For the past three years I have started my day with a two-hour long commute to campus and finished my day with a two-hour commute home.
First, I drive from my house to the train station, then I take the train for just over an hour before arriving at Union, followed by a short walk to campus. This routine has become second nature to me, and honestly, it’s kind of enjoyable. Driving to the train station means listening to my favourite morning radio show, being on the train means an hour of uninterrupted time to myself, and walking from Union Station to campus is the perfect way to get my steps in and feel energized before a three-hour lecture.
Now, my commute consists of the five steps it takes to get from my bed to my desk in the morning… and I don’t know what to do with all the extra time on my hands.
Unlike many of my peers, the transition from on-campus learning to virtual learning did not involve moving back home because as a commuter I still live at home and simply travel to school every day. However, without that travel time, I have noticed an immense upheaval in my day to day activities. The biggest challenge for me has been finding time to disconnect and spend time with myself. When I was commuting I had designated time on the train where I couldn’t check my phone (trying to get service on the train is terrible), or do homework (I would disrupt the people sitting around me if I tried to pull my books out).
Without commuting, I find that I am constantly working, even if I try to ‘unplug’ for an hour or two, my discipline always waivers and I end up scrolling through the endless sea of social media.
I have also noticed my ability to focus during class has plummeted. While this may have a lot to do with Zoom fatigue, not starting my day with a brisk walk has definitely taken a toll on my mental state. Walking from Union to campus takes about twenty minutes. I have a designated ‘Power Walk Anthem’ playlist that always puts me in the mood to conquer the world. Even though I could take the subway and shave ten minutes off my commute time, walking is important to clearing my mind and bringing my heart rate up.
Trying to incorporate this walk into my work-from-home routine has been difficult. Even though I know starting my day with a good walk will help me, the allure of staying in bed for an extra twenty minutes seems to always win. Not to mention that walking around my suburban neighbourhood is nothing like walking through bustling city streets, where I can look up at the towering skyscrapers or indulge in some window shopping as I take a shortcut through the Eaton Centre.
Most of all, I’ve never felt so distanced from Toronto. I often find myself daydreaming about crowded streets and wishing I was looking out of a classroom window at the CN Tower. I miss being on the train and looking out at the Toronto skyline knowing that in a matter of minutes I would be a part of the hustle and bustle that exists within the downtown core.
Without commuting, I feel an overwhelming disconnect between my homelife and my school life. My commute used to act as the transitional space. As soon as it is safe to do so I will be excitedly boarding the Lakeshore East train towards Toronto, ready to return to my commuter lifestyle.