Centre for Research in Education Inclusion and Diversity (CREID)

Living and Studying at Home: Commuter Students in the Aftermath of the Pandemic

The aim of this project is to understand the experiences and outcomes of commuter students at the University of Edinburgh as the pandemic recedes.

Abstract

In this project, we will analyse administrative data and conduct an on-line survey in order to investigate the number of commuter students at the University, as well as their social characteristics and academic trajectories.  We will also use in-depth interviews to understand commuter students’ experiences of academic and social support, interactions with their peers and their views of the positive and negative aspects of commuting from home to university. In terms of impact, we hope the research will provide insight into the practical and cultural changes which the University might make in order to improve the experiences and outcomes of this group.  It speaks to the University’s Strategy for 2030 by focusing on how best to create a positive and supportive learning and teaching environment for our students as well as by thinking about the contribution that commuter students make to both the University and their local communities. 

Research team

Role Name
Principal Investigator Professor Sheila Riddell, CREID, Moray House School of Education and Sport
Co-Investigator Dr Hazel Christie, Institute for Academic Development
Co-Investigator Laura Cattell, Recruitment and Admissions
Co-Investigator Rachael King, Centre for Open Learning
Co-Investigator Dr Sofia Shan, Institute for Academic Development
Co-Investigator Professor Lyn Tett, CREID, Moray House School of Education and Sport

Funder

Principal's Teaching Award Scheme, University of Edinburgh

Start date 1st September 2022
End date 28th February 2023