University is considered a right of passage for most and it's only assumed that everyone will move straight into halls for their first year. Let me assure you that this is not the case. If you've been reading this blog for a while now, you would know that I dropped out of university last year after just one semester. Part of this was due to the crappy course I was on, part of it was because I made like two friends but a large part of it was because I hated living in halls. I was lucky since my university was a half an hour drive away from my house, meaning that I could go home easily whenever I wanted, but I realised pretty early on that living in halls just wasn't for me. This post isn't meant to scare or intimidate anyone who's just applied to uni, because after all, I am just one person and I know plenty of people who have thrived whilst living in halls, however maybe it will reassure the handful of people out there who are considering commuting from home but are concerned, that commuting is perfectly normal and that there's nothing to worry about.

I feel as though people often consider commuters as boring since they're missing out on the social scene in halls. In fact, if I had a penny for the amount of times neighbours or other random people question me why I commute, my purse would be full. They all voice the same concerns about me missing out on the social side of uni and quite frankly it pisses me off. I used to get quite flustered and self conscious whenever the topic of uni would come up in conversations and it's only after attending uni for two months and meeting half a dozen commuters that it's made me not give a toss about their opinions. You know what, I'm so much more happier commuting to university every day than when I was living in halls last year, and that's the most important thing. My life motto at the moment is you do you, and I'll do me.

If you're worried about being the only commuter, don't be. I was too and within the first few weeks of uni I had met 3 other people on just my course alone/taking one of my modules who were all commuting. Apart from one girl I often get the train with, we all come from different directions. I've also made friends with lots of other people on my course who live in halls, most of them are having a fab time, some of them don't get along with their flatmates but that's just proof that your course mates are just as important as your flatmates. I was initially worried that people living in halls would look down on me for living at home, but not one person I've met so far has criticised me. It's refreshing not to be asked invasive questions about my reasons for living at home and I feel so grateful that I've managed to make friends with such lovely people.

Don't get me wrong, commuting has its disadvantages - sometimes my train is delayed, I have to get up earlier than most people and most of my modules involve group work, meaning it can be a struggle to find the time to meet up to work. On the other hand, the train journey is a perfect time to study, I don't have to worry about getting homesick and I'm also saving SO MUCH MONEY (which is honestly a relief after wasting so much money when I dropped out of uni last year). I'm glad that my student loan is enough to cover my train tickets as well as food from the M&S at the train station which tempts me every single day but it's also nice to have the extra money from working part time too.

At this moment in time, I don't know where the future will take me. Most of my friends who live in halls are already looking at houses for next year and I still haven't decided whether to start looking with them or continue to commute. Honestly, I actually don't mind living at home but I'm also not against living at university so we'll just have to wait and see.

If you're considering commuting to university, I would 100% recommend it but it's completely up to you. Don't just go along with what everyone else is doing and actually put your needs first. Living at home works for some people and doesn't for others. Just do whatever makes you feel the most comfortable and remember, whatever you choose, you're not alone.