My first year of college I lived on campus and my second year I commuted to college. Now I am on my third year of college at SUNY Potsdam and I still continue to commute. As there are pros and cons to everything there are also pros and cons to commuting. One of the most popular questions I get about commuting is “don’t you feel disconnected from everything and everyone on campus?” This question can sometimes be hard to answer at times but for now here are some things that commuters can relate to!

1. Trying to find parking spots that are commuter friendly can be hard.

2. You can’t get into the dorm buildings without a key.

So you need to find a buddy to swipe you in!

3. You can’t roll out of bed on the last minute and run to class.

4. Once winter hits you have to leave even earlier to get to campus.

5. When you leave the house in the morning double check to make sure you have EVERYTHING.

Because if you forget something for class you can’t run to your dorms to get it.

6. Throwback to middle school. You probably carry a lunch pail around campus along with your backpack instead of buying campus food all the time.

Or maybe that’s just me.

7. You might feel disconnected from certain activities and things that happen around campus.

Do your best to make lots of friends and don’t run home after class, get involved!

8. Although we pay a lot in gas money traveling back and forth to school we save in housing expenses.

9. Privacy!

We don’t have to share a bedroom, bathroom or any of our personal space with a roommate or roommates.

10. Whether you live on your own off campus or with your parents still, home cooked meals are better than campus food.

11. The library becomes your best friend between classes.

Since you probably don’t have time to go all the way home between classes and catch up on some sleep, pick your favorite spot in the library instead.

12. Your own bed!

Nothing beats going home after a long day and having the comfort of your own bed to sleep in.

Overall, after living on campus one year, living at home the next year and finally living on my own off campus in an apartment I have noticed many different pros and cons to being a commuter. It’s good to have the on campus experience as well as the off campus experience. No matter what your living conditions are make sure you’re being involved on campus. Meet new people, join clubs, play sports or intramural sports and make lots of memories!