Recognising, understanding and addressing the environmental, network and social impacts of the student commute to university in the UK

This paper highlights the substantial impact of the student commute to university on the environment, transport network and social inclusion. The paper concludes that action to recognise, understand and address the student commute to university is essential, to progress towards a net zero future, manage network demand and ensure an inclusive transport system.

Research suggests that the student commute to university in the UK accounts for up to 4.4MtCO2e each year, adding at least 3.3 million return journeys to the transport network during term time (Kenyon, 2024). Of our 2.75 million higher education (HE) students, 40% - 1.1 million – do not relocate to attend university. They commute to campus from their home, rather than moving to live on, or in the immediate vicinity of, campus. These commuter students experience mobility-related social exclusion, with lower attainment, engagement, experience and graduate outcomes than those who do not commute.

However, the student commute is, largely, unrecognised, in policy, planning and practice. There is a cultural assumption in the UK, based on our historical university model, that students will live on or near campus. This assumption is so pervasive that the majority of universities, policy makers, transport bodies and transport professionals do not recognise the existence of the student commute. As a result, it isn’t counted in surveys, reflected in models, or prioritised in policy.

This paper presents research into the environmental, network and social impact of the student commute in the UK. Drawing on results from a case study and analysis of a national dataset, the paper presents a call to action for the transport sector, to recognise the student commute, understand student travel behaviour and take action to address the student commute, to alleviate the environmental, network and social impacts of student travel to university.