So, I’m writing this as the first week of college is coming to a close. I felt it necessary to address a very important yet highly underrated problem with going to college. Many people live on- or within walking distance of campus. If you are one of those people, well this will not be relatable. However, for those of you who have to commute, here is what you might have noticed this past week and throughout the semester:
1. The Waking Up
Having an 8 a.m. class is already one of the most miserable events in college, but we all do it at some point. However, commuting from home can make those early mornings the worst possible thing. It takes exactly one hour for me to get to class (from the moment I leave my house to the moment I reach the classroom door). Unfortunately, sometimes there are complications, so I really leave for 6:30 a.m., just to make sure. Also, it is just nice to get to class a little early to go over the notes from the class before. Regardless, waking up two hours earlier than you would if you lived on campus just makes for a rough morning.
2. Driving to School
The drive to school is the BANE OF MY EXISTENCE! It is not the actual action of driving that bothers me; it is the other drivers on the road. I honestly believe a large population of drivers didn’t actually get a license or are just getting into a vehicle for the first time in their life. Oh, and everyone, there is this handle on the side of your steering wheel opposite of your gear shift. It is to control this little flashing light that alerts other drivers that you would like to merge. It is called a BLINKER, and it is a nifty gadget so please USE IT. (Rant for the day done.)
3. Parking in Cajun Field
Okay, so I know Cajun Field is only at UL, but it is just a large parking lot for commuters to park (this will change depending on the school). The problem here is finding a place to park. This is probably the only time having early morning classes is worth it. Getting to the lot early means a good parking spot, but if you don’t show up until about 10 a.m., the likelihood of finding a spot close to the bus pick up is like trying to find Waldo. Speaking of buses: the buses are very fickle. Some days, there are plenty of buses waiting to bring all the students to campus, and other times you wonder if all the bus drivers took the day off. This is at the same time every day; I’m not talking about the peak times. Sometimes, it may just be worth it to fork up the money to pay for parking on-campus.
4. Gas
While I may be saving a fortune by not living on campus, I still wonder every now and again that maybe it would be the same, since I’m spending so much on gas. I have to fill up at least once a week, although I might have to go to the gas station twice this week. But the worst part is stopping for gas. I’m not sure if it is a girl thing or what, but stopping to get gas is just as bad as having to shave our legs. We love it when it’s done, but we don’t like having to take the time out of our busy lives to do it.
Commuting to school has its downsides. That’s it. I tried to think of something good about commuting; maybe there is something, but I surely don’t see one. I mean, you get to live at home, but the benefits you reap from that only go so far. Is it really enough to outweigh the annoyance of commuting? Some days, not really. But, hey, at least I have my health.
