Commuting and Living Locally

Our Carlisle campuses sit at the heart of the city and are easily accessible by:

• M6, A69 and A595
• Bus routes across North Cumbria
• Carlisle railway station (10–15-minute walk or short bus ride away)
• Local cycling routes
• On-site parking options

Many students commute daily from:

• Penrith
• Wigton
• Brampton
• Workington
• Dumfries & Galloway

The two Carlisle campuses are just over a mile apart, either side of the city centre, making it easy to move between them. Both locations benefit from immediate access to the city’s shops, transport links and student amenities, so everything you need is within easy reach.

Our Lancaster campus is centrally located and easily accessible by:

• M6 (Junctions 33/34)
• Regular bus routes across Lancaster and Morecambe
• Lancaster railway station (direct West Coast Main Line connections)
• Local cycling and walking routes
• On-site parking options

Many students commute daily from:

• Morecambe
• Preston
• Garstang
• Blackpool
• North Yorkshire
• South Cumbria

Located within a well-connected student area of the city, the Lancaster campus benefits from excellent transport links and easy access to local shops, cafés and amenities. Everything you need to study, connect and thrive is nearby.

Our Ambleside campus is set in the heart of the Lake District and is easily accessible by:

• A591 (linking to the M6 at Junction 36)
• Regular bus routes connecting Windermere, Kendal and Keswick
• Windermere railway station (10–15-minute bus ride away)
• Local cycling and walking routes
• On-site parking options

Many students commute daily from:

• Windermere
• Kendal
• Keswick
• Penrith
• Ulverston

Located within one of the UK’s most inspiring landscapes, the Ambleside campus combines a peaceful study environment with strong transport links across South Cumbria. With local amenities, cafés and outdoor spaces close by, you’ll find a campus that supports focused learning and a balanced student experience.

Our Barrow campus is well connected and easily accessible by:

• A590 (linking to the M6 at Junction 36)
• Regular bus routes across Barrow and South Cumbria
• Barrow-in-Furness railway station (short bus ride or walk, with links to Lancaster and the West Coast Main Line)
• Local cycling and walking routes
• Nearby parking options

Many students commute daily from:

• Ulverston
• Kendal
• Millom
• Askam-in-Furness
• Grange-over-Sands
• Furness Peninsula communities

Located close to the town centre, the Barrow campus benefits from strong local transport links and easy access to shops, cafés and everyday amenities. It offers a focused, supportive learning environment that fits around work, family and existing commitments.

Our London campus is centrally located within East London near Canary Wharf and easily accessible by:

• London Underground and Overground services
• Major bus routes across the capital
• National Rail connections into central London
• Cycling routes and pedestrian access
• Nearby public parking options

Many students commute daily from:

• East London
• North London
• Essex
• Kent
• South London

Based in one of the world’s most connected cities, the London campus offers excellent transport links and immediate access to professional networks, cultural venues and career opportunities. It’s a dynamic, well-connected environment where you can study, grow and thrive without relocating.

You’re welcome to stay on campus between sessions, with access to:

• Libraries
• Quiet study rooms
• Group work areas
• Social learning spaces

Where possible, we aim to:

• Avoid large gaps between classes
• Cluster teaching sessions
• Provide predictable schedules to help you plan your week

Everything you need for a full day on campus is available, including:

• Wi-Fi across campus
• Vending machines, water fountains, kettles and microwaves
• Lockers on selected sites
• Students’ Union spaces
• Cafés and informal seating areas
• Multi-faith/prayer rooms

Commuting doesn’t mean missing out. You can get involved in:

• Societies and sports clubs
• Events and trips
• Volunteering opportunities
• Careers and employability support

Academic skills workshops and drop-in sessions

A commuter student is someone who travels to campus for their teaching rather than living in university accommodation. This might mean living at your family home or in your own local accommodation and travelling in for lectures and study.

Yes. A growing number of students across the UK choose to live at home during university to reduce costs and maintain local commitments. Commuting is now a normal and well-supported way to study.

No. You’ll still attend lectures, work on group projects, join societies, access support services and build friendships. Many of our students commute, so you won’t be the only one balancing study with travel.

Yes. Many students at Cumbria commute, so you’ll meet others with similar routines and travel patterns. You’ll attend the same lectures, access the same facilities, and take part in the same societies and events. Living at home doesn’t limit your involvement or sense of community.

Friendships often form through your course, group work, societies and shared study spaces. Many commuting students also connect with others travelling from similar areas, sharing lifts or coordinating train times. Being on campus for full study days helps you build strong relationships naturally.

With planning, commuting is very manageable. Many students attend campus 2–4 days per week and stay for a full study day rather than travelling back and forth. Timetables are structured to reduce unnecessary gaps where possible.

In most cases, yes. Some students choose to commute in their first year and move into accommodation later, or vice versa. Flexibility allows you to decide what works best for your circumstances.

Not usually. Many courses combine on-campus teaching with independent study and online learning. Timetables are often structured to cluster sessions where possible, helping you plan your week effectively.

Yes. Our campuses in Carlisle, Lancaster, Ambleside, Barrow-in-Furness and London are well connected by road and public transport. Many students travel daily from surrounding towns and counties.

Living at home often reduces costs significantly. You avoid rent deposits and accommodation contracts, lower your day-to-day living expenses and reduce moving costs. Many commuting students graduate with less financial pressure.

Travel costs vary depending on distance and transport type. However, many students find that even with travel expenses, commuting is significantly cheaper than paying for rent, deposits and full living costs. Railcards, bus passes and carsharing can further reduce expenses.

Commuting can offer financial savings, emotional support from home, greater flexibility to balance work or family responsibilities, and continuity in your local community. It allows you to build your future without putting the rest of your life on hold.

Yes. Commuting is particularly popular with mature students, carers, students with part-time jobs, or those with family commitments. It allows you to balance university with other important responsibilities.

Yes. Students have full access to academic support, wellbeing services, careers guidance and campus facilities regardless of where they live. Commuting does not reduce the level of support available.