The Experiences and Outcomes of Commuter Students in an Ancient Scottish University: A Social Justice Perspective

Abstract This paper analyses the social characteristics and experiences of commuter students at an ancient Scottish university. It uses a social justice framework to examine differences in the socio-economic characteristics of commuter and non-commuter students. Administrative data indicate that commuting students are more likely to be from socially disadvantaged backgrounds, to have been educated in the state sector, be mature, from minority ethnic backgrounds and to have disclosed a disability. Interview and survey data suggest that most commuting students do so for financial reasons and believe that the negative consequences of commuting outweigh the benefits, arguing that they are disadvantaged both academically and socially compared with those living at the university during term time. However, some groups of commuter students, particularly mature students with caring responsibilities and those from minority ethnic backgrounds, highlight the positive outcome of maintaining existing networks of social support. The paper concludes by questioning how the university could better meet the needs of its commuting students, who make up a significant and growing minority of the undergraduate population.