Making the most of your time on campus

Being a commuter student can feel a little different from living in halls, but it doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the full university experience.

With a bit of planning and insider knowledge, you can make your time on campus productive, social, and stress-free.

Here are some practical tips to help you feel at home:

Find spaces to relax throughout the day

Campus is full of hidden gems for both study and relaxation.

Quiet study spots: The Edward Boyle Library and Laidlaw Library are perfect for focused work. Look out for silent zones if you need peace and quiet to get some work done between classes.

Social spaces: The Student Union building and Parkinson Court are great for catching up with friends or grabbing a coffee between lectures. You can also discover Great Food at Leeds spots across campus which are great for social and study periods.

Enjoy the outdoors: During sunnier weather, make sure to use the outdoor spaces.

There are some great spaces including the Roger Stevens sustainable garden, St George's field tucked between University road and Cemetery road and the Wildflower and Bee Apiary which are great if you want to enjoy a bit of nature and calm during your day. 

Pro tip: Bookmark the library occupancy tracker online so you can check how busy spaces are before you arrive.

Store your stuff 

Commuting often means carrying more than you’d like which can be inconvenient if you have to drag a lot of items around with you. 

Lockers: You can find lockers across Leeds which can be useful to hold items. Sites like Radical Storage offer storage for a minimum of £2.50 a day.

Commuter accommodation: If you stay overnight using our commuter accommodation, dropping off your items is as easy as getting your key to the room and placing your bags in the room for the day. 

Travel light: Keep a small essentials kit (charger, water bottle, snacks) on you so you’re prepared without lugging everything around.

Make sure to plan your meals

Food is a big part of the day, so plan ahead.

Affordable eats: The Refectory and Student Union cafés offer student-friendly prices. For a quick bite, try the grab-and-go options near the libraries.

There's also plenty of food available around the University and in the city centre, so make sure to factor food into your commute so you don't go hungry.

Bring your own food: Packing lunch saves money and time. There are microwaves in the Student Union for reheating food, so you can heat up food if you prefer a warm meal. 

Plan your day

Commuting means you’ll want to make every minute count.

Use gaps wisely: During the day, schedule study sessions or society meetings between long breaks to avoid wasted time.

Check transport apps: Use apps like First Bus or National Rail to monitor delays and plan your journey home.

Pro Tip: If you have a late lecture, consider staying for an evening event or study session, alternatively you could use our commuter accommodation to stay the evening so you don't have to rush for transport. 

Stay connected

It’s easy to feel disconnected when you’re not living on campus, but there are plenty of ways to get involved.

Join societies: Many societies hold lunchtime or early evening events which are perfect for commuters.

There's even a commuters society, which brings together like-minded commuter students through accessible 'rush-hour socials', the aim of which is that every student (no matter their transport arrangements or distance from the centre of Leeds) should be able to attend.

Use online communities: Engage with Residence Life and student groups on social media to stay in the loop about events and opportunities.

Commuting doesn’t have to mean missing out. Whether it’s finding your favourite study spot, joining a society, or discovering the best places to eat, Leeds has plenty to offer!