“Oh you’re a commuter?” A typical response when I say I don’t live on campus in the dorms, along with a face of concern. Lots of people think that commuting isn’t the way to go, especially your freshman year. However, everyone’s different and dorm life isn’t for everyone. This isn’t a resident vs. commuter, “who has it better” showdown, it's a positive twist!
1. More family time for your homebody self.
I’m a family girl and always have been. Two parents, one sister, one dog, four grandparents, 17 aunts and uncles, and 12 cousins… how could I not be?! I didn’t want to leave my morning routine of getting ready with my sister in our bathroom, taking naps with my dog, spontaneous trips to my grandparents’ house, I can’t miss out on that stuff. Living at home gives you the opportunity to be with your family whenever you want, but have your alone time at school.
2. The perfection of home cooked meals.
You can’t put a price on a home cooked meal, especially made by my momma! Now don’t get me wrong, my school’s dining hall food is amazing! But if I had to choose between eating in the dining hall or having a nice family dinner, I’d choose family every time. Plus, it’s pretty difficult to gain the infamous “Freshman 15” with all of mom’s healthy recipes she gets from the Food Network.
3. You still have your own shower and bed.
Good lord do I love my shower and bed. I love the fact that I don’t need to wear flip flops in the shower and that I have the privacy and privilege of not walking through a hall in a towel past other people… or even boys! Everyone loves their own bed. You’ve grown so comfortable with it that there’s probably an imprint of your body in your mattress!
4. There's always a quiet space for homework.
There are libraries, quiet rooms, lounges, etc. However, in the privacy of my own quiet bedroom, I focus and get more homework and studying done than if I were to live in a dorm. I’m the type of person where I get distracted very easily, so if I hear something fun going on in the hallway, I’m going to stop and see the fun!
5. You can still make friends.
The biggest stereotype of college commuters is that they’re not living the full college experience. That is so insanely false. I have a group of friends who all live on the same floor. They always welcome me up into their rooms to hang out. We go to the gym together, eat dinner, have movie nights, or even go out on the weekends… where you can meet more people! You can have the same college experience as residents. It may be a little trickier, but it’s doable and totally worth it.
Commuting to college is 100 percent okay. Dorm life isn’t for everyone. Everybody’s path is different. Your journey is your own, so do what’s best for you, and the ones who you love will support you no matter what.
