Essex aims to be most commuter-friendly university in Eastern region

The University of Essex has launched an ambitious support package to make it the most commuter-friendly university in the eastern region.

Rather than expecting students to fit the traditional university model, the new offer is designed to fit around them and to encourage a sense of belonging from the start.

From easier travel and flexible access to facilities at the Colchester Campus to new student spaces and fresh ways to build friendships, the Essex Commuter Offer focuses on one clear goal: ensuring students who live at home feel just as much a part of university life as those who live on campus.

The far-ranging plans developed in partnership with the Students’ Union include a new shuttle bus service for students connecting Colchester Campus to the city’s train stations to make travelling to the University as straightforward as possible.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Designate) Professor Chris Greer said: “Commuting students are a growing part of our community, so we want to remove barriers, improve access and ensure that every student, regardless of where they live, can have a great experience and participate fully in university life.

“By investing in new spaces, services and connectivity, we are strengthening Essex’s position as the regional university of choice for commuting students.

“These changes are designed to remove the small barriers that often add up, making it easier for students to stay on campus longer, get involved, and feel a real part of our community.

“The message is simple: you don’t have to move away from home to move forward.”

There is a growing trend for UK students to choose to live at home while studying and the comprehensive package of measures has been developed in partnership with students and the Students’ Union. At the moment around 30% of Essex students are classed as commuters, but the national figure is close to 50%.

The new offer also reflects a wider shift in how students approach university - one where flexibility, affordability, and community matter more than ever.

• Key elements to support students and increase access to campus life are:
• Additional student lounges, where students can rest, store belongings, prepare hot food and drinks, and spend time between lectures
• Commuter-focused welcome activity and regular events, including free commuter breakfast events, designed to support early connection and confidence
• A new commuter society within the Students' Union and an elected Commuting Students' Council Representative, to bring students together, coordinate events, offer extra support and ensure their views are represented within the student community.
• A new off-peak gym pass tailored to commuter attendance patterns.
• Affordable short stay accommodation for students who wish to stay on campus for society events, sports fixtures and social activities.

On top of this, the University is making practical changes to help students with the day-to-day commuter experience including:

• A shuttle service linking the campus with Colchester rail stations
• Dedicated commuter parking provision
• Promotion of car sharing, cycling and active travel options

Students’ Union leaders have welcomed the heightened focus on the commuter student experience.

University of Essex Students’ Union President Alex Sablich said: “It’s really positive to see this package come together after sustained work from the Students’ Union to highlight the needs of commuting students. I’m proud that we’ve been able to work closely with the University to turn that feedback into real changes, from a free shuttle bus to a dedicated commuter student society.

“Living off campus shouldn’t be a barrier to having a great student experience, and this is a strong step towards making sure that every Essex student feels included and supported.”

In-depth look at the plans

At the heart of the plans is a commitment to creating dedicated commuter spaces across campus. New lounges will provide comfortable, non-academic environments where students can relax between lectures, store belongings, prepare hot food and drinks and remain on campus throughout the day. The initiative recognises that commuting students often lack a central base on campus and aims to address that gap directly.

Alongside improvements to space, the University is introducing a programme of commuter-specific activity to strengthen connection and belonging. This includes regular free commuter breakfast events, dedicated welcome week provision, tailored campus tours and the establishment of a commuter society and an elected representative for commuters on the Students' Council.

Practical travel and access measures form another key strand of the approach. Enhanced parking arrangements for first-year undergraduates, clearer allocation of commuter parking spaces, promotion of car share and cycling schemes, and a proposed shuttle service connecting the campus with Colchester railway stations are intended to make commuting simpler and more reliable for regional students.

The University is also expanding flexible options that help commuting students access facilities and activities. These include the new off-peak gym pass tailored to commuter attendance patterns, and more affordable short stay accommodation for students who wish to remain on campus overnight to take part in society events, sport fixtures and social activities.