After a full year of college, I decided it was the best decision for me to commute. Living 45 minutes away from school and having to drive every day isn't easy, but it's the best option for me. No matter what your reason is for commuting, here's a few things you should know before making the decision.
1. You can still be involved.
A major part of the college experience is getting involved, and being a commuter student doesn't mean that you can't do just that. You can still join clubs, go to sporting events, be a part of club or intramural sports, party, and everything else. I'm actually the Vice President of the Pre-Pharmacy Club at High Point University.
2. You can date.
Sure, dating can be harder when you aren't living on campus, but it can be done. It can work out great. Don't fret about it. I'm in a relationship, and my boyfriend actually goes to another school.
3. Your parents will worry.
Your parents are going to think that you're doing it to save money, and they are going to think you are miserable. Don't forget to tell them that you are okay and that it's your choice.
4. Driving is dangerous.
Driving is one of the most dangerous activities on the planet, so don't forget to be careful and watch out for crazy and reckless drivers.
5. You can get lonely.
It'll be hard at first for you to get used to not being able to hang out with your new friends all of the time, but it does get better.
6. It will save money.
Commuting from home basically means you save thousands of dollars on housing and possibly even on your meal plan. It is a great opportunity to decrease student loans. But beware, you could get less scholarship money if you tell them that you are commuting.
7. You'll have to live by your parents' rules.
If you are thinking about commuting after living on campus for a bit, it will be hard to transition back to living under your parents' roof and by their rules. This will be easier if you are commuting right off the bat.
8. Downtime at school will not be wasted as easily.
You won't be able to just go to your dorm room and take a nap in between classes because you won't have a dorm room. This will give you the time to do homework in between classes and it will lessen the amount of procrastination that you experience during your downtime. Even if you aren't doing homework, your downtime isn't wasted because you can use it to visit with friends.
9. It takes a toll on your car.
Gas fill-ups, oil changes, and tire rotations will happen more frequently than if you don't commute. It'll also add miles to your car.
10. You get your own room.
Not that I didn't love my freshman year roommate, but it is so nice to have your own room. You can keep it as messy or as clean as you want (shoutout to Mackenzie for being the best roomie ever! Love you, girl!)
11. You get to choose your diet options.
I don't know about you guys, but if you have a strict diet, it can be difficult to get everything you want on a campus meal plan. However, living at home, you can choose your meals and snacks more easily.
12. You'll get F.O.M.O.
F.O.M.O = Fear of missing out. This is so real for a commuter. Not living on campus means that you aren't able to hang out with your group of friends. You are going to feel left out when they hang out without you, but it will be okay.
13. Weather affects you going to school more than it does 'Resident Students.'
If it snows or rains, you still have to go to school. What it looks like in your town could be nothing like it is in your school's town. Therefore, you need to have a good relationship with your professors and make sure they know when you really cannot make it to school.
14. You have to stay organized.
Get a planner, set alerts in your phone, and have separate binders for separate days or classes. Make sure you have a decent laptop with a lot of battery power just in case you forget your charger.
15. You can get an on-campus job or a job at home.
You can either get a job on campus and spend more time there, or leave after classes and get a job at home. It gives you more options.
16. You can go visit your college on the weekends and enjoy all of the 'college experiences.'
This is what I am doing. Every once in a while, I'm going up to my college and visiting with my friends. It will help with the loneliness.
