What is commuting to Keele like?
Hi, I’m Poppy, a first year studying at Keele University. I live off campus and therefore commute to my lectures and seminars.
My means of transport include getting lifts or occasionally getting the bus. Thankfully, the bus journeys have always been very reliable, however, when the weather isn’t great, waiting isn’t the most pleasant experience. I get the 25 from Newcastle-Under-Lyme bus station and usually it takes around 15 minutes to get dropped off outside the Student Union car park, however there are multiple different bus stops scattered across the whole campus, making them easy to access. Not only that, but there is also always a bus regularly arriving onto campus. Whilst on the bus, I chat to my friends, do work, listen to music or watch my favourite shows.
The Joys of Getting Lifts
An alternative form of transport is getting lifts from my friends who also commute into campus. This is the most convenient form of transport for me, yet can be stressful when the clock is ticking and you’re faced with 9am traffic (I’d suggest leaving earlier than you’d expect). The car parks do get busy quickly and sometimes finding spaces is a task, especially earlier in the morning, but if you arrive with enough time before your lesson, parking is a breeze! A parking permit costs £105 for the year (2025/26), and students who have purchased this think it’s a bargain. As an alternative, there’s the option for pay and display parking on various car parks on campus, including the Students’ Union, David Weatherall, Car Park A3 and University Avenue. Prices do vary slightly depending on the car park of choice, yet they’re all cheap options.
Not Missing Out on Social Life
A concern for people who choose to stay off campus is that they may miss out on the social life and activities that go on around campus, however this is not the case. I have been to plenty of nights out at the Student Union in my first year so far, despite living off campus. I either stay with my friends at their on-campus accommodation or split the price of an uber with others who commute.
If you enjoy an atmosphere, I recommend going to the Students’ Union on a Wednesday. I’ve made lots of friends from these nights and it is always busy with sports clubs and societies meeting up for their social events. What makes them even better is they have deals on the prices of drinks, making it a cheaper night, which is always a bonus for students! In addition to these Wednesdays, there are also weekly pub quizzes (where you can win prizes), themed balls, tribute bands nights and they’ve even recently added Bongo’s Bingo. In addition to the Students’ Union there’s the KPA, the on-campus pub which has lovely scenery and a lively atmosphere.
