Traveling to campus from outside Stirling this semester? From saving money on your journey to finding quiet spaces to unwind, here are a few practical tips to help make commuting work for you.

Saving on travel

Take the time to do some research into whether you can save money on transport.

If you’re under 22, you’re entitled to free bus travel across Scotland with a National Entitlement Card. Lots of bus companies also offer student discounts on daily, weekly or monthly tickets – check your local provider’s website to see what’s available.

Students travelling by train can save with a 16-25 Railcard, which offers a third off most fares. It usually costs around £35 for the year, and full-time students over 25 are still eligible. Where possible, try to travel off-peak – there’s a big saving to be made by doing this.

If you take your car to campus, you can cut costs – and make your journey more sustainable – by car sharing with other students. The Commuting Students Network is a great way to meet students who are travelling from your area, or your local council might have lift share information on their website.

Use your commute to your advantage

Travel time doesn’t have to be wasted time. If it suits your routine, you could use it to revise, catch up on reading, or listen to a lecture recording – giving you a head start on the rest of your day or freeing up some time in the evening.

Or, if you need that time to unwind, make it something to enjoy. Listen to your favourite podcast, get into an audiobook, or create a playlist that suits your mood.

Make the most of being on campus

If you’ve got a few hours between classes, use them to your advantage.

Fit in a study session in the library or study zone, print off some revision materials using the facilities on campus, or get some time in with your personal tutor if you have a question about your course. You could also make an appointment with Student Learning Services to get feedback on a specific piece of work or advice on finding a study strategy that works for you.

And don’t forget to check to see if there are any Be Connected events running – these are a great way to switch off from your studies, meet other students and have fun.

Discover spaces to unwind on campus

Commuting can be tiring, and some days you might just need a quiet space to recharge. There are several calm spots on campus where you can take a break and look after your wellbeing:

• Loch View wellbeing suite – with a sensory room, massage chair, crafts area, tea and coffee station, fridge and much more.
• Library wellbeing space – located on level two with a range of books, comfy seating and cosy blankets.
• Chaplaincy – open to students of all faiths and none. Make yourself a tea or coffee, enjoy a few biscuits, try different puzzles and more.
• Art Collection – relax while discovering a range of free art exhibitions in the Pathfoot building. Open to all students.

Do some prep, save cash

Bringing food and snacks from home can help save you money.

Batch-cooked meals like soup and pasta can be kept warm in an insulated flask. There are also microwaves on campus, including beside Scran, for reheating food, and kettles in the Chaplaincy and Loch View wellbeing suite for making instant meals like noodles, soup or porridge.

Snacks and other items can be stored in the lockers next to the Chaplaincy, so you don’t have to carry everything around all day.

We hope you find these tips helpful! Remember, even if you don’t stay on campus, you’re still part of the Stirling community.

If you need any more information or support, get in touch with the Student Services Hub.