I am always looking for ways to push and better myself. This semester was no different. Last semester I became lazy while living on campus. i was starting to become complacent with everything being so convenient. My fashion style suffered tremendously, I only wore sweat pants and sandals. Yes a mess. Self care was not a priority and my foundation bottle is still full. I needed to get off campus.

Being a commuter made me eager to get dressed and look decent, now that I had somewhere to go. A positive of being a commuter is eating decent food. I like being able to eat home made food and I get to eat what I wanted to eat at the moment, not the today special in the dining hall.

I also get to spend more time with my family. Although i live locally, I was so engulfed in school work and campus activities that i never made time to see my family. Lord knows the last time I went to church!

Also, my mental space is so much healthier. Being able to separate the place that I go to school verse my personal life is a big plus. My stress level and societal pressures has decreased.

The first couple years of living on campus, I relied on being close to resources and classes in order to get good grades. Now that I am a junior that is disciplined, my needs and wants changed.

I also saved a ton of money while living off campus rather than buying an expensive meal plan.however they are some negatives to being a commuter.

Finding parking can be a pain. Living off campus does not give me priority when it comes to parking, matter fact, commuters don't get priority to much.you just need to be creative and make it work.

Another negative of commuting is not being able to see friends that are still living on campus. People don't invite you to things as much because they always assume you are too busy or not on campus.

Also long gaps between classes can be boring if You don't have homework or a place to go. When you have homework or review quiz, it can be a positive.

Being a commuter does not mean I am an outcast.although some might choose to commute for financial reasons but for me it was a personal choice. I am even more involved than I was when I lived on campus.it is a decision that worked for me.