When I was applying for colleges, never did I think that I was going to commute and be living at home. As a senior in high school, I dreamed about going to school far away from home and having the "college experience." Next thing I knew I committed to my school and decided it was best to commute to college, but still aimed to have my college experience that I dreamed about. Commuting has been the best decision even though it comes with many complications, like being exhausted 24/7, living in your car and not having somewhere to nap in between your breaks. Now, it's my third year commuting and I have learned a lot about how to adjust to this life.
1. Breaks between classes is a no-no.
Having a six-hour break between your current class and the next is not going to be OK. You will sit in the library, in the lounge area and just wait and wait for time to pass quickly. Yeah, sure getting your homework done is great, but as you watch all your resident friends go back to the dorms to sleep you want to cry.
2. Driving is exhausting.
Driving back and forth and back and forth each day is exhausting. You don't even remember driving to school because the drive becomes automatic. Waking up early and then having to get in your car to drive half an hour is only the start of your day. Then you have to go to class and then back in your car you go! Hint: Keep drinking coffee and don't fall asleep driving please.
3. Your car will become your second home.
You will keep everything you own in your car as a commuter. An endless supply of clothes in your trunk, books, phone chargers and of course, coffee mugs. You will spend nearly half of your day in your car, so make sure you make it like cozy:)
4. You will become obsessed with the weather.
The weather app will become something you check constantly because you have to be aware of the road conditions. I check the app like five times a day during the winter to know if it will snow, and if I should drive all the way to school. Maybe I am a little obsessed with the weather conditions, but oh well! Always practice safe driving friends.
5. Make friends with residents.
Make friends with residents when you're a freshman, so you can always have a place to crash one night. Majority of my friends live on campus, so it helps me a lot with the traveling back and forth. Plus, you can get the college experience, but for free!
6. You will be considered a roommate if number 7 is followed.
From spending so much time with your new resident friends, you will be considered their other roommate. I know as a freshman I was known as their fifth suite mate because I was in the room all the time. These friends will be there for you through thick and thin and always have their doors wide open.
7. Your bag is always filled with snacks.
Your bag will always contain Ziploc baggies filled with snacks. As a commuter, you never know when you are gonna get hungry and may need a pick me up. All your friends know you for always having food in class.
8. Eating dinner at the dining hall is gross.
Living at home makes you find dinning hall dinners repulsive. You get so used to eating home cooked meals, so when you stay for dinner it is nothing remotely close to your moms cooking.
9. High gas prices = worst nightmare.
When gas prices are high, it's not a good sign for commuters like myself. Having to refill your gas tank once a week because your constantly driving is already enough. Then when the gas reads $5.49 per gallon, it's time to panic and start making more money.
10. Experience, enjoy and have fun.
Last but not least, have the college experience that you always dreamed about! Do not let commuting affect you from going out, hanging out with your friends and experiencing what the campus has to offer. Put yourself out there and soak up every last minute of it!
