Commuting to university can feel like a big adjustment at first, but at QMU, the campus is designed to make your day as comfortable, flexible and enjoyable as possible. Whether you’re travelling in from Edinburgh or further afield, there are plenty of spaces, facilities and little extras that can help you settle in and make campus feel like your second home.
Start your day right
Sometimes commuting means early mornings. But one of the best ways to make this work for you is to treat campus like your base for the day.
Located right beside Musselburgh train station and with a bus stop on campus, the University is easily accessible by public transport. The train to Edinburgh takes just six minutes, making it a quick and convenient option for those travelling between the city and campus. If you’re driving, all-day parking is available for just £6, with permit options offered at the start of the academic year.
And QMU’s campus has everything in one place, from study spaces to food and fitness, so once you arrive, you can stay, get organised, and ease into your day rather than rushing between locations.
Eat, drink and recharge
We know that food is often a big priority for students, especially for those who are commuting! At QMU, there’s plenty of options available for lunch, snacks, pastries and drinks.
You’ll find a range of catering outlets on campus including cafés and social spaces like the Students’ Union, Maggie’s, as well as other food points offering hot meals, snacks and coffee, such as Guthrie’s and The Hux. These spaces are designed to be relaxed and welcoming, so you can sit with friends, study, or just take a break between lectures.
There’s also a focus on affordable options, with subsidised food and initiatives like the student food pantry to help with cost-of-living pressures.
Plus, if you need more choice, Fort Kinnaird is just a short distance away, offering a wide range of food options, supermarkets and shops where you can pick up essentials before or after your day on campus.
Bringing your own food? We’ve got you covered
If you prefer to meal prep (or just want to save money), QMU makes that easy too. Microwaves are available on campus in the main food court and there are plenty of seating areas where you can comfortably eat your own food.
This means you can bring leftovers, heat them up, and still enjoy a proper lunch break without spending extra!
Make time for fresh air and fitness
One of the many benefits of being located just outside the city centre is the abundance of green spaces and walks available right on our doorstep.
Make sure you factor in some time (even if it’s just for five minutes) to take a breather and get some fresh air, whether you take a walk to the pond or take a seat on one of the benches to watch the world go by.
The QMU Sport & Fitness Centre is also a really valuable resource for commuters. Instead of heading straight home, you can use gaps in your timetable to do something for yourself.
The gym includes:
• A full fitness suite with treadmills, bikes and rowing machines
• Weights and resistance equipment
• Exercise studios and fitness classes
It’s open long hours throughout the week, so you can fit a session in before, between or after classes.
There’s also an outdoor gym and sports pitch on campus, giving you even more options to stay active in the fresh air.
Extra study time
If you’re commuting, going home between lectures usually isn’t realistic, so having good study spaces is essential.
QMU’s recently refurbished Learning Resource Centre (LRC) is a huge asset. It’s open long hours (including early mornings and evenings), combines library resources, IT support and study areas, and offers quiet zones and group work spaces.
There are also lots of informal study spots around campus if you prefer a more relaxed environment.
Commuter tip: Plan your day so you can stay on campus and get some extra studying or work done, it’ll free up your evenings at home.
Staying comfortable all day
Long days on campus are much easier when you know you’ve got the basics covered. At QMU, you’ll also benefit from:
• Free WiFi across campus
• Charging points for your devices
• Social spaces to relax between lectures
• Access to showers and support facilities if needed
• Free sanitary products available across campus
There’s also a contemplation room on campus, offering a quiet, inclusive space where you can take a break from the day. Whether you want to relax, stretch, read, meditate or pray, it’s there for you whenever you need a moment of calm.
Don’t miss out on student life
Commuting to QMU isn’t a disadvantage, it simply means your campus experience is your own.
With everything in one place, from food and microwaves to gym facilities and study spaces, you have all the tools you need to build a routine that works for you, and head home feeling accomplished at the end of the day.
It’s natural to worry about feeling disconnected, but spending regular time on campus really helps. Whether it’s chatting to people between classes, joining a society or attending events, or just taking a proper break from studying, those small moments all add up. Even staying an extra hour or two can make a big difference and help you feel more part of the community.
Give yourself time to settle in, explore what’s available, and don’t be afraid to make campus your own. Commuting is simply part of your routine. Your university experience will be rich, social, rewarding, and full of opportunities to get involved in and enjoy along the way!
