As we are now halfway through the year you may be finding that the halls/shared housing life isn’t for you. That is perfectly fine.
I lived in halls in my first year and shared housing in my second. It wasn’t until final year that I realised I missed the countryside and my family too much. I was going home to see my family twice a week sometimes and I realised it would just be easier to live at home. My train takes around 40 minutes and I would happily take those crowded trains if it made my life happier in the long run. (I advise avoiding rush hour times because it really isn’t worth the stress!)
I know some of you may live a great distance from home so commuting may not be an option for you. However, for those of you who live closer by, I really do recommend it. Not only will you be able to live in the comfort of your own home, you won’t feel homesick or lonely, and you will be saving loads of money that you would have spent living away. It’s especially good in final year as you have a lot less contact hours at uni. I’m only in twice a week so it works out great for me.
The negative side of commuting is the fact you will miss out on some things going on at uni or with your friends. I had to stop going to societies because they were at 9pm and wouldn’t finish until 11pm and then I would have to catch my train home… And then be up at 6am the next morning for uni. Also, an issue I have is I can’t stay for late study sessions with my friends as that means getting home super late. That is something to note if you are heavily invested in these kinds of things. I am quite sociable, but I prefer being at home with family more so that was the deciding factor for me.
Overall I think commuting is definitely something to consider if you are not enjoying your current living situation.
If you have any questions please leave them in the comments.
I hope you all enjoy your Christmas holidays and I will speak to you all in the new year!
Ya girl
Jade x