Policy
'I'm missing out': The hidden cost of university for commuter students
Published June 27, 2026
The article explores the growing trend of "commuter students" who cannot afford to live away from home during their university studies. It highlights the case of a 19-year-old University College London student who spends hours waiting on campus between lectures and evening events due to a three-hour round trip, often becoming too exhausted to stay for careers events or society meetings.
Experts warn that maintenance loans and grants are failing to cover the real costs of accommodation, forcing students from poorer backgrounds to limit their educational and social opportunities. This financial pressure not only affects academic engagement but also restricts access to extracurricular activities that are crucial for graduate employability and personal development, raising questions about equitable access to higher education for all young people.
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