Commuting to university

COMMUTING
TO UNIVERSITY

You’re going places, we’ll help you get there!

Student halls not your thing? Do you want to stay closer to family and friends? Maybe you’ve already set up home in the area. With a free shuttle bus between campuses and student discounts available with local travel companies, Kent makes travelling to university simple. 

Meet some of our commuting students

Established home already?

“I was already renting with my partner, in Chatham, so it made more sense for me to commute rather than uproot everything.”

Not ready to leave home?

“I wanted to go to university but I’m very close to my family and didn’t feel ready to leave home. So I decided to commute.”

You can change your mind!

“I commuted from Dover for my first year, but decided I’d be happier living closer to uni, so moved to Canterbury.”

My journey to uni

“The bus stop is right outside my lecture building so I don’t even have to walk!”

Get to know your campus.

Whatever your reasons for commuting, we’re here to help you settle in to uni life. If you can, we recommend spending time on campus before and after lectures or seminars. Our relaxed social spaces are great places to catch up with friends. Many have kitchen facilities such as microwaves and hot water taps, so you can reheat your own food or make yourself a hot drink. If you play a sport, join one of the many clubs: football, hockey, tennis, fencing and many more. You don’t have to live on campus to experience campus life!
Category: Travelling to campus

Whether you’re taking the bus or train, riding your bike or walking, we’ll show you the way.

Category: Find your community

Join the student union’s network for mature, part-time, commuting and caring students.

Insider info.

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Make the most of uni resources

“When I have classes I typically stay on campus all day. That way I’m able to use the resources campus has to offer and I don’t miss out on the campus experience.” Kylie
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Find your on-campus study hub

“Make use of the study spaces: the library’s always quiet early on, then later use the Kent website to find out how many computers are in use in each computer room, go to the least busy room!” Taylah
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Get involved

“I went to every event my department ran in ‘welcome week’, so I had no problem meeting and befriending my course mates.” Josh
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Get travel discounts

“I get discounts on my travel with my Stagecoach bus card and a Santander railcard I received free with my student bank account.” Kristina
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Make the most of uni resources

“When I have classes I typically stay on campus all day. That way I’m able to use the resources campus has to offer and I don’t miss out on the campus experience.” Kylie
star

Find your on-campus study hub

“Make use of the study spaces: the library’s always quiet early on, then later use the Kent website to find out how many computers are in use in each computer room, go to the least busy room!” Taylah
star

Get involved

“I went to every event my department ran in ‘welcome week’, so I had no problem meeting and befriending my course mates.” Josh
star

Get travel discounts

“I get discounts on my travel with my Stagecoach bus card and a Santander railcard I received free with my student bank account.” Kristina
Get into a routine
Commuting gives me a separation between ‘work’ and ‘home’. I make a point of being on campus most days Monday to Friday, my working week.
Alex, President, Mature Student Society

We’re here to help

Study support

Our Student Learning Advisory Service offers study skills and revision support, as well as in-person and online appointments and workshops.

Wellbeing support

Supporting mental health, wellbeing and disability needs is at the heart of what we do. We work with you to make your uni experience one to remember.

Your future

Our careers service helps you to find your future path.

Find what works for you.

Some local students choose to live on campus in their first year and then commute for the rest of their studies; this may be worth considering as an option.

On-campus accommodation