When I applied to Stirling University, I was asked by UCAS if I was planning to stay on campus or stay at home. I reasoned that if I went to Stirling, I should stay at home. Since I only live around a half hour drive away, and that taking out a student loan to pay for accommodation might not be worth it. However, at 16 when I applied, I fully expected that 18-year-old me would be able to drive.
I took a gap year after school and deferred my university place. This year I moved out, so my driving lessons weren’t regular enough to make my instructor believe I was ready for the test.
As the time ticked down to starting first year, I was in denial that I was going to have to take the bus into university. This specific bus turns a 30 minute drive at most, into at least a 50 minute one, because it stops everywhere. It doesn’t have a late timetable, and only comes once an hour. Also, this isn’t the only bus I would have to get, as I would need to take the Uni Link from the city centre.
However, as a young Scottish adult, bus travel is convenient due to the Scottish bus pass scheme. This meant that travel costs were not an issue.
When I first had to get the bus into university during welcome week, I was surprised by the ease of the journey. Even though it takes over an hour each way, I was happy with my choice. I also noticed that I was not the only person who regularly used this bus to get to Stirling University. It wasn’t until first semester progressed that staying at home became an issue.
Due to my bus home not running a late timetable, if I wanted to attend an evening society meeting, or go out with friends, I would need to organise a lift home the day before. This has mostly worked well, but sometimes is just not possible, and as my social calendar began filling up, I did have to begin saying no to people because I wouldn’t have a way of getting home.
This was especially bad when the roadworks in Causewayhead were still there, as it made getting the Uni Link back in time for the last bus home stressful, even when I left in plenty of time.
Another con is that I have two 9am lectures, and to get to them on time I have to be up for a 7am bus. A positive of this though is that I am mostly on time for lectures, unless of course I miss the bus, or it comes late.
I am glad though, that I live in Stirlingshire. Talking to other first year students who are commuting, there are students getting here regularly from much further distances than me by train, from regions such as Ayrshire and Lothian.
I’ve also met first year students who already live in Stirling, or like me Stirlingshire, where commuting was a no brainer for them.
Do I still think that taking out a student loan to pay for my accommodation wouldn’t be worth it? I do. Due to commuting I have a job where I live, I’m saving money, and I enjoy being able to still do things with my family. When you find your friends, you are not left out of plans due to not living on campus, instead you make solutions that work. So, if you’re thinking about commuting to university next year, I would encourage you to!
Arts Editor - get in touch via arts@brignews.com
Journalism and English student.
