As an international master’s student at the University of Salford who has been here for a few months, the one thing I’ve come to appreciate about my life in the UK is commuting. Yep, you read that right—I actually enjoy it! At first, it was a bit of a challenge, but now it’s become one of the best parts of my day. So, let’s talk about what it’s really like to be a commuting student. 


Getting started: the struggles of an International student 
When I first arrived in the UK, I couldn’t find student accommodation because I didn’t apply early enough. To be honest, it was a bit overwhelming. I wasn’t familiar with the city, didn’t know many people, and trying to find my way around felt like an Olympic event. Google Maps was my lifeline, and while it helped me often, I did get lost a few times. But hey, it wasn’t all bad—I discovered some hidden gems in the process! 

 
Thankfully, I live about 20 minutes away from the University of Salford by bus. I take either the 36 or 37 bus, which drops me off directly at Salford Crescent if I have classes at Chapman, or right in front of the Maxwell building for my other lectures. Unlike some of my friends who must take two buses to campus, my journey is simple. I never have to wait too long for the bus, and the convenience has really made my life easier. 


The joys of commuting 
I know, I know—most people don’t love commuting. But for me, it’s become part of my routine that I look forward to, especially when I’m going back home. I think one of the main reasons is that I get to explore different parts of the city just by sitting on the bus. Over time, I’ve started to learn the streets, spot cool cafes and shops, and really get a feel for Manchester and Salford. For someone who’s new to the country, commuting has been a fun way to learn about my surroundings without any pressure. 

 
Oh, and I have to mention this—I always sit upstairs on the bus. There’s something about being up there that makes me feel like I’m on top of the world. It gives me a better view of the city and, honestly, makes the whole experience feel a little magical. 

 
Balancing school and work: Why I got a bus pass 
In the beginning, I only had classes twice a week, so I used to get an all-day pass on the days I went to school. It worked fine for a while, but here’s the thing: I’m also a social media content creator for the University of Salford. This means that I often have to be on campus or in the city center to create content for the university’s platforms, and my schedule isn’t just limited to class days anymore. 

 
Now, I’m typically out about four days a week, and getting individual passes was starting to add up. So, I decided to get a bus pass, and it’s been one of the best decisions I’ve made. Not only does it save me a lot of money, but it also gives me the freedom to move around without worrying about buying a ticket every time. 

 
Commuting as an international master’s student isn’t always the easiest thing, but for me, it’s turned out to be a rewarding part of my life in the UK. It’s helped me get to know the city better and even given me some unexpected moments of joy—especially from my “top of the world” seat upstairs on the bus. 


If you’re new to the UK and commuting feels intimidating, don’t worry. You’ll get the hang of it, and who knows? You might end up enjoying it just as much as I do!