Academic engagement amongst commuter students: a comparative analysis

As the profile of students entering higher education (HE) has diversified, so too has their residential status. Where students live partly reflects the agenda for widening access but is also a response to rising costs associated with university participation. In the UK, more students are commuting, despite associated challenges and reports of lower academic out-comes. We used survey data (N > 500) to compare engagement between first years who either relocated to attended university or commuted. Overall, commuter students appeared more engaged, demonstrating positive study behaviours and readiness to work alongside course mates. Results indicated that online learning facilitates continuity and engagement when away from campus. According to sub-analyses, time-on-campus had little association with engagement amongst commuter students. Conversely, for relocated peers, less time-on-campus was associated with lower engagement. Commuter students appear to be highly engaged, challenging some traditional perceptions. We draw on the concept of mattering to interpret these data. We conclude that HE providers should review support structures and policies affecting commuter students to clearly signal that they are valued. Consequently, the positive first-year engagement behaviours reported here might be sustained throughout time at university, optimising commuters’ chances of success.