Commuting to university
Commuting from home can save money and offer flexibility, while you can still get involved in student life and the social side of university.
Like all our students, you'll have access to:
- a Welcome Buddy when you start your course
- libraries and study spaces
- student services, such as careers and wellbeing support
- part-time jobs and volunteering opportunities
- Students' Union spaces in Cambridge, Chelmsford and Writtle, open 24/7 with microwaves, board games, Xboxes and spots to study, eat and relax
- student societies and events
- sports facilities
- software such as Office 365 and Teams, through your ARU student account
- a great range of student discounts through your TOTUM card, including travel discounts.
You'll find changing and shower facilities and kitchen/food prep areas on all campuses.
Living at home will not make your university experience any less exciting. There is still full access to resources [and] I have made great friends.
Sinead, Primary Education Studies studentIf you get here early or have some spare time between classes, there are lots of areas to explore including:
- Students' Union spaces in Cambridge, Chelmsford and Writtle
- libraries, where you can find a place to study
- restaurants and cafés
- quiet spaces – inside and out – where you can study or relax
- open-access computer areas in Cambridge and Chelmsford
- kitchen or food preparation areas on all campuses.
You'll find plenty of cycle parking on campus, and some great discounts at local cycle stores (just show your ARU student ID card). We also run free Dr Bike maintenance sessions, usually once a term, on all campuses.
Wondering about the best route? Check our travel pages for Cambridge, Chelmsford, Peterborough or Writtle.
If you've cycled in and you want to freshen up before classes, feel free to use the shower facilities at:
- Helmore Gym in Cambridge
- The Old Factory in Chelmsford
- University House in Peterborough.
- Recreation Centre in Writtle
Just head to reception when you get there and let them know.
Check My ARU student intranet for details of cycle discounts (ARU login required) or follow @arugreen on Instagram.
Commuting to campus doesn't mean you have to miss out on student life.
Keep an eye on social media and your student intranet, My ARU, to see what's on. There are lots of daytime activities taking place throughout the year.
The Union also hosts regular events that are always fun to get involved with. They have an Inclusivity Fund, which can help towards the cost of taking part in certain activities.
It's likely that some of your course mates will also commute in, and you might even find someone to travel with. You can also join a student society called I Am Going Home After This to connect with other students and enjoy social events.
If you want to stay close to campus for a night or two during the week, we can offer short-term accommodation in Cambridge or Chelmsford (subject to availability).
- In Cambridge, this accommodation is in Anastasia House, just over the road from campus.
- In Chelmsford, it's in the Student Village.
- We don't have campus accommodation in Peterborough, but we can tell you about options nearby.
If university accommodation is temporarily full, our Housing Team can help you find short-stay options nearby.
