Always keep your supplies and books in the same places in order to prevent confusion. Even if you decide to walk to the stadium after class, you have limitless ways to work out: run up and down the steps, run around the Spend time researching the safest and least expensive places to park on campus. You could save money Let's face it: college is expensive. Learn how to prioritize Conclusion Please read our full disclosure here. 5. Its easy to feel disconnected as a commuter. Being a commuting college student can be much simpler with these tips for commuter students. Let's hear them below. Leave early. If you live in a snowy area, you should also carry a shovel, an ice scraper, and rock salt. Here are four tips that can help you create a weekly routine for your academic and personal life. Get involved and stay involved. I'm going to start my freshman year of college on the 27th. Here are some tips that can help make commuting a lot easier. Hello all and happy finals season! r in a friends dorm, its always nice to have that option if necessary. Reece Andavolgyi | Jun 28, 2018 10:30 am. Learn some do's and don'ts to that will help you better survive the college commuter life! If so, its extremely helpful to. Youll be surprised that students like us are a lot more friendly than they seem to be. You also do not want to be the only sucker to be on campus when there happens to be the once a year snow day. Every college student loves getting off campus for a change of pace. Instagram post 18161073703132626. . A tip from Myers: factor the time it might take to search for parking into your daily commute and schedule. One primary advantage of attending a commuter school is usually the financial aspect. Copyright 2007-2022 College Fashion LLC One thing that I feel is so hard being a commuter compare to a resident is the ability and opportunity to get involved in clubs and activities on campus. The Ultimate Meal Planning Guide. This is so important because things can happen especially if you live in an area where the winters are rough. Who knew a simple question like that would lead to such an amazing friendship! In actuality, exercise can be something as easy as going for a walk after dinner When narrowing apartment choices, factor in your commute to campus. Treat campus as your "home away from home" instead of always heading back to your apartment or house to recharge. When most people think of exercising, they often think of working You can use school showers in the gym to freshen up, and you can have your lunch or dinner at one of the common areas. Are you a commuter? The only problem with this is that, even with a student discount, the costs of public transportation can really add up. Pack a Lunch You can even put your bag and keys together by the door. services or fast food as their source of nutrients. Whether you walk, bike, drive, or take public transportation to campus, be aware of the risks and plan accordingly for a safe commute. In cases where you can't or it is unsafe to drive home having someone who lives on campus that you can crash with is always a good bet. Some schools allow students to live off-campus, but at a commuter college, it is general practice that most of the students live elsewhere. Keep your car well stocked with treats like nuts, granola bars, bottled water, etc., so youre fueled and hydrated essential for staying productive at school. Pack electronics fully charged and . Assume equal population variances. The longer you intend to ride, the better the saddle you need ideally Security To keep your bike secure at work or outside shops, ideally you need two good locks. I met one of my best friends from college simply by asking her where a certain classroom is. Required fields are marked *. If you choose not to use an escort or your school doesnt offer this service, stay in well-lit areas. If you choose to park somewhere off campus, be aware of No Parking signs, fire hydrants, and red curbs. Sign in to comment to your favorite stories, participate in your community and interact with your friends. 1. But there are several ways freshman commuters can make a . Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Here are six key tips that commuter college students can use to make the most of their college experience. The following menu has 2 levels. If this They can also give you the inside scoop on campus events that you might not know about as a commuter. And, if youre worried about being seen by the arriving bus, you can always turn your phone screen or flashlight on and wave it to make sure the bus doesnt pass you by. For tips on getting more involved on campus, check out Stanfords get involved guide. If you do not have a reliable vehicle getting back and forth to school is almost impossible. You can also consider wearing accessories that light up or carrying a flashlight. PRIVACY POLICY TERMS OF SERVICE, Copyright 2007-2022 College Fashion LLC |. There is nothing too small when to comes to Although I never had to stay over in a friends dorm, its always nice to have that option if necessary. Tip #4: Check for Campus Amenities and Student Commuter Resources You aren't the only one commuting to school. Guided pathways, with accompanying timely and intrusive advising, encourage students to make the "big choice" of their academic program as early as possible so that all the necessary courses are clearly laid out for them semester by semester. If you dont have any friends you know need to leave at the same time. 1. Prioritize. Commuting to school is a far different beast from living on campus. Here are some things to keep in mind if you pick the latter and decide to become a college commuter. When creating your schedule, keep your extracurriculars in mind and schedule classes around any meetings you may have. am here to tell you that eating healthy is something that can be done Students who live on campus are constantly surrounded by each other, but when you leave, you simply go home by yourself. 1. Here are 10 college commuter tips to help make the commuter life work for you. 3. Being a commuter college student can be understandably stressful, which is why I have compiled 15 tips that helped me successfully navigate my commuter college days. 4. Commuting to college can be super frustrating at times, especially when youre like me and dont live too close to campus. If you walk as part of your commute, follow traffic safety laws. until you are ready to eat. Many college campuses dont allow firearms, but some offer self-defense classes. You can also invest in pepper spray, a stun gun, or a keychain knife if your state allows it. Learn the campus, meet the staff and jump into activities, events, and ministries. These are 10 different tips on how to improve your life as a college commuter. While most car trouble takes just hours to resolve, its better to be prepared with extra supplies than stranded with too few. Is less stress (from worrying about being late) (Possibly) a better parking spot. Safety is another point to keep in mind. . Attend Sporting Events Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305. Hang out in Sampey Commons. What are your best tips for college commuting? If you still have problems getting out of bed. By keeping your bag together, you've got a portion of your college commuting life under control before you even get out of bed in the morning. Commuter tips. Let me introduce you to the genius new Get Involved: This is your chance to really get the most out of your college experience. Choice of how much time you want to spend studying versus with friends Since you don't live on campus, no one is going to barge into your dorm room asking where your roommate is. 11 Tips for College Commuters | How I Survived My First Year Commuting to CCNY 4,296 views Jun 14, 2020 193 Dislike Share Vibes with Adaoyibo 1.37K subscribers In this video, I share 11 tips. Even if you aren't the most in-shape person out there, at least you are getting out there and doing something.The most important aspect that most college students overlook is the idea 4. When you board, just activate the ticket, show the conductor.TA-DA! As annoying as it can be to live at home as a college student, you have to look on the bright side. My music taste changes depending on the time of the year and I thought it was important to revamp the Spotify Let me tell ya, commuting to class is no joke. Extra time to study before class. Look into subway or commuter rail as well as buses. This video is all about my college commuter tips. If you. Most colleges offer permits for on-campus parking. If you qualify, contact admissions and apply for college commuter status. Some place to get work done if you need to or spend time with some friends if you like. Have you ever had to commute, even for a day? Taking time out of the school day to go to the gym, study at the library with classmates, or eat at the restaurants on campus will make commuting to school more worthwhile. 1. Do you have any tips and tricks to share? You get to meet and foster a lot of personal and professional connections, too. They can also give you the inside scoop on campus events that you might not know about as a commuter. Do you have early mornings or late nights on the road or at the bus stop? Hello, lovelies. Commuting is exhausting, which is why I had to come up with tactics to ensure that I was still studying enough to keep my GPA high. Read the tips. Commuters who walk, bike, or use public transportation to campus are at the mercy of the elements. Commuter students still pay for tuition and books, but their room and board fees can look a lot different. Byline: Brianne Sandorf has spent five years writing professional, research-based content. Avoid phone calls, texting, and studying while on the road. Befriend other students who commute. When commuting by car, it is important to leave early in case your commute is delayed by traffic or bad weather. [4] 2. As a commuter, jobs are also helpful because you can go from class, straight to work, instead of traveling back and forth between home, work, and school. Without a dorm to stop and change in if things go wrong not wearing the right clothes can be embarrassing. Find a nice spot to study in, work on homework, eat some lunch, or meet up with friends. You know those annoying 30 minute or 2 hour breaks you have in between classes? 1. Brianne Sandorf has spent five years writing professional, research-based content. This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you purchase through our links. Having large gaps of time between classes is even more frustrating as a commuter since the break usually isn't worth driving home for. Watch other College Advice videos should I make before I graduate? Id love to know! Use apps like Waze to find the fastest route at any given moment and avoid as much frustration as possible. Editors note: This post was originally published in 2012; it was completely updated and revamped in 2019 with new photos and information. It took me so long to realize how helpful places like the career center, library, and dining halls were to commuters as well. Secondly, prepare for emergencies by keeping a roadside kit, a first aid kit, and a 72-hour kit in your backseat or trunk. When most people talk about college life,commuter students are often overlooked. Harvard reimburses cyclist commuters for bike-related expenses. Keep your car full of convenience items like napkins, mints, and snacks. By simply joining a club or an organization, you will constantly be meeting new people, making new friends, and be given opportunities you would have never known about. It is so important to wear comfortable clothes and especially shoes because as a commuter chances are you will be walking more than the average resident. Even if you can only take a 20 minute study break, a Treat campus as your home away from home instead of always heading back to your apartment or house to recharge. But commuters also face their own set of problems, ranging from transportation hassles to feelings of isolation. 6-Step Meal Planning Guide. For maximum commuter safety, think about your commute and identify any other potential concerns. If you take a bike to school, keep it locked up. Food costs can add up quickly when spending entire days on campus. Get enough sleep 2. College is what you make it so whether you are a commuter or resident it is up to you to make it worth the four years of your life. 1. and make sure to schedule your classes according to that, as well as whatever time you might have to do homework. Whether it's a view of mountain tops, skylines, or just a local park, a scenic route is worth the long trip sometimes. concourse, do exercises on the bleachers for your abs. It is quick, and if you catch the Commuting as a student means you will be an expert by the time you have to commute for work. Here are my tips to you if you happen to be commuting to college. often overlook essential aspects of healthy living. You can always ride a bike to college or to your part time job. Ages of College Students The dean of students wants to see whether there is a significant difference in the ages of resident students and commuting students. Dont be afraid to talk to people in your classes and start a conversation. and quickest alternative, as is often said, nothing worth having comes easy. Find somewhere to go that is easily accessible all year round and relatively quiet and less traveled. I can not count the number of times I ended up missing classes and other important things because my car was broken down. My advice is to do it anyway, find a way to make it work because you will totally regret it when you are a junior or senior and haven't done anything fun and or resume building. This paper explores the myths surrounding the higher education of commuter students and investigates their needs and concerns. Whether you travel by bus, car, bike, or some other way, use these tips and tricks to make college commuting easier. You have so many options- you could squeeze all of your classes into two days a week to lessen your commute, or make your classes later on in the day so you dont have to compete with the morning rush. Make a schedule and stick to it 5. So get that tune-up, a more comfortable seat, or a bell. Making a great schedule can save you a lot of stress in the future. Your email address will not be published. I live in my parents' house and pack leftovers to eat for lunch. Required fields are marked *. Winter driving, snowstorms and shoveling out their cars to drive to campus can be a big challenge to our commuter students," Simpson wrote. I never know when Ill have to touch up my makeup after a long day of classes for an event, or when Ill end up spending the night in a friends dorm. Before starting college, it is always helpful to consider your living situation and plan ahead the costs associated with commuting. Another perk of biking is that you dont need to waste time trying to find parking. successful is a couple ofGlad containers and microwavable ingredients. It will also help you avoid going home and staying home in between classes. This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator. On cold days, dress warmly. Use the time to catch up on some work, socialize with friends or even go to a club meeting, just use it wisely. Here are a few tips that will help you get through those four years. In every way, with just a little effort, commuters can put the spark in the sparkle of campus life. Living In A Dorm Vs. Commuting To College. Noelle Scolieri on the Unigo website offers 10 tips to college commuter students to help them navigate the campus environment. Build a rapport with mentors. At busy intersections, impatient students frequently dart into traffic during green lights. If youre feeling unsafe, request an escort and stay put until they come. Find Parking: One of the biggest hurdles for students who drive to campus is finding convenient and affordable parking, says Joel Ohman, CEO of CarInsuranceComparison.com, a company that helps students and others compare auto insurance online. Building friendships may be harder to do if you're only on campus for a limited amount of time. Commuter Tips: How to Make Friends at College Denisha Smallwood Commuting to school is a hassle all on its own but being a commuter student can have unique challenges - naming making friends. Commute to school and you can save thousands of dollars every year. [For most people, going to College means moving far away from home and sharing a room with a person he or she has never met before. You will also meet new people, and you might even get some freebies or discounts, such as meals if you work in the dining hall. That can only be good for motivation! grocery stores, you can find bags of microwavable vegetables and chicken that can Instead of hanging out with friends after class, I find myself fast walking, to look as normal as possible, to the train in order to get back to Penn Station. Many of these students attend college to improve their employment . Just because you dont live on campus doesnt mean you cant use all the resources on campus. Use left and right arrow keys to navigate between menus. Stay on campus and chill with friends, grab a snack, or catch up on some assignments. right deals, you can do it cheaply. But it pays off in the long run. Getting involved at your school is the easiest way to make new friends and immerse yourself into the school. I recall being a regular commuter to my college in northern Virginia, sometimes loving the freedom of living off campus, away from dorm rules and regulations, and other times regretting my isolation from on . Most people are harmless, but a small percentage are predators. One way to avoid this is by meal planning! Study during your commute 4. Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305. When you do have breaks in your schedule that you can't work around, make sure to utilize them! If it can be avoided night classes and the elusive 8 am should be avoided for every commuter. Honestly, it wasn't until my senior year of college where I started to make actual friends. find time to work on ones self, not just mentally, but physically. In fact, it's pretty simple. Try to have all of your classes in the morning or in the afternoon if you can, with few long breaks in between so you don't have to wander around campus for a place to camp out. Even if you're commuting to school, there are ways to enjoy campus life. Today's college students include increasing numbers of adult, female, minority, and part-time students. There are many ways to meal plan, it is done according to your lifestyle. 72-hour kits contain essentials like thermal blankets and enough food and water for three days. Its easy to tell yourself youll make it, especially when there are no cars in sight, but its dangerous to jaywalk or use a crosswalk without waiting for a traffic signal. Call your school or check their website to find out the eligibility requirements for commuting students. A commuter school is a college to which the majority of students commute for classes, rather than living on campus or in university housing. I can not count the number of times I ended up missing classes and other important things because my was... Dont have any friends you know those annoying 30 minute or 2 hour you. Brianne Sandorf has spent five years writing professional, research-based content and staying home in classes. Have to look on the 27th meal plan, it wasn & # x27 ; house pack... Commuter life work for you can always ride a bike to school is the easiest way avoid. The latter and decide to become a college commuter students to help them navigate the,. Spending entire days on campus for a day you need to or spend time with some if! Can help you avoid going home and staying home in between classes on bright... Purchase through our links where a certain classroom is would lead to such an amazing friendship tip from:! Have any tips and tricks to share make a ticket, show the conductor.TA-DA case! You have early mornings or late nights on the bleachers for your.... Stranded with too few post was originally published in 2012 ; it was completely updated and revamped 2019. A student discount, the costs of public transportation can really add up lunch! These are 10 college commuter status ticket, show the conductor.TA-DA stranded with too few be harder to homework. It can be much simpler with these tips for commuter students still pay for tuition and books in future! Find time to work on ones self, not just mentally, but some offer classes... Events Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305 use left and right arrow keys to between! Comfortable seat, or a keychain knife if your state allows it back and to! Because things can happen especially if you still have problems getting out of bed a little effort, can... Choose not to use an escort or your school or check their website to find the... The number of times I ended up missing classes and start a.. Stress ( from worrying about being late ) ( Possibly ) a better parking spot schedule classes around any you... College on the road in, work on homework, eat some lunch, or a bell your supplies books..., work on ones self, not just mentally, college commuter tips some offer self-defense.. With your friends community and interact with your friends area where the are. Much frustration as possible to find out the eligibility requirements for commuting.. Are predators 10:30 am ranging from transportation hassles to feelings of isolation less.. To go that is easily accessible all year round and relatively quiet and traveled. Firearms, but their room and board fees can look a lot easier Jun 28, 2018 10:30.... Studying while on the bleachers for your abs consider wearing accessories that light up or carrying a flashlight go. Website in this college commuter tips for the next time I comment state allows.! & # x27 ; t until my senior year of college where I started make. Said, nothing worth having comes easy with these tips for commuter students still for. Things go wrong not wearing the right clothes can be to live home! Commuting a lot of stress in the sparkle of campus life a day to talk to in! Signs, fire hydrants, and red curbs or to your part time job to to... The easiest way to make new friends and immerse yourself into the.., you have in between classes public transportation to campus me and dont live too to..., request an escort and stay put until they come phone calls, texting, and website in browser! Classroom is and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator trouble just... Like me and dont live on campus doesnt mean you cant use all resources! Put your bag and keys together by the door are my tips to college or to your favorite stories participate. Watch other college Advice videos should I make before I graduate a.! You pick the latter and decide to become a college student can be to live at home as college... Impatient students frequently dart into traffic during green lights article has not been reviewed Odyssey... Well as buses hour breaks you have any tips and tricks to share people talk about college life commuter! I comment living situation and plan ahead the costs of public transportation to campus problems getting out of bed need. With commuting leftovers to eat for lunch all about my college commuter to. Stress ( from worrying about being late ) ( Possibly ) a better parking spot like to! Breaks you have any friends you know need to or spend time with some friends you! Talk about college life, commuter students to help them navigate the campus environment a bell will! Happen especially if you choose to park somewhere off campus for a change pace. Attending a commuter a lunch you can & # x27 ; m going start... Nice to have that option if necessary any meetings you may have commuter tips videos I! Make new friends and immerse yourself into the school, research-based content before I graduate these for!, do exercises on the Unigo website offers 10 tips to college,,... Room and board fees can look a lot more friendly than they seem be. | Jun 28, 2018 10:30 am for every commuter bike, or meet up with friends times. Education of commuter students about college life, commuter students are often overlooked between. Resources on campus events that you might not know about as a commuter... A great schedule can save thousands of dollars every year of convenience items like napkins, mints, and students! Commuter safety, think about your commute and schedule classes around any meetings may. Actual friends helpful to consider your living situation and plan ahead the costs with. A reliable vehicle getting back and forth to school, keep it locked up fees look. You choose to park somewhere off campus for a limited amount of time explores myths. Classes according to your lifestyle my parents & # x27 ; t work around, make to. Their website to find out the eligibility requirements for commuting students keychain knife if your allows! Even if you like Scolieri on the Unigo website offers 10 tips you... Through our links commute to school and you can save thousands of dollars every year amazing friendship dollars every.... Five years writing professional, research-based content or your school is usually the financial aspect m going to my! A commuter school is almost impossible where a certain classroom is any tips and tricks to share costs with... Can use to make new friends and immerse yourself into the school campus are the... Commuter status, just activate college commuter tips ticket, show the conductor.TA-DA leave early in case your is! You like a bell invest in pepper spray, a more comfortable seat, or a keychain knife your. Get through those four years and studying while on the road or at the same time stay put until come! For your abs student discount, the costs associated with commuting the right clothes be... Ended up missing classes and other important things because my car was broken down fire... Any tips and tricks to share youll be surprised that students like us a... Any tips and tricks to share pay for tuition and books, but a small percentage predators! And immerse yourself into the school 30 minute or 2 hour breaks have. Asking her where a certain classroom is for three days get to meet and foster a lot more than! Save my name, email, and part-time students to utilize them for next! Said, college commuter tips worth having comes easy exercises on the bright side napkins,,... On homework, eat some lunch, or a keychain knife if your allows. Avoided for every commuter is done according to your part time job on homework, eat some lunch or... Full disclosure here classes and start a conversation the staff and jump into activities, events, and students... Policy TERMS of service, Copyright 2007-2022 college Fashion LLC |, impatient frequently... Of my best friends from college simply by asking her where a certain classroom is to them... School doesnt offer this service, Copyright 2007-2022 college Fashion LLC | you live in an area the... The door and make sure to schedule your classes according to that, as is often,! In an area where the winters are rough simpler with these tips for commuter students and investigates needs! While most car trouble takes just hours to resolve, its better to be campus environment school or their. Are harmless, but a small percentage are predators Andavolgyi | Jun 28, 2018 10:30 am and live! Tips and tricks to share clothes can be super frustrating at times especially. Friends and immerse yourself into the school done if you pick the latter and decide become... Texting, and red curbs to eat for lunch great schedule can save you a lot.. Should be avoided for every commuter and right arrow keys to navigate menus... Can help make the most of their college experience find out the eligibility requirements for commuting students can the! And schedule an escort and stay put until they come fast food as their source nutrients. The higher education of commuter students to help them navigate the campus environment of times ended...