Commuting to campus is nice because you live at home but that traffic trying to get to school is an absoulte nightmare!

Pros:

1. Not paying for housing

We all know that housing is expensive. I think my parents were happy when I told them I was staying home. Since I live in Talladega County, I was able to do an exemption form. Thank you, Talladega County!

2. Commuter parking

Commuters have the most parking. The parking lots are pretty close to the buildings (unless you have to park in the back parking lot at Martin Hall). My advice, get there about 10-15 minutes before your class starts and sit around and wait for other students to leave. Wait for those parking spots!

3. Not having to wait on the Gamecock Express

I’ve heard many things about the Gamecock Express. I think it’s very helpful for those who live on campus. When a classmate came in late, they would tell the professor that they rode the Gamecock Express. I couldn't do that because I can never be late.

4. Home cooking

My second favorite part about being a commuter! I come from a family of cooks so we always have a nice meal prepared. If I did live on campus, I would still go to my great grandmother’s house because she is an awesome cook. The same goes for my grandmother and my stepdad!

5. Saving a lot of money

This is the part that makes many parents happy. I’ve saved money by driving back and forth every day. I have that extra money that can go towards my tuition or that outfit I want at Dillard’s that I don’t need.

Cons:

1. Gas

I have to buy gas every week! That gets pretty annoying. Especially when they raise the prices. For me, gas is cheaper in Oxford, so I fill up there. Sometimes the prices in Jacksonville are lower. I always see who has the lowest price before I fill up.

2. Traffic

I can’t stand traffic! The traffic on Quintard in Anniston is ridiculous in the mornings. Bumper to bumper and people slamming on their brakes. It’s enough to give me road rage. Lucky for me, the Anniston Bypass is now open. I now use the Bypass and it makes my commute a little less stressful.

3. Not as involved at school

Before I started school, my aunt told me that commuting would cause me not to have the “whole college experience.” She is right. I’m not involved with JSU and I hate that. I’m starting to join different organizations. I chose work over the college experience. You have to have money to go to school, right?

4. Commute time

The dreaded commute time. I drive 45 minutes to class and 45 minutes home unless I have to work. If that one red light in Anniston wouldn't catch me every single time, maybe my time would be a little less. My music makes the commute a little better tho.

5. Bad weather

Living in Alabama, you never know what the weather will do. You could have a chance of snow and a tornado warning in the same day. When it rains, it pours. Rain makes it harder to see and makes the other drivers crazy. Also, when it snows (which is rare) none of us know how to react to it. So we shut down the whole state. Then I’ll be stuck on campus freezing.