This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Clark chapter.
“Oh, it must be nice being able living at home!”. Well… yes, but no. Students, like myself, may decide to commute to college if they’re in a reasonable radius of their campus and want to save money. Although we have the luxuries of sleeping in our own beds and ranting to our moms, sometimes being a commuter can be a pain!
A day on campus with a commuter looks a little like this:
- Waking up: Sadly, there’s no rolling out of bed 10 minutes before an 8am for me. Most of the time, I stay in bed the longest that I possibly can, slide into an outfit and I’m out the door. It’s rare that I wear makeup and do my hair during the week. Just so you know, on those rare days, precious sleep is sacrificed. I always try to leave at least 25 minutes before the time my class is scheduled to start. Some days I have an even earlier departure time if I know I have to get gas or run an errand or two. What about breakfast? I’ve never heard of her.
- The dreaded morning commute: Morning traffic is a pain but I’ve learned to accept the craziness. The only time that it is unbearable is if I’m running LATE. By 10 minutes, 5 or even 2, it makes a difference! Suddenly you regret spending the extra 2 seconds you spent putting on your earrings, the 30 seconds you spent switching your shoe choice and the 2 minute decision of toasting a bagel for the road because you are now STRESSED. So, everything suddenly aggravates you. The obnoxious talk show host on the radio, the school busses, the pedestrians, detours, construction, EVERYTHING.
- Finding parking: Parking at Clark is nothing to complain about but when somebody takes “my” spot, I’m thinking “this dude…”.
- The dreaded wait between classes: Ah, so you’ve made it through my classes with a breeze… oh wait, you have one more in two hours. I typically head over to Jazzman’s and grab a coffee and attempt to be productive in the library. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t; especially when my body is screaming for a nap. Energy levels are definitely something I struggle with the most, as I don’t have a dorm to get some shut eye between classes.
- Hunger is real: Was that a baby lion growling? Nope, just my stomach. Coffee and a granola bar can only get a girl half way through the day. Sometimes, I leave campus, grab a bite and come back. Other times, my stingy side comes into play and I don’t want to waste gas to leave and come back, so I seek out alternatives. Thankfully there are plenty of restaurants and cafes in walking distance. I don’t need a meal plan, but if I had one, I would definitely use it to my advantage.
- Finessing free food: If there’s some kind of event with free food, I am THERE. Also, having friends who are sweet enough to guest swipe you into the dining hall comes in clutch. You guys are the real MVPs.
- “Should I stay or should I go?”: When classes for the day are done, I always ask myself if I should leave or hang out for a bit. If I have a club meeting, plans with on campus friends, want to study in the library or want to stay for a cool event happening in the evening, I will usually stay. If I don’t have any obligations later on, I AM RUNNING TO MY CAR.
- When the annoying, misfortune happens: Whether it rains unexpectedly and you didn’t bring a jacket, you’re hungry again and forgot snacks, you left an important book at home, or my personal favorite, when you leave your phone or laptop charger at home.
- When exhaustion hits you like a brick and you regret not going home earlier:
- When you finally leave and have to walk to the parking lot in the dark: It’s a lonely walk, but I’m always comforted by the thought of someone following me.
- Getting home & immediately showering, putting on comfy clothes and… sadly, you still have some last minute studying to do.
- Checking Snapchat: While doing homework, you check Snapchat and peep all your friends on campus doing random, rambunctious stuff and feel left out. Dance parties and Chinese food at 1AM without me?!
- When it’s finally time to sleep & you appreciate your alone time for some rest & relaxation: Though it can be crazy at times, being a commuter has its perks. You’re never homesick, don’t have to wear flip flops in the shower, and get to light as many candles as you want.