As the 2017-2018 school year is quickly approaching, many of my peers are packing their bags to head back to campus soon. However, myself, and a few close friends that have chosen not to live on campus, are just awaiting the first day of classes to head back and campus...and then go home. Many people ignore or just don't know much about college commuters and think the only way to go through college is by living on campus. But, I am here to tell you that I have experienced my freshman year as a commuter, and it honestly reaffirmed by decision to commute.
So, why did I choose to commute to college? As a senior in high school applying to schools, commuting was not my first choice. We are programmed as young kids to think of college as something you move out to attend and that living on campus is the only way to go about it. As I applied to colleges and heard back from the schools, I was quickly shocked at the cost of college. I was a multiple scholarship recipient but my scholarships were still not enough to cover tuition + housing. I did some researching and after thinking it through, I decided to commute. By attending my state university that is 20 minutes away from home, I did not have to pay anything for college, and that seemed like a better deal than taking out loans ever did. After I chose to commute, I realized living on campus was never for me. As an only child, I have my own room at home with ample space and a queen bed- was I really about to abandon that to share a hard, twin bed and eat stale food daily? No thanks. I also thought about the kind of life I want to live after graduation. I want to be able to enjoy my life, like travel, enjoy rooftop drinks in the city, and buy the designer bags of my liking. I don't want to have to give away all my hard earned money to my college dorms for a few years of "fun". And most importantly, I love being able to come home every night to a loving home where I get to see my sweet grandmother and parents daily. I get to come home to a home-cooked meal and share my day with my family. I also get to see my high school best friends much more often which I really love too.
I'm a huge supporter of commuting, if it applies in your case. But- I know it can seem scary and difficult at first. I've decided to compile some of my BEST tips on how to have a great college experience as a commuter.
1. Get involved! This is the first thing I want to share because it makes ALL the difference in your college experience. As a commuter, you have to try extra hard to have interactions with your classmates. By getting involved, you'll meet people with similar interests to you and these people become your close college friends. If you just go on campus and leave- you won't meet anyone, which totally defeats the purpose of college.
2. Choose a few days a week where you stay on campus the entire day. Many people don't even think I am a commuter because I stay on campus all day every day. Instead of studying in your room at home, why not study in your school's library? Instead of exploring your hometown, why not explore the town your college is in? These small decisions make a big difference in your college experience.
3. Make friends with students that live on campus. For those that find it absolutely necessary to dorm, make friends with these students! Sometimes- you need a place to relax or you need something you don't usually carry- this is when you can ask one of your friends that live on campus.
4. Learn how to reduce your school supplies. My first semester as a freshman, I was a typical freshman carrying a HUGE backpack that weighed a few pounds. I thought the only was to have extensive school supplies and carry a lot. From two semesters, I learned that the less I carry- the better! This semester, I will be implementing the folder method (
watch this video) and only carrying one notebook, my agenda, and of course my laptop. It's so much easier to carry everything around when it's lighter.
5. Find a space on campus that feels homey. Since you won't have the luxury of going to your bed in between classes, try to find a place on campus you can go to to just relax. Whether it's the library with comfy couches or a coffee shop on campus-you'll be really grateful to have a place you can just relax in.
These are the best tips I have, but I do have more since being a commuter is a constant learning process! Comment below if you want me to do a part TWO or any other college related posts- I'd be happy to write them! :)
Xoxo,
N
