps you stay safe on campus, and Life360 helps you stay connected with your loved ones whilst you're out.

Commuting is all about how you spin it. Try to focus less on the downsides and more on the positives – like the fact you’ve got built-in study time in your day. My friends are pros at grinding through Anki flashcards on the train or pre-reading lectures. I sometimes use AI tools like NotebookLM to turn my notes into a podcast, which means I can revise while I’m half-asleep and still feel productive.

That doesn’t mean every commute has to be productive. Yes, it can be spent studying or catching up on lectures, but you can also zone out to your ‘main character’ playlist.

Always have a backup plan. Public transport delays? Pack snacks, download lectures in advance, and let your lecturers or tutors know you're delayed – they’ll be understanding. And please don’t beat yourself up if you're late. Life happens!

As a commuter, your time on campus becomes gold. Whether you’re cramming in the library, people-watching at Chapters, or sipping a hot chocolate at Guy’s Café, you’ll find your rhythm and your favourite study base. King’s has 24/7 libraries, quiet zones like Franklin-Wilkins and New Hunt’s House, and plenty of spots with plugs, Wi-Fi, and places to grab snacks.

Worried about missing out? Don’t be. I met some of my best friends through societies (check out dance societies!) and medic events between lectures. There’s always something going on — from KCLSU pop-ups to Chaplaincy free lunches (yes, free pizza!). Stick around when you can, but if you’ve got to run for the train, no stress. Just don’t forget to grab that student meal deal before you go.

Even if you’re only on campus for a few hours, you can make those hours count. Trust me, you’re not ‘missing out’— you’re just experiencing university a bit differently.

Let’s talk about the best part of commuting: coming home. The truth? Commuting can be tiring. You’re balancing travel with a full schedule, and sometimes it feels like you're living in two different worlds. But there’s a huge silver lining, and it’s called home.

After a long day of lectures, there’s just something so comforting about walking through your front door and collapsing into your own bed, maybe even with a home-cooked meal waiting for you. No flatmates blasting music at 2am — just peace.

Plus, your journey home is built-in wind-down time, whether you’re journaling, binge-watching or zoning out to your playlist. You get to fully disconnect from the buzz of London. And once you’re home, you’re really home — in your own little bubble. That reset? Totally worth the commute.

Commuting to King’s might not be what you envisioned as the ‘typical’ university experience, but that’s what makes it special. You’ll find peace in your routine, get stuff done on the go, and turn campus into your second home. From mastering train apps to chasing the best meal deals, you learn as you go.

Take it one day at a time, and don’t stress the hiccups — they’re part of the journey. And if you ever need a break, check out Ken’s guide to hidden gems around King’s and explore some lovely London spots when you can.