COMMUTING STUDENTS

If you’re considering living at home and commuting to university, Chester has plenty of options and don’t worry, you’ll still be able to access all of the extras that make being a University of Chester student so good. Lots of students choose to commute for all sorts of reasons: to save money, to be near family, to keep a part-time job or simply because they like their home comforts.

Public Transport

Chester has high-quality public transport links within the city itself, and the region beyond, making it really easy to commute. Chester train and bus stations are a 15-minute walk away from our Exton Park learning site, Shrewsbury has a train and bus station nearby, and Warrington has two train stations and a bus station, all within walking distance of the Centre.

Driving

We are able to offer a small number of parking permits to those students who meet the specified criteria; students with disabilities and those who have the furthest to travel are prioritised. As we’re trying to reduce our environmental impact on the historic city centre and the local community, students living in University accommodation are not allowed to bring a car to site.

Induction Process

For many students, the concern around commuting is that they won’t be able to meet people or make friends. Please be reassured that this is the main concern for the vast majority of students – commuting and residential – so you are not alone. Because of this, our student induction process starts even before you arrive, with social media groups to help you find your course mates and those you might share common interests with, virtual events and meetings with your Personal Academic Tutor (PAT) to help you settle in.

Clubs and Societies

An excellent way to integrate at university and meet people is through a club or society. The Freshers’ Fair is a great opportunity to browse what is on offer, and to sign up to things that interest you. Societies can often be the basis of lifelong friendships, leadership opportunities or just a great way to spend time communally doing something you love. It’s important to seize those opportunities as you never know where they might lead.

Ongoing Support

Our personalised learning ethos means that we want to get to know you as an individual to help you develop and grow. Your Personal Academic Tutor will help with that, but it’s good to know that the network of experts in Student Services are also on hand to offer support as and when it is needed.

Social Spaces

Here at Chester, you’ll find cafés, bars, restaurants, common rooms and outdoor spaces designed for students to use when they are not working, as well as our libraries, which are often a social hub, too. Come for your lecture and stay all day.

Top Tips

• Give yourself plenty of time to arrive and recharge before a session starts.

• Use your commuting time on the train to get work done or prepare for teaching sessions.

• Don’t leave straight away after your lessons, make an effort to stay for a while.

For commuting students, we also offer overnight self-catered accommodation at £30 per night*, so you don’t miss a course night out, or can enjoy a weekend on-site or in the city with friends.

* Price is for 2022/23 and is subject to change. Please note that overnight accommodation is subject to availability.