Living at home whilst studying

Getting to campus

Travel is a key part of the decision, so it’s important to understand your options.

Public transport

• Students are entitled to travel discounts. Find out more about bus, rail and coach discounts.
• Regular bus and Metrobus routes linking campuses with Bristol and surrounding areas.
• Bristol has a city-wide e-scooter scheme, run by the city and are subject to local rules, zones and charges.
• Bristol Parkway (for Frenchay Campus) and Bristol Temple Meads (for City Campus) are the nearest main railway stations, with onward travel needed to reach each campus.

Cycling

• Secure bike parking across all campuses.
• Showers, lockers and bike maintenance stations.
• A student cycle loan scheme.

Driving

• Limited on-campus parking is available if you live outside the exclusion zone. Find out if you're eligible for a parking permit.
• Annual and Pay daily permits can be applied for on all campuses.
• Whether you travel by bus, train, bike or car, many students build a routine that fits around their timetable, budget and home life.

Getting to and from UWE Bristol campuses

Spending time on campus

If you’re commuting, having places to study, rest, or socialise between course classes can make a big difference. As a student living at home, you’ll have access to the same facilities as all students, including:

• libraries on all campuses, with quiet study areas, group spaces and extended opening hours
• bookable study rooms for individual or group work
• social and wellbeing spaces, including quieter areas where you can take a break. Plus, areas with microwaves and access to hot water, so you can bring your own food onto campus, keeping your costs manageable
• dedicated facilities such as the Centre for Sport and the Centre for Music on Frenchay Campus, offering opportunities to stay active, be creative and meet people outside your course
• lockers, showers and changing facilities on all campuses, which can be useful if you’re travelling a long way or cycling.

Having access to these spaces means you can make campus work for you. Check out our virtual tour for our campus spaces.

Meeting people and feeling part of university life

Living off campus can feel different from living in university accommodation, particularly at the start.

Some commuter students find it helps to:

• spend more time on campus between teaching sessions
• join societies or social events that run during the day
• chat with people on your course during classes, group projects or through course chats and socials.

Feeling part of university life doesn't happen all at once. For many commuter students, it builds through everyday moments on campus and getting involved in ways that suit you. You can explore societies and events through the Students Union to see what's on and what might fit around your time on campus.