Commuting to Herts

Commuting by car is a popular choice among Herts students due to easy access to both campuses via the M25 and the A1(M) at Junction 3. Many students use the University’s Park and Ride service in Hatfield (AL10 8HS), with 800 spaces and free parking, the low-cost shuttle bus runs to College Lane in 10 minutes and de Havilland in 15 minutes. While on-campus parking is limited – with College Lane spaces reserved for student permit holders and no student parking at de Havilland – this provides a convenient alternative for getting to campus.

Blue Badge holders can park on either campus. If you don’t qualify, an extenuating circumstance permit may be possible for carers or those with young children, though availability is not guaranteed. For more information, visit Parking at Herts.

Use College Lane and de Havilland campus maps to plan your journey. Satnav postcodes: AL10 9AB (College Lane) and AL10 9EU (de Havilland).

Hatfield is just 25 minutes by train from London King’s Cross, with regular services every 20 minutes, Monday to Friday. Railcards offer a one-third reduction on fares.

From Hatfield station, you can take Uno buses 341, 602, 614, 644, 641, or 653 to campus in around 10 minutes, cycle in 10–15 minutes or walk in about 30 minutes. Direct rail links are also available from Welwyn Garden City, Letchworth Garden City, Stevenage, Cambridge, and other commuter hotspots.

Plan your journey in advance using the National Rail journey planner and book early to save.

Herts students get discounted Uno bus fares, saving 20–50p on single journeys and 40–80p on returns. Remember to carry your student ID and buy your ticket before boarding, and use the Uno Bus app to plan routes.

Key connections include:

• Luton – X10 / 610 buses from Luton Interchange to de Havilland and College Lane, up to four per hour;
• St Albans – 602 bus from St Peter’s Street / St Albans City Station, stopping at St Albans Road for de Havilland; continues to College Lane every 15 minutes;
• New Greens & Jersey Farm – 653 buses to both campuses;
• North London – 243 (High Barnet, Northern Line), 614 / 644 (Queensbury, Jubilee Line), 635 (Watford Junction, Metropolitan Line and National Rail).

Our Learning Resources Centres (LRCs) on both campuses are central to student life, giving you 24/7 access to an extensive collection of print books, computers, laptop loans, high‑spec computing rooms, printing facilities, reliable Wi‑Fi and plenty of comfortable study spaces.

You’ll also find convenient refuel options – from hot drinks to quick snacks – alongside core services such as book browsing and borrowing, individual and group study areas, bookable rooms, specialist software access, online support and friendly help from the LRC welcome desks. The Study Success Hub is based here too, offering expert academic guidance whenever you need it.

The Forum is one of the most dynamic social spaces on campus. By day, relax or grab food in lively communal areas; by night, enjoy events at Bar Seventy7 or The Loft. For a more relaxed atmosphere, Elehouse offers drinks, pub quizzes, karaoke and games tournaments.

For those looking for something quieter, there are also low-key spaces across campus such as the Learning Resources Centre (LRC), which includes quiet study areas and dedicated silent zones where students can relax and unwind away from busier social environments.

Across both campuses you’ll also find:

• student hubs and lounges perfect for socialising or group study, such as the Chapman Lounge near Main Reception;
• outdoor seating and green space ideal for fresh air or alfresco dining on warmer days;
• cafés and food outlets with a variety of choices to refuel throughout the day, from Café Rore and Café Spectra on College Lane to the food court at the Enterprise Hub in de Havilland Campus.

Whether you’re catching up with peers, taking a breather between sessions, or joining a student society gathering, there’s always somewhere to connect.

Fitting in sport or a quick workout is a great way to use time between lectures. The Oval on College Lane offers a modern 50 station gym open 24/7, with cardio and resistance machines, free weights, and functional training areas, along with changing facilities and lockers, making it easy to fit in a session between classes.

On de Havilland Campus, the Hertfordshire Sports Village provides even more facilities, including a large gym, swimming pool, fitness classes, sports courses, and a 12metre climbing wall. With full changing rooms, lockers and showers, it supports longer training sessions and a wide range of activities in one place. Both gyms are included in flexible university memberships.

You can also join free HertSquad sessions, offering inclusive activities like yoga, football, Zumba, and other group fitness classes. Student leagues, friendly competitions, and outdoor facilities – such as football pitches, tennis courts, and running routes – give you even more ways to stay active.

With over 100 sports clubs and societies, it’s easy to find something you enjoy and fit it around your schedule.

Getting between campuses is quick and hassle-free. A regular, free shuttle bus runs between College Lane and de Havilland, making it easy to move between lectures, facilities, and social spaces without needing a car. Herts students just need to show a valid student ID to access the service.

If you prefer something more active, take advantage of our free bike scheme. This is a convenient way to get around while avoiding parking limitations and staying flexible throughout the day.

Both campuses are also just a 15-minute walk apart, giving you plenty of choice to move around in a way that suits your schedule.

Working alongside your studies can help you earn money, build confidence, and gain valuable experience. There are a range of flexible opportunities both on campus and in the local area.

Many students take on roles such as Student Ambassadors, helping at events like Open Days and UCAS fairs, or find work through the University’s careers portal, Handshake. Opportunities include retail, catering, administrative roles, and positions like Resident Assistant or Student Technology Mentor.

Alongside part-time work, you can also access financial support through the University’s funding options, as well as develop your skills with careers support, including CV guidance, workshops and one-to-one advice.