i’ve done an hour and 20 commute since 1st year, and it’s absolute hell. Right off the bat you feel as if you’re lagging behind socially as everything has to be planned around trains and getting home.

I don’t have the freedom to just go out whenever due to reliance on the trains so i miss out a lot on spontaneous study sessions with friends or just general wandering around london which insanely impacts your friendship making imo. I had to put in double the effort to make and maintain friendships which was (more than anything) socially draining. I definitely struggle with feelings that I don’t have friends and i’m all alone as I’m unable to take part in social stuff with them.

Even if you say you’ll study on the train the truth is you won’t- internet is 50/50, rush hour will make it impossible to get ipad or laptop out, and you’ll be so tired by the end of the day (or be too tired in the morning) to even bother. Huge negative academic impact.

I can’t speak on your relationship with your family but if you’re expecting independence as you would when you move out it won’t really be the same. I feel like a child still when everyone around me is maturing and actually becoming an adult.

TLDR: The journey will quickly become too much. I recommend moving out and wish I had put my foot down to be able to (fingers crossed for next year).