Rutgers buses can be crowded, annoying, and unfortunately, unavoidable. However, there are plenty of easy ways to enhance the experience and laugh about it, as opposed to getting angry.
The first few weeks back at Rutgers during the fall semester are filled with busy schedules, club meetings, and catching up with friends you haven’t seen in nearly four months. While the beginning of the semester is an exciting time after the long summer lull, it also seems to be the most crowded time to be at Rutgers. Lines at the dining hall seem longer (yes, even at Brower) and crowds at bus stops litter the entire sidewalk. However, worst of all is actually riding the buses during the first weeks of the semester. For some reason, each bus you ride feels like it has half of Rutgers crammed right on it with you. At each stop, when you feel like there’s no way another person could possibly squeeze their way in, but another crowd somehow manages to pile on. As you stand irritated and claustrophobic, you constantly hear people try to reassure themselves with the fact that the buses “are only this crowded for the first two weeks.” For some reason, this statement seems to be true; whether people stop going to class or figure out more efficient routes within the first few weeks, the bus crowds and efficiency definitely do improve in time. So instead of getting tickets for illegally parking to get to class or considering walking from campus to campus, take these tips for how to make your bus experience a little more pleasant during the first weeks of school.
1.) Enter the First Door of the Bus: For some reason, I’ve found that the majority of students try to pile on and off through the second door of the bus. Instead of elbowing your way through this sea of people, try to get on the bus up front, near the driver’s side. There seems to be more breathing room, so you don’t have to worry about holding your breath or having your feet stomped on. It also is much easier to get off the bus from the front exit, as you don’t have to worry about shoving your way through the massive clump of people trying to shuffle on. Better yet, there are walls and rails to lean against in the front of the bus, so you don’t have to worry about reaching over someone’s head to grasp a free inch of handrail.
2.) Ride the Bus with a Friend: I know this one seems a little bit obvious, but nothing makes you forget your bus-anger like having a good conversation with a friend. While you’re packed like sardines into a hot bus for as long as forty minutes, there’s no better way to make time pass than talking with a friend. It mitigates your angry thoughts and the fact that you’re probably going to be late for class, again. Plus, if you have to be uncomfortably pressed into the crowds of people, it might as well be someone you know. If you happen to be travelling alone on the bus, you can always try talking to the people next to you. It may sound crazy but I have actually made friends this way, and it helps with some of the awkwardness of having your head uncomfortably close to their armpit. If you have to be pressed into random strangers, you might as well strike up a conversation. Besides, there’s no way around the bus ride anyway, so you might as well make the best of it.
3.) Listen to Music: Sometimes, there’s no way around a terrible bus ride. If you’re riding alone and it’s too overcrowded to bear, your best solution is to plug in your headphones and turn up the volume. If you try hard enough, you can shut everyone out and make yourself believe you are not stuffed into a hot bus. At the very least, the music may overpower some of your anger and frustration, and shut out your claustrophobic thoughts. True, you’ll still be stuck on an uncomfortable bus, and your arm still may be losing feeling due to the high rail you’re desperately clinging to, but at least you’ll be a little bit happier.
Overall, Rutgers buses are infamous for being packed and uncomfortable, at least for a few weeks. Although there are some tactics you can use to enhance this tedious experience, the best thing is to keep in mind that eventually the crowds will thin. Keep in mind that everyone hates Rutgers buses (if they say they don’t, they’ve got to be lying), and that you can bond over this in the future while making friends. Despite the hassle of the bus rides, they are a unique part of the Rutgers experience, and something that we all simply love to hate.
