How I made friends as a commuter student
When I decided to commute to the University of Worcester as a mature student, I honestly thought making friends would be a challenge. I imagined I’d miss out on the social buzz that comes with living in student halls and accepted that my university experience would be one of learning only. Despite this, I went into that first semester full of trepidation but with an open heart and a willingness to embrace whatever the experience would be. Two years on, I’ve made some incredible friends and couldn’t have been more wrong about the opportunities that would be available to me.
If you’re planning to commute to university, whether for financial reasons, family commitments or simply because you live nearby let me reassure you: it’s absolutely possible to build a great social life.
Here's how I did it:
Connecting with coursemates
Your course mates are often your first and best chance at making friends, especially in your first semester, and you already have at least one thing in common with all of them.
I made a point to attend all lectures, seminars, and study groups, and I joined in on discussions and activities. My course has a lot of hands on, creative and practical sessions and group projects and jumping feet first into these has been the best thing I’ve done to build friendships. It might feel awkward at first, but being open and engaged is a really great icebreaker.
Keep an open mind and interact with a wide range of people, the first people you sit with or work with might not end up being your closest friends, and that’s completely okay. It’s fine to move between groups as you find where you feel most comfortable.
We also set up a cohort WhatsApp group early on, which became a lifeline for everything from study questions to arranging meetups, especially when I was studying at home or when we were all on practice placements.
Getting involved in student societies
Worcester has over 25 societies and 35 sports clubs, so there really is something for everyone. From Gaming and Poetry to the Garlic Bread Society, these groups meet regularly and host events throughout the year and are super welcoming to new people even if you have no experience. So this really is the time to try something completely new!
Even if you don’t see something that interests you, starting your own society is easier than you think. When I joined, my course didn’t have its own society but with some encouragement between course mates, we started one! It’s now a great way to meet people across different year groups and feel more connected.
Travel and car sharing
Once you start talking to people, you’ll be surprised how many of them are also commuters. After chatting at some welcome events (seriously, go to those!), I found out one of my course mates actually lived on the same street. We started car sharing, which saved us both time and money and gave us a great chance to catch up outside of lectures.
Or maybe you spot the same person on your train every morning? A simple “hi” could lead to a travel buddy and potentially a new friend.
Taking advantage of other opportunities
Don’t just stick to your course bubble. Keep an eye out for roles like Student Ambassador, Department Rep, or other part-time positions on campus. I became a Student Ambassador in my first year, and it was one of the best decisions I made.
Not only did it help me earn some extra money, but it also introduced me to people from other courses and years. The training, like leading campus tours, gave me a deeper appreciation for the university too. I discovered parts of campus I’d never seen just commuting in and out of lectures.
Final thoughts
Being a commuter doesn’t mean missing out. With a bit of effort, an open mind, and a willingness to get involved, you’ll find your people. Friendships can form in lectures, on trains, through societies, or even over garlic bread.
So, if you’re commuting to Worcester, don’t worry, you’re not alone and there are so many ways to make the most of your student life.