Commuting, like any experience, has both positive and negative aspects. As a somewhat-seasoned college commuter, I would like to share some lessons I’ve learned for anyone considering commuting, beginning commuting and even continuing commuting.
Here are some amazing perks of commuting:
Privacy & Freedom
Living in a dorm means constant stimulation: doors slamming, music playing, laughing, stomping, yelling and anything else you can imagine. Residing at home alleviates most of these pesky annoyances (and you only have to share a bathroom with your family, not your entire floor).
Endless Food & Activity Options
Your on-campus counterparts tend to be limited to the cafeteria, some university sponsored cubbies and restaurants within walking distance. When you commute, the only limit you have is the distance you’re willing to drive.
Economical
The cost of room and board at a university is high. Typically, commuters don’t have to pay for rent, food or laundry.
3 Realities of Commuting and How to Overcome Them:
1. Commuter FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)
The most common fear of commuters is missing out on the “real college experience.” As a commuter, your college experience will be different but not lesser than on-campus students. I’ve compiled a list of ways to combat the Commuter FOMO:
- Get involved! There are dozens of clubs and associations on campus, so you are likely to find something you enjoy. By getting involved, you are able to meet people with common interests. Joining on-campus activities is especially important if you are an introvert. Campus activities are continuous and help you create long-term friendships.
- Use your car! Not everyone who lives on campus has a car, so being able to transport friends to restaurants, shops and parties will put you at the forefront of activity.
- Guest Swipes! Students who live on-campus have meal plans that entail a few guest meals. This will enable you to join your friends for a “real” campus dining experience. Guest swipes are great for two purposes:
- 1) You are able to have the same experience as everyone else, and if you like it, you are able to purchase a commuter meal plan.
- 2) You are able to have the same experience as everyone else, so if you hate the food you are even more grateful to be commuting.
2. Lack of Free Time
Commuting is a huge time commitment. This involves driving, packing, preparing, walking and whatever else is necessary. Here are some things to help organize your day:
- Use a planner, bullet journal or calendar to track your assignments and responsibilities.
- Listen to audiobooks or informational podcasts on the drive to campus. Important note: Please don’t text and drive!
- Choose your clothes the night before to minimize the morning rush.
3. Household Responsibilities and Parental Rules
Have an honest conversation about expectations and boundaries while commuting in college. You may consider letting your parents know when you have an especially busy day. When your parents are informed, they will be more understanding if you need to postpone or swap chores. This way you can organize your home responsibilities to align with your collegiate ones. College is already stressful enough without household frustrations.
Another topic to discuss with your parents are expectations. You should still experience the independence of a college student while living under your parents’ roof. Consider talking about curfews, having friends over, staying overnight on campus and finances. Sometimes it’s easy for parents to forget that, despite remaining at home, you’re an active college student. It’s also just as easy for a college commuter to forget about household responsibilities.