The influence of commuting time on students’ academic performance and its internal mechanism: an empirical analysis based on CEPS data

Commuting time significantly impedes students' academic performance. Learning engagement and psychological fatigue partially mediate the relationship between commuting time and students' academic performance in this population. Commuting mode significantly moderates the effect of commuting time on students' academic performance. Compared to passive commuting modes, active commuting intensifies the negative impact of commuting time on academic performance. To mitigate the negative effects of commuting time on students' academic performance, school administrators should optimize campus locations, implement proximity-based enrollment policies, enhance boarding services, and provide psychological counseling and academic support to students.