Returning to SLU for my third year felt a little different. Maybe it is because I have not been on campus since December 2025, having studied abroad last Spring semester. Or, maybe, it is because I am commuting for the first time this year. Whatever the reason might be, I definitely notice a difference.
I have officially been commuting an hour to SLU, three times a week, for a little over three weeks now. I will say I have hit some bumps in the road, though not literally, thankfully! However, I feel like I am starting to master the craft of a true commuter student, so I want to share some tips and tricks that have made this experience better for me.
Care for your vehicle like you would your body.
Unfortunately for me, I did not think about this one until it was too late. I never imagined my car would need a new battery anytime soon, since it is only five years old. However, I did in fact spend almost $200 replacing the battery only two weeks into the semester. That being said, make sure you are performing routine maintenance on your vehicle. After my car broke down, I started to ponder why do we not have annual “check-ups” on our vehicles like we do our bodies. I still have not figured out why, so going forward I will be inspecting my car like a doctor inspects a patient.
Pack everything!
Typically, when commuter students leave home for the day, they do not plan to return until their day is over. That is why it is important to have absolutely everything you could possibly need throughout the day. Some must haves I keep in my car or backpack are: medication (every possible medication I could need, plus some), feminine hygiene products, snacks (ones that will not melt, something like pretzels or crackers), personal care items (deodorant, perfume, hairbrush, Tide-To-Go Pen etc.), umbrella or an emergency outfit (in case of rain or outfit mishaps) and car necessities (jumper cables and a spare tire).
A flexible, but set, routine.
One of the challenges many commuter students face is that you never know what will happen, either during your commute or on campus. This is why having flexibility in your schedule is helpful when navigating setbacks. Make sure you leave enough time in your commute to accommodate route changes, traffic or even accidents. Additionally, it does not hurt to anticipate staying on campus later or leaving earlier. Sometimes last minute things pop up leading to you having to stay later than planned. Or, on the flip side, professors may cancel class allowing you to go home earlier. Either way, it is good to know your schedule will not always be consistent as a commuter. As someone who is a perfectionist when it comes to schedules, I am still working on this!
Stay involved, and keep your friendships!
While living away from campus is not ideal, I still find ways to prioritize my previous on-campus involvement and friendships I have made while at SLU. It can be difficult to manage at first, but true friends will always be willing to accommodate changes and needs you may have as a commuter. Also, it can be tempting to drift away from clubs or organizations because you do not live on-campus, but it is possible to still be involved! It might just take some tweaks to your schedule, or an extra hour on campus every week to join in on meetings or activities.
Returning to campus this year as a commuter has definitely been a change for me. The drives are long and tiring, and the days feel even longer sometimes. Through it all, I know as long as I am taking care of my vehicle and myself, staying flexible in my day-to-day schedule and growing my connections on campus everything will be just fine. Being able to return to my university and continue pursuing my degree is truly what matters. Commuting honestly is not all that bad. I have the luxury of saving money, seeing my family more and, the best part, sleeping in my queen sized bed every night!
So, if you are a commuter who is already feeling burnt-out and stressed, I hope these tips help make your semester even just a little better.