The Iglu Guide | Blog
The hidden costs of a longer commute to university
Choosing between living close to university and finding cheaper accommodation further out is a decision almost every student faces. Cutting back on rent can seem like the obvious way to save, particularly for students managing a tight budget. But the weekly price tag rarely tells the whole story. Where you live not only affects your bank balance, it can also impact your academic performance, state of mind and ability to fully experience university life. Here’s what to weigh up before you sign a lease.
Accommodation costs
As the largest line item on your budget, it’s only right that the price of rent should be first on your target list when balancing the books. On paper, cheaper accommodation outside the city centre can seem an attractive option. However, transport costs can quickly reduce those savings, especially if you’re on campus or using uni facilities five days a week. Additional considerations are:
- Train, bus or tram fares, or petrol and parking
- Taxis or rideshares home after late classes
- Unexpected extra travel costs while travelling such as food/drinks
- Working around delays and service disruptions
Before you commit, add up your total weekly costs rather than looking at rent in isolation. Living somewhere like Iglu Central, a short walk from UTS and close to Central Station, can take daily fares out of the equation and make your budget far more predictable.
The true price of a commute
Time is one of your most valuable resources. The idea of a 45-minute commute might sound fine on the surface, but add it up over a week and suddenly you’re looking at 7.5 hours of travel time. That’s time that could be better spent studying, working, socialising or exploring your new city. Additionally, a long commute can make it harder to:
- Attend early lectures or stay on for evening activities
- Fit part-time work around your classes
- Head home between lectures
- Maintain a consistent daily routine.
Students living closer to university have greater flexibility in their schedule to use small gaps in their timetable more productively. A shorter commute will put you in charge of your schedule, rather than the other way around. Students at Iglu Melbourne Central, in the heart of the CBD near RMIT, can pop home between classes instead of waiting out the gaps on campus.
Impact on academics
Academic success is about more than time spent attending lectures. Students also need time to prep work, research, collaborate and complete assignments, let alone revise for exams. Long commutes can make it more challenging to establish consistent study routines, particularly during busy assessment periods. Factor in potential travel delays, and the risk of late arrivals and missed classes gets even higher. Students living further away may also be less inclined to take advantage of after-hours optional study support opportunities, academic events or group projects.
Easy access to libraries, workshops and academic support makes independent learning much smoother, while dedicated study areas and reliable Wi-Fi at home help you move between lectures, study and downtime. Think about how and where you study best. From Iglu Redfern, close to the University of Sydney, the library is only minutes away, and study spaces at home keep your routine on track.
Lifestyle balance
Quality of accommodation can have a huge impact on your university experience. Location is important, but students also need access to practical study spaces when they get home. Accommodation located further away tends to be private rentals with a risk of crowded households, a lack of privacy and limited working spaces. Additionally, there is the idea of what you’re potentially missing out on. University life is about more than academics. It’s about meeting people, getting involved, sharing experiences and taking opportunity. Long commutes can make that task even harder, and this is particularly challenging for international students who need to:
- Make new friends and establish a network
- Practise conversational English
- Familiarise with Aussie culture
- Develop confidence and independence
Living amongst an active student network can make these opportunities much more accessible, improve emotional wellbeing and help new students feel settled. At Iglu Brisbane City, close to QUT Gardens Point, a ready-made community of students is right on your doorstep.
Preparing for life beyond uni
University is also a time to develop skills, experiences and professional connections that will support your future employment. A demanding commute can cost you the opportunity to take real advantage of available support, as this often happens outside scheduled lectures. Living close to a well-connected city location can make it easier to participate in:
- Student fairs and networking events
- Student leadership activities
- Extracurricular opportunities
- Building relationships with industry professionals
Think about your career goals and what will help you reach them. Iglu Melbourne City, close to the University of Melbourne, puts you in the middle of the CBD, where many of those opportunities happen.
How to choose?
It’s always important to do the maths, but make sure you look beyond the numbers and consider the hidden costs by asking:
- How long will it take me to get to uni each day?
- How much will transport cost, and how direct is my route?
- Can I walk or cycle to campus?
- Are the study facilities sufficient for my needs?
- How convenient is the location to participate in student life?
- Can I access a supportive student community?
- What will my additional expenses be after the rent is paid?
- How well can I be supported to plan for the future?
Frequently asked questions
Not always. Rent is often lower further out, but fares, travel time and spending on the go can quickly cancel out the savings. Comparing your total weekly costs gives a far more accurate picture than rent alone.
More than most students expect. Besides travel costs, a 45-minute trip each way adds up to 7.5 hours a week over five days on campus. That’s a full day you could spend studying, working or socialising.
It can make a real difference. Living nearby makes it easier to use the library, join group projects and attend study support sessions, and it reduces the stress of travel delays during exams and assessment periods.
Living close to campus and among other students makes it easier to make friends, practise English and get to know Australian culture. It also cuts down on navigating an unfamiliar transport system every day.
Purpose-built student accommodation is often located near major campuses. Iglu has properties close to universities in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, including UTS, the University of Sydney, RMIT, the University of Melbourne and QUT.
