It’s not surprising that when you go to the biggest university in the heart of downtown Toronto, you’re bound to run into a commuter or two on campus. Whether it takes twenty minutes or over an hour to get to your class, commuting can be a pain for the already stressful lives of U of T students. During my first year, I hated the thought of wasting an hour each way to get to school and back home, especially when I only had one class that day. While sitting on the red fuzzy seat, as I do too often, I realized that there are so many things I could be doing while commuting! Here are a few suggestions of things you could be doing to make the most of your commute.
1. Sleep.
This may be an obvious one, but it’s definitely helpful! On days when I need to spend some extra time studying, I always factor in the extra hour I could spend sleeping on the subway into my sleeping schedule. That way, I can spend a little more time doing what I need to do, and spend that commute catching up on some z’s before class. I like to think of it as a power nap…that along with a fruit smoothie from Fresh and you’re ready for the day ahead!
2. Review for your test.
I don’t recommend learning new material on your commute because of all the noise and constant shakiness of public transportation that can distract you from retaining information. I like to use my commuting time to refresh my memory of what I studied the night before in preparation for a test or exam I have that day. Don’t strain yourself though, if you don’t understand or remember some of what you studied the night before, chances are you aren’t going to remember if you try to re-learn the material during your commute to school.
3. Get pumped up for class with music!
I always load my iPod with music that inspires me or gets me excited to the point where I feel like dancing. Music is something truly powerful that I feel connected to and has the power to change my mood in a second. The right type of music never fails to remind me why I am doing what I’m doing, and gives me the strength to conquer whatever comes my way.
4. Get organized.
Did you forget to do all those little things you were supposed to? A great way to keep organized is with an agenda. Seriously, it can be a lifesaver. Personally, I like to know what assignments are due or tests I have a month in advance so that I can plan my studying schedule carefully while leaving time for other activities too. On my commute to school, I like to update my agenda with important upcoming dates to keep myself on track. That and commuting kind of go hand in hand with the ‘on the go’ theme we’ve got going on here.
The next time you’re commuting, try not to agonize over the hassle. It doesn’t have to be a chore as long as you plan your time productively. Before you know it, you’ve arrived on campus, or better yet, home.