Four students walk through the Dumfries Campus

As a home student, your university experience might be slightly different from those living in student accommodation. But different isn't a bad thing - and remember that many UofG students commute, so you're not alone! Below, you will find information on a range of topics to help you take control and make being a home student work for you.

Living at Home

There are both pros and cons to being a home student and although every student is different, the comments below reflect things current home students at the University of Glasgow have told us about their experiences. For most home students the perks outweigh the challenges, and there are lots of opportunities to make the most of being a home student.  

 

Challenges of Living at Home 

  • Depending on where your home is, commuting to university can take up a lot of time. You might need to leave social events early to catch the last bus or train home. Commuting can also tiring, stressful, unreliable and expensive
  • Some home students might struggle to meet other students at university because they don't live in university accommodation or near campus. Having to commute can sometimes feel a little isolating and you might struggle to get involved with night time events or club nights
  • If you live with your parents or guardians, you might find you don't get the independence that you get when you move out and you might feel like you're missing out on this part of university
  • You'll have to budget for getting to uni if you don't live within walking distance

 

Perks of Living at Home 

  • You might be able to save money on renting a property if you are still living with family members
  • You might find it easier to stay in contact with friends from your school or community and keep up with hobbies or activities you got involved in prior to university
  • You can enjoy home comforts like eating home cooked meals, sleeping in your own bed and spending time with family, friends and pets
  • You don't need to update your contact details for your address or worry about changing doctors or dentist 

Travel

Depending on your timetable, you'll probably be travelling to campus most weekdays for lectures and teaching. Here are some tips from other home students on using your commute time effectively. 

  • Study: pick manageable tasks such as reading for the day ahead, writing up lecture notes or revising 
  • Read: for your course or just a book or magazine of your choice!
  • Listen: there are loads of free and interesting podcasts and audiobooks you can access online. You can listen to something relevant to your degree, something fun or just whatever you want to get ready for your day.
  • Travel with someone else: you might be travelling with a friend or family member too
  • Learn something new: download a brain training app or Duolingo to learn a new language! 

If you commute home at night, whether from a night out or or a late library session, it’s important that you keep yourself safe! Here are some top suggestions. 

  • SafeZone: the SafeZone app is an app that is monitored 24 hours a day by the UofG security team, ensuring your safety and security. It can be used if you have any general enquiries, for emergencies, or if you need medical assistance. So if you ever feel unsafe, use the app and the security team will assist you however they can.
  • Safe Taxi Scheme: this is an initiative to ensure that if you’re alone with no money, you can make it home safely by using your student card as payment. 
  • Sleepover: staying with a friend who lives close to campus is a really great way to avoid you commuting home alone after a late night event, and also a great way to get to know them!

Travel

 

Commuting

  • Maps and travel information are available for all 3 campuses, including travel to and around each
  • Parking
    • Gilmore Hill campus: Blue Badge holders can apply for a free permit
    • Garscube campus: commuting students can apply for a permit for an annual fee; Blue Badge holders can apply for a free permit 
  • Cycle lockers are available on campus for cycle commuters
  • Travel Bursaries: the University offers travel bursaries to assist with public transport travel costs to support students who might face financial difficulties in taking up their place to study
  • Storage lockers in JMS are bookable daily via an app, and mean you don't have to haul your belongings around campus all day!
  • Travel discounts

Unexpected closures, class cancellations, and travel delays

  •  Make sure you check emails and notifications before travelling
  • Check for severe weather warnings and don't travel if it's not safe to do so
  • If you're delayed by weather, travel disruption or other circumstances, let your lecturer or tutor know as soon as possible

 

Finances

 

  • Accommodation costs

 

Social & peer networks

Building social & peer learning networks

  • Mature Students’ Association
  • Clubs & Societies
  • Diversity in the classroom
  • Peer learning
  • Social networks for life
  • Social networks for learning
  • Commuter Café

What to do if finding friends is difficult - advice from fellow home students

  • University can be fast-paced and the number of opportunities overwhelming. However, we know from current and former home students that many regret not getting involved in activities earlier in their degree. So find out what opportunities are available and what your priorities are and jump right in - you don't want to get to the end and wish you'd got involved in more! 
  • If you are really struggling to make friends, remember that it doesn’t always happen instantly and most students report feeling lonely while adjusting to life at university. Getting involved in activities and studying with your classmates, are two of the best ways to meet people and make friends
  • Although things might get difficult at times, remember there are so many services and people to support you through, including the SRC and your College Student Support Officer – you’re never alone at UofG!
  • Remember that many people will be in the same situation as you, even though it can sometimes feel like everyone else has made loads of friends when you haven’t. This is absolutely not the case and you are not alone.
  • Hear from students like you using Unibuddy.

 

Academic

Just like all students, you will need to plan your time and your studies. You'll get your class timetable at the start of semester and you'll need to make your own study and revision timetable to stick to your deadlines and stay on top of your work. Some of your learning will happen on campus, and some at home.

Studying on campus

You'll need to allocate time for your commute from home if you're coming onto campus for classes, lectures or activities. If you don't have time to go home during the day, you'll need to bring everything that you need for the day ahead - whether that's a laptop, your lunch, sports equipment, a change of clothes, books or sets of notes for multiple classes. You will have free time between your different classes and you can use this time to study, relax or get to know campus.

Student Learning Development is the go-to place for developing your academic capabilities. They offer everything from maths & stats support to writing & dissertation classes, exam guidance to digital skills. They have in-person and online options, and a range of resources you can access anywhere at any time. 

Peer learning schemes operate across the University, and can be a brilliant way to enhance your learning - and meet new people!

Studying off campus

If you need to study at home, talk to the people you live with about how they can help. Set clear boundaries so that family and friends respect your study time and space. Talking to people at home about your studies can make them feel involved - and be useful for your learning if they help you be accountable for meeting learning goals, or offer a listening ear for your revision.    

Explore other places near home where you can study. Cafes or local community libraries can be good environments to work in. If another university is close to where you live, you may be able to access its library through the SCONUL scheme.

Dealing with problems

  • Extenuating circumstances: if you will be unable to meet a deadline due to difficult circumstances, you can apply for an extension or adjustment through the Extenating Circumstances process.
  • Student Support Officers: your College SSO is your first port-of-call for any query or concern you have about your studies or student life.

 

Wellbeing & disability

Careers & employability

The Careers, Employability & Opportunity team can advise you on a range of ways to enhance your experience. You can also access specialist support on equality and diversity employment issues (for example due to age or disability).

Parents & carers

If you have parental or caring responsibilities, you may face extra challenges whilst studying. You can access advice, information and guidance from the University to help you balance your responsibilities effectively. Visit the Student Parents and Carers webpage for more details.

Mature students (21+)

If you're over 21 when you start your course, you count as a 'mature student' - and we know that older students are more likely to commute than their younger counterparts. 

Some mature students can feel different from their coursemates and appreciate making connections with other mature students across the University. If this is what you're looking for, we recommend contacting the Mature Students' Association. This friendly, student-run organisation is the go-to for connection, advice, and practical support for mature students.