It’s often said that commuting is hardly any different from dorming besides, of course, being in the comfort of your own home. However, I say otherwise, especially when you’re a high school graduate being thrown head-first into the unknown. The differences aren’t very obvious until you’re actually living it and learning the hard way. I know from my own experience on how easy it is to feel like an outsider when commuting. Freshman year was lonely and college was falling very short of my expectations. However, once I chose to prepare better and notice what college had to offer, my college experience began to change and became EASIER!
Commuting doesn’t involve the dorm essentials, move-in day, roommates or being smacked in the face by independence. But, it does have its own unique itinerary that isn’t talked about as often as it should be, which is why I’m sharing what helped save myself and fellow commuters from feeling outcasted and stressed!
Get involved in extracurricular activities
I know, this phrase gets ingrained into our heads practically every day, but it couldn’t be more true! Isolation was a common theme during my first college semester because I wasn’t involved and simply attending class isn’t enough to feel like part of a community or to make friends. There are loads of clubs and organizations to participate in that lean towards different interests, cultures, careers and even religions. Check out clubs that spark your interest such as Greek life, the campus radio station, or our very own Her Campus! This small step immediately made me feel more connected to the campus community.
Go to On Campus events
Class isn’t the only thing you should attend in college. There are SO many events that occur every day and you probably don’t even realize it. At Montclair State University, HawkSync is a great resource for finding campus events. Even taking a look at flyers posted around campus will inform you of fun activities that you won’t want to miss out on. So go to the football game, watch the movie on the quad, take the hike, tie-dye that t-shirt — so much good can come of it!
Explore and find your nook
I felt more comfortable on a campus that I didn’t live on after exploring and finding go-to areas to do work, to eat, or to meet up with a friend. Being on campus can be intimidating when you’re not familiar with it, so try to spend as much time there as possible and make it your second home. You’ll naturally gravitate towards spots where you’ll feel comfortable spending your extra time. This allowed me to discover places to relax and get things done between or after classes. And believe me, the library might even become your BFF in the process!
Be Prepared
Those who dorm have the luxury of going to their room whenever they need to, whether it’s to get books for their next class, grab a quick bite, change up their look for the day or just relax. Unfortunately for commuters that’s not the case — we just have ourselves and our bookbags, which is why coming to school prepared is so convenient.
Here’s the perfect list of items commuters will need and steps for them to follow:
- Reusable water bottle
- Planner
- Headphones
- PHONE CHARGER!
- Wallet/card holder
- Hair ties and hair clips
- Lots of pens or pencils
- Gum
- Trusty pair of rain/snow boots
- Granola bar/small snack
- Maxi pads/tampons
- Roller fragrance
- Sturdy umbrella
- Chapstick/lipstick
- Blotting paper
- Small notebook/Journal
- Laptop and charger
- Mini tissue pack
- Back-up cash
- ALWAYS check the weather
- Something for layering when the classroom is colder than outside and vice versa
Arrive to campus early and stay later
Arriving early will not only ensure timeliness, but it will also familiarize you with the campus and staying late will do the same. You never know who or what you’ll come across when you stay on campus instead of racing home. Just by increasing my time on campus that wasn’t planned, I’ve learned a lot about college life, spent more time with friends and have participated in fun activities.
Fake it ‘til you make it
Last, but certainly not least, confidence and communication is vital for a commuter (and everyone). It can be scary in the beginning when you hardly know anybody and you’re in a brand new environment. However, just faking confidence will help immensely because you will feel empowered over time and others will believe in your confidence. Also, don’t be afraid to participate in class or strike up conversations with peers or professors. You’ll inevitably build important connections — the law of attraction will work its magic — and you’ll no longer feel like an outsider.