Commuting to University: Tips to make the journey enjoyable

Commuting to waterside campus

For many students, commuting to university is an integral part of their daily routine. While it might seem like a mundane task, there are ways to transform your daily commute into an enjoyable and productive experience.

I live 35 minutes away from the University of Northampton waterside campus and find it easier to walk every day instead of taking 2 buses, which would take nearly the same amount of time if we don’t consider the waiting time.

Planning your journey to campus

I personally love walking and hiking especially on a warm sunny day which is  rare in the UK. During those non sunny days, I make sure to carry my headset so I could enjoy my annoying music playlist early in the morning. Music has the power to set the tone for your day. Curate a playlist of your favorite tunes that energize you and help you start the day on a positive note. Whether you’re on a bus, train, or driving your car, music can uplift your spirits and make the journey more enjoyable.

Choose your travelling content

I occasionally listen to audiobooks to catch up on the 50 half-read books from my past. I somehow always leave my books half-read and need to finish them using audiobooks to know the endings, as I get easily distracted otherwise. I would also suggest listening to podcasts or Ted talks if that interests you. Engaging with interesting content can make your travel time feel purposeful and enrich your knowledge.

Second, I would suggest to capture ideas, especially for students who are travelling a longer distance like from London, Manchester, Coventry, etc. Keep a notebook or a note-taking app handy to jot down ideas that come to mind during your commute.

Whether it’s for a class project, a personal endeavour, or creative writing, your commute can be a wellspring of inspiration. If you’re travelling by public transport, take the time to appreciate the passing scenery. Sometimes, a moment of visual beauty can be a wonderful way to start your day.

Switch it up or get talking to your fellow commuter

Thirdly, If you’re not the only one commuting, strike up a conversation with your fellow traveller/s. Sharing experiences, ideas, and thoughts on the weather can make the journey more enjoyable and might even lead to new friendships.

Last but not least, explore new routes: I usually take the shortest way to reach the university since I am always running late. However, if miraculously I have a few extra minutes, I tend to opt for the longer route with parks.

Here, I can relish the tranquillity away from road noises and appreciate the beauty of the swans. So if possible, switch up your commute occasionally. Exploring different routes can make the journey feel less routine and add a sense of adventure to your day.

We have lots of different options for you to get to waterside campus. if you are not living in the campus halls of residence. If you are thinking of driving, there are lots of palces to park off campus nearby, however if you want to know more about parking on campus visit our webpages.

Sunrita Bhattacharyya

Sunrita Bhattacharyya is currently doing an MBA at UON. She has previously studied a Bachelor’s in Civil engineering from Lithuania. She is known for her love of adventure and fun, with a keen interest in exploring new places through travel. Sunrita has travelled to more than 15 countries in the last 5 years. Sunrita plans on becoming a sales and marketing specialist. When she is not immersed in MBA projects, you'll likely find Sunrita planning her next travel escapade or seeking exciting activities to add to my list of experiences.