Commuter-friendly campus hailed as game changer

The University of Essex has said making itself commuter-friendly will be a "game changer" for an increasing number of students who live off-campus.

About 30% of students lived in the family home and travelled to the campus near Colchester through choice or to save money, the university said.

It said it had introduced a bus shuttle service, storage lounges and affordable overnight accommodation for events.

"This is speaking to a particular and growing part of the sector," said deputy vice-chancellor Prof Chris Greer.

"It's going to make life so much easier for those students and it's going to enrich campus in general."

Prof Greer said staff had been working "very closely" with the students' union (SU) regarding the new initiatives.

"Life is expensive - we've got a high proportion of first-in-family [to go to university] students, which is something we're incredibly proud of.

"Some students choose to stay at home, for others it's a requirement to be able to access higher access education."

The changes include shuttle buses to both railway stations, commuter parking spaces at the campus in Wivenhoe and free parking for first years.

Extra lounges give students the chance to store belongings, prepare hot food and drinks and spend time between lectures.

A new commuter society - part of the SU - would co-ordinate events, offer support and ensure views were represented, the university said.

Asked by BBC Essex if the package had anything to do with the closure of the Southend campus this summer, Greer said it was a "very difficult decision, looking at financial sustainability".

"The vast majority of students are going to be coming to the campus at Colchester and we want to listen to the needs of all our students," he said.

"It is going to be a game changer for us and a game changer for the commuting students we have."

The BBC has asked the university about the cost of the package, but Greer has said "you have to invest to grow revenue".

"Yes there is investment but we anticipate an upside of happier students."

SU president Alex Sablich said the changes were "extremely positive, not just for commuting students but for students in general".

"It will make sure education and the student experience is as accessible as possible," he added.

"Having to commute to university shouldn't be a barrier to be able to experience it at its fullest."

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