During my first year of college I didn't want to miss out on the "college experience" by living at home and commuting to school everyday. So I ended up living in the dorms and let me be the first to tell you, it was so worth it.
I mean yeah you have to share 5 bathrooms and showers with your entire floor and you don't really have a kitchen but this was where I met my best friends. The last second lets go eat, or go to the mall, or go hangout were some of my best memories.
But anyways, after my freshman year I got an off campus apartment and have been commuting to school for the last three years. Here are some tips to, hopefully, make your commuting experience as smooth as possible.
1. Keep Necessities In Your Car
You always want to keep a blanket and extra coat in the winter in case your car breaks down, I'm sure your parents have told you this ten times every winter like mine have. But you also want to keep things like your charger, change of clothes (casual and workout), an umbrella, and snacks.
2. Leave Early
If your campus is anything like mine parking is basically who can either 1) get lucky and find a spot or 2) who can go fastest to get to the open spot across the lot. I recommend leaving early, better being early than late for class and have a professor not open the door for you.
3. Bring Headphones And Your Computer
You are bound to have some downtime in between classes. I bring my headphones and listen to music and get ahead on homework. That way I can cruise through the rest of the week
4. Make Friends
Making friends as a commuter can be difficult, but your'e in college, people are nice and your age so it shouldn't be difficult to make friends. Trust me, it will make the down time go by so much faster and your'e college experience so much better!
5. Get Involved
Find a club that you can get involved in. There are so many different options and could be a great way to be a part of your campus community and make friends. Seriously, there is a club for everything!
College is the best four years of your life, and the fastest too! Take advantage of these tips I have learned over my last three years of commuting and your'e bound to have a good experience! Best of luck!
