FOMO is real ... and it's okay to miss out

Being a commuting student means that there are going to be plans and moments that you just cannot possibly be there for .... and that is okay. It is impossible to be there for the 9am run at the park and the 11pm movie night, but that doesn't mean that you won't have ANY friends and feel like a total loser.

Having a social life is going to be a bit more challenging for you 

Like I said, it's okay to miss out on some stuff, but you definitely don't want to miss out on everything and you definitely should put an effort into making plans and doing things other than coming to campus for class and then going straight home. It's all about balance.

While you might not be able to stay on campus until 11pm to watch a movie with your gals, maybe you can grab lunch with a friend or hit the library with a classmate to do an assignment together.

At some point, you are going to regret commuting and wish you dormed ... and that is perfectly normal

This is basically the opposite of home-sickness; something like FOMO-sickness. When you feel this way, just know that it is totally normal and okay, but it's important to remember why you decided to commute to school and reflect on if you're making your best effort to socialize on campus.

I decided to commute to school because I like having the choice of being on campus or going home. I also have a couple of jobs that I wanted to continue with and quite honestly, I didn't need to go away to school to grow up. That being said, I definitely do have those moments where I feel like I'm a total loser and wish I had dormed. At the end of the day, I know I'm making my best effort to have a life both on and off campus and I'm happy to be where I'm at.

 Always be prepared for a change in plans

Being a commuter, you don't have a dorm to nap in when one of your classes gets cancelled or a closet to go to when it rains unexpectedly and you get soaked going from class to class. You also don't have a fridge and kitchen to make meals throughout the morning/day and you may not have a meal plan depending on your situation.

I cannot imagine what it must be like for the students that take the train or bus to commute to school, but luckily for me - I have my car. What I've learned - the hard way - is to always have a change of clothes as well as gym clothes in my trunk!

I have a change of clothes in case of an emergency, accidental spill or wardrobe malfunction - and I do have to say I have needed that change of clothes on more than one occasion so I definitely recommend having that.

I also keep a change of gym clothes and sneakers in my car in case I want to work out in between classes because by the time I get home my gym will be closed or it'll just be too late to workout. It's always better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it!

I am definitely a big bag lady and in my huge school bag I carry a few essentials with me that I might need throughout the day and definitely don't want to feel stranded without:

1) medicine in case I get a headache or my allergies are bothering me

2) a laptop charger and phone charger

3) gum, lip balm, mascara, perfume, hair ties, a mini deodorant and lotion

4) a snack or two that isn't too noisy or pungent in case I need something to get through class, work or the day in general

5) a reusable water bottle

That may sound like a lot to some people, but I have everything in a little pouch in my bag and most of those products are mini, so it's really not heavy or a burden at all! I tend to use almost all of these things on an average day at school so having those things on me is definitely helpful!

Be confident in being a commuter and don't be afraid to make the first move with making plans

It can be hard to make plans when everyone else is on campus and can make plans spontaneously. It's not as easy when you're not there and it's not because your friends don't think of inviting you or don't want to invite you. Most of the time it's because they figure that you won't be around and it'll be too complicated for you to come.

While that may be true sometimes, it's so helpful if you make the first move and reach out to a friend /friends saying "hey ladies i'm free Thursday night after class, let's do dinner." It's also helpful to let your friends know when you will be around this way if they make plans they'll know when you can make it and when you can't and that way you won't feel left out!

Definitely take advantage of the resources your school has for commuting students. At Fordham, we have a commuter lounge that has a microwave and printers, among other things and our commuter student association hosts events to help you socialize on campus!