Commute to Campus

Information on transport options and parking is available on your campus page to help you plan your journey.

It’s also worth checking the TFI journey planner to see the different travel connections available for your route.

If you’re new to campus, it’s worth noting that parking can be limited during term time, especially during peak hours. To make your mornings less stressful, consider:

• Car-pooling with classmates
• Exploring public transport options
• If you live within a 10km radius, consider cycling

Make sure you grab your Young Adult or Student TFI Leap Card to save money on your public transport fares.

You can now add the rail and bus widget to your dashboard on myATU. Save your route and see live bus and train times to help you plan your journey to and from campus.

Planning your journey in advance can help you start your day on campus feeling more relaxed and prepared.

Each campus runs a Breakfast Club at least once a week where you can fuel up before class for free – you can find more information on days and times for your campus by following Pastoral Care on Instagram or checking out the events widget on myATU.

Browse the facilities section of your campus to discover a range of useful spaces and services that can make your day on campus easier and more comfortable.

Take advantage of shower and locker facilities if you want to fit in a run or a gym session between classes, or make better use of extra time on campus.

Need a break? Find quiet spaces where you can relax, recharge, or catch up on study between lectures.

If you can’t pop home during the day, planning ahead can really help:

• Find the locations of microwaves and kettles to heat up meals
• Bring a prepared lunch or snacks to avoid queues
• Remember, you can bring your own food into canteens and café areas
• Use reusable containers or flasks to keep food fresh and convenient

A good podcast or audiobook can make all the difference on your commute – turning travel time into something you actually enjoy. Whether you want to unwind, have a laugh, learn something new, or just pass the time, having something lined up makes the journey feel shorter (and a lot less boring).

Top tip: Download episodes before you travel so you’re not relying on patchy signal or data.

You can also access free audiobooks through the BorrowBox app, available via the library. It’s a great way to catch up on reading without having to sit down with a book – perfect if you’re short on time during the semester.

Even if you commute, remember there are loads of ways to get involved with campus life. Many clubs and societies run daytime activities which can help you build connections and get to know students outside your course. Our well-being team runs frequent lunchtime events from wellness cafes to games – you can check out what is happening on your campus via the events widget on myATU.ie

For some, commuting might not have been how you imagined your student experience but it can help you develop excellent time management skills. Planning your day around travel encourages you to be organised, make the most of gaps between classes, and use your time more intentionally.

Over time, many commuter students become highly efficient at balancing study, travel and personal commitments – skills that are valuable both during your studies and in your future career.