This fall I'll be entering my sophomore year of college. You'd think that this summer would've been filled with me spending missed time with my family and friends, soaking up the last few weeks of home life before I go off to college. While I did spend plenty of time with my family, it wasn't because I was going to be going off to college in two months, but rather just because I live with them. I am a commuter, meaning everyday I commute to and from school; I hate it. In case you're considering commuting to college, here are some reasons NOT to.
1) It's tiring.
Commuting back and forth everyday requires a TON of time and effort. You not only have to wake up earlier than the average college student in order to have time for getting ready and driving to school, but you have to carve out time to sit in early morning traffic. Taking an 8:30 was the WORST decision of my life.
2) Traffic.
Like I said, sitting in traffic is just another part of being a commuter. However, try telling your professor for the fifth time that semester that you're going to be late again because of traffic (it's not going to work).
3) Clubs
You miss out on so much. Clubs meet at all different times, and some of them meet at 9pm. After a long day of school and studying, I don't have the mental capacity to sit through an hour long meeting and then drive home groggy (plus, it's not too safe). This goes the same for any parties, by the time they end you're too tired to even walk to your car, let alone drive home.
4) Making friends is so much more difficult
While you can totally make friends through commuter organizations and class, it won't be the same as making friends via dorm life. Not only are you guys in constant contact, but you learn to live independently with people you like best, which is so much better than living at home.
5) Scheduling
Scheduling your classes is always a struggle, whether you're a commuter or not, but believe me, it's a little more difficult when you commute. I know personally that making a schedule that accommodates my time restraints is so difficult because not only am I working my schedule around my job, but I am also working it around traffic times and efficiency. I'm not going to take one class on a Tuesday and the rest on other days, it's a waste of time and gas-- a problem that wouldnt exist if you dorm.
6) You lose the 'college experience'
Yes, college is the place to learn and prepare for your future-- which I can easily do as a commuter-- but it's also about meeting people who share the same interests and learning to live independently. Being a commuter strips us of these vital experiences. Late night driving isn't fun, neither is driving back and forth everyday, or not having a place to crash at in between your classes. You only get to experience college once, you might as well do it right.
