For university students, managing time effectively can make or break the academic experience. Among the many challenges faced by students, long commutes remain one of the most persistent and underestimated barriers to academic success and overall well-being.
This is especially relevant for students attending the Australian Catholic University (ACU) in Melbourne, where the pressures of coursework, part-time jobs, and social life often intersect. Reducing commute times can have a profound impact on a student’s life—academically, mentally, and socially.
Table of Contents
Better Academic Performance and Time Management
A shorter commute means students can spend more time on what truly matters: studying, engaging in campus activities, and pursuing extracurricular interests. Long commutes, particularly in a city like Melbourne with its busy public transport network and urban sprawl, can significantly eat into a student’s productive hours.
Instead of spending one to two hours each day commuting, students living closer to campus can use that time to review lecture notes, meet with study groups, or simply unwind. Studies have shown that reducing commuting time contributes to improved academic performance, as students are more likely to attend classes regularly and arrive on time. This reliability allows students to better engage with their course content and instructors.
Enhanced Well-being and Mental Health
Lengthy commutes can take a toll on students’ physical and mental health. Daily travel, especially during peak hours or around exams, often leads to fatigue, irregular routines, and added stress. These pressures can quietly build over time, affecting focus, energy levels, and overall well-being.
Research from Gulf Medical University found that students with longer commutes experienced significantly higher stress, poorer sleep patterns, and more frequent physical strain. By living closer to campus, students are better able to maintain consistent routines, rest when needed, and manage their time with less pressure. These factors all support a healthier and more balanced lifestyle.
Increased Campus Engagement
One of the most valuable aspects of university life is the opportunity to participate in clubs, societies, and events. Students who live far away often miss out on these activities due to time constraints and transport limitations. The vibrancy of student life at ACU’s Melbourne campus is an experience in itself, and proximity plays a major role in how fully students can engage with it.
By reducing the distance between home and campus, students can more easily attend seminars, social events, sports matches, or even spontaneous meet-ups with peers. This increased interaction not only builds a stronger sense of community but also contributes to the development of soft skills, networking opportunities, and lasting friendships—all of which are critical components of the university journey.
Financial Efficiency and Cost of Living
While city-centre accommodation might seem more expensive at first glance, the cumulative costs of commuting often tell a different story. Public transport fares, fuel, car maintenance, and time lost to travel all add up. For international students, particularly those unfamiliar with Melbourne’s transport infrastructure, these hidden costs can be both confusing and burdensome.
Many students opt to live close to ACU’s Melbourne campus to reduce or eliminate daily commuting expenses. Additionally, it opens up the possibility of using that time for part-time work, internships, or volunteering, thereby making a tangible difference in a student’s financial efficiency and employability. The trade-off between rent and transport becomes clearer once these hidden costs are accounted for.
Why Proximity Matters More Than Ever
In the broader scope of university life, where academic demands, personal well-being, and social engagement intersect, reducing commute times is more than a matter of convenience—it’s a strategic decision. For students at ACU in Melbourne, the benefits of living closer to campus ripple through all aspects of university life, fostering a more enriching and balanced experience.
