So, you're a commuter.
Whether you are a ten or fifty-minute drive away from college, you are going to be using some type of vehicle or form of public transportation to get to school; you've heard the cons, the struggles, and inevitably feel the dread before the travel. However, I am here to tell you that it is only as bad as you make it out to be. As a commuter who's been driving for a little over two months to her college, I can tell you that it's not impossible. Some mornings may be rougher than others, your bed may seem more appealing than that early morning class, and you may be questioning why you're out on the road when the sun isn't even up yet, but I am telling you that it will be okay.
Before you even think about the commute, however, make sure that you are already familiar with the route you are going to take. For example, know the hours of heavy traffic because the congestion will more than likely be your biggest hindrance from attaining that tardy-free attendance. Other than that, the other notorious villain in your life will be none other than you. Whether it's through refusal to wake up, accidentally sleeping past your alarm clock, or that unnecessary all-nighter, you are the undoing of your own commute. So how do you fight you? Multiple alarm clocks, your mother, a reasonable amount of sleep, caffeine - all of these options are easily accessible as a commuter. It's only up to you to utilize them; be the hero not the felon.
Now, if you are using public transportation, then kudos to you. The bleary-eyed driver mumbling incoherent jinxes at the inconsiderate truck driver with the fog lights on will envy the leeway you have by using the train or bus. By letting someone else steer you to your destination, you have the ability to relax and maybe even get a light nap during the commute. As long as you make sure not to miss your stop, you have the extra time that a driver rarely has to catch up on unfinished homework and lost sleep. However, don't mistake that the train could be better than the car. Each has its pros and cons. For example, if you use public transportation your schedule essentially revolves around the transport's times, thus limiting you from being able to participate in school activities, unlike the unrestricted driver.
For this reason, not only will caffeine be your new best friend, but also a planner. Whether it's an actual notebook planner or the calendar app on your phone, you will find that the only way to remember and find a way to get involved is through the use of one. Keeping track of when you have time to attend to special events and club meetings is facilitated with the use of a planner. Unless you have an exceptional memory, it's best not to take risks and use one. You should also find a few friends who are residents as they offer a plethora of help. Whether it's offering you a room for a night due to turbulent weather or providing you a place to nap during the day, they will be your saviors. They can reach out to your professors, get your papers, and even hold onto items you may have left behind; resident friends can help you survive.
In general, commuting to college is not as bad as it seems. Once you adjust to your new schedule, you will realize that only the process of waking up is the hardest. Otherwise, the drive, the prospects of seeing your new friends and learning something potentially interesting, should propel you to look forward to getting there. You will realize sooner or later, that those foggy mornings wrapped up in blissful dreams and warm blankets are only distractions keeping you from performing well in school and later on, getting that degree and transforming that dream job into a living reality.
Good luck.