College students have high expectations when it comes to their college experience. Being best friends with dorm mates, going to every football game, rushing and college parties, but most importantly, gaining independence. When Move-In day approaches, students are impatient to begin unpacking belongings, bonding with dorm mates, and enjoying the perks of being a resident. However, residents only make up a small portion of USF’s student population. Since USF is a commuter school, a majority of the population are, understandably, commuters. Yet, college life is typically catered toward residents, leaving commuters feeling detached from their own school.
What commuters don’t realize is being a commuter doesn’t have to mean going to classes and then coming straight home. Most commuters wish to be a resident anyways, so why not live like a resident?
Below are ways commuters can make the most of their college years; living as a resident without having actual housing.
1. Join a Club or Sorority
Join something: a club, intermural sport, sorority, HOT band. Literally anything. College is a time for new experiences and making memories. Getting involved is a great way to meet friends who share your same interests.
2. Get a job on Campus
Name a better way to spend your time on campus. I’ll wait. If you are going to stay on campus all day, mind as well get paid for it. USF has loads of job opportunities ranging from research assistants to paid internships to tutors. Not to mention, many of the jobs pay well over minimum wage ($9.00-$13.00)
3. Eat at Dining Halls
If you’re going to live as a resident, you should eat like one too. As a commuter, you aren’t required to purchase that crazy expensive $600-$800 meal plan. But then how do you pay for your food at Fresh? Bull Bucks is a much more affordable option that works much like a debit card.
4. Go to University Events
Yes, it is easier to go to all the events hosted on campus when you actually live there. But how bad could an occasional 20 minute drive be when you get to cheer in the stands at Raymond James, watch free movies on the lawn, and sing along with your favorite bands at Bullstock?
5. Crash at a Friend’s Dorm
As it turns out you CAN live on campus. Maybe not every night, but you can. Every commuter has at least one friend that lives on campus who wouldn’t mind housing them for a night or two rent free. Take advantage opportunities like this!