Everything you need to know about living off-campus
While many students opt to live on campus in accommodation, plenty of students decide to live off-campus and commute to Edge Hill too.
Off-campus (or “commuter”) students are just as involved in campus life at Edge Hill as those who live here, and this guide will tell you everything you need to know about being an off-campus student.
If you’re still deciding whether to live on or off campus, read on to learn more about how your experience might look. Don’t forget, you can chat to us online or come along to a campus tour to ask any questions you might have too.
It’s easy to travel to campus
For our off-campus students there’s plenty of travel options available. Our location in the heart of the north west means that we’re well placed for those arriving by car, bus or train.
Travel by car
Ormskirk is just a few minutes from the M6 and M58, and is easily accessible by car. What’s more is that drivers can park for free on campus. This is of course subject to availability of spaces, but if you wanted to guarantee a space you can by sharing with a friend in our car share scheme (plus this will help cut costs too).
Travel by bus
There’s plenty of buses running to and from Ormskirk, so many students do choose this cost effective travel option. Ormskirk bus station is just a 10 minute walk from campus, or a free bus ride in our EdgeLink bus which goes straight from the bus station to campus – perfect for those rainy days.
Travel by train
If you’re travelling by train, Ormskirk station runs direct trains to Preston and Liverpool – plus everywhere in between. Both Merseyrail and Northern Lines connect you to our neighbouring cities, so it’s really easy to reach us by train. Plus, you can take advantage of our free EdgeLink bus to get right to campus from Ormskirk.
You can take part in all aspects of Student Life
Your student experience may look a little different from your on-campus course mates, but you’ll be as involved as you want to be. Our Student Life portal means that you can keep up to date with everything going on at Edge Hill – and there’s always a fun event or activity to join.
Our off-campus students have full access to everything on-campus, plus we put on a free breakfast for you on Tuesday’s and Thursday’s where you can meet and chat with other students. You’ll have the same access to events and can spend as much time as you like on campus – making use of our commuter hub, 41 Below, to heat up food or fill up your coffee cup whenever you like and leave your belongings in the lockers.
Similarly, if you have other commitments and just want to come into your lectures, that’s fine too. Your student experience can be whatever you want it to be, but we’re always here to support when you need us.
“As a second-year student at Edge Hill University, I would advise prospective students to fully embrace the campus community and get involved in extracurricular activities. Join clubs or societies that interest you, as it’s a great way to meet people and make friends. Also, don’t hesitate to seek out support from the student support services and utilise the resources available for your studies.”
Leo, BSc (Hons) International Business
We’ll help you to make new friends
Some of our off-campus students have concerns about making friends at university, but once they get started these worries soon fade with our range of support and ice-breakers.
Our Student Life team and your Academic department put on a range of activities and events to help students mix and forge lifelong friendships during induction and beyond.
If that isn’t enough, we’ve got a group of Campus Connectors who can help you settle in and are on hand if you need to chat or have questions. The Campus Connectors are 2nd and 3rd year students who are an excellent source of information and advice.
You’ll recognise them around campus in their purple t-shirts / hoodies. They will also promote various in-person events across campus, so you can always ask them what to get involved in.
“There’s so much happening all the time during the day that you never have to worry about missing out. In between lectures you just have to wander around campus and you’ll find some new experiences to do. I’ve made bee hives, taken part in filming for other students, watched a mini theatre production, all in my lunchtimes! The uni are great at communicating what’s happening on social media, so you’ll always be kept in the loop and you’ll never miss out on anything.”
Jessica, BSc Adult Nursing
You’re supported to rent privately
If you’re living off-campus, you may be renting privately from either a landlord or external student accommodation provider. We have a range of support through our Students’ Union, who can help you understand any contracts you are asked to sign and help with issues that might arise.
They also support students to find registered landlords in the local area through StudentPad. StudentPad can help you find accommodation for you and your housemates or can help you find a room in an existing house share.
Find out moreYou’re a part of our campus community
Edge Hill’s campus community is welcoming to everybody, no matter where they live. From calming green spaces and multiple roof gardens, through to top facilities and industry standard equipment – our campus really does have it all.
There’s plenty of places to relax and meet with friends in between lectures, so there’s lots of ways to fill your time. You could take advantage of our library with its peaceful study or comfortable collaboration spaces – whichever you need. You can grab a coffee in one of the many coffee shops across campus, or grab a bite to eat at our wide selection of food outlets. Or, simply sit by the lake and take in the view (with the campus cat, Amber, if you’re lucky!), the choice is yours.
We’re really proud of the vibrant community on campus, and all students benefit from it whether they live here or not.
Take a tour“When it’s sunny, I love an iced coffee and a book outside! Usually near the lakes so I can also watch the ducks. When the weather is worse, I simply move inside! I love the chill areas that are in the hub, a coffee from Costa and a comfy chair are all I need to have a good day.”
Leah BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science
Considering off-campus living?
If you think off-campus living would work for you, rest assured you’ll still be fully supported by our Student Services team. From mental health and wellbeing through to making friends and exciting events and you can take part in as much, or as little, as you like. There’s plenty more information on our website about off-campus living too.
If you’re unsure on whether off-campus life is for you, why not read about our on-campus accommodation to help you decide?
March 6, 2025
