Life as a commuting college student is rewarding and exhausting all in itself, but when you throw in student activities, family time, a job, and a fiancé, it's even harder. The drive to school can either pump you up or drive you insane depending on the hour. Here is a list of relatable Pros and Cons for my current and future commuters.

CONS:

1. There is never such a thing as "sleeping in".

You either got up early because you can't be late to the first class or else you get counted down, or you have to study for three exams. Otherwise you have to try to look presentable because you have an interview, two meetings, and have to go to work that night.

2. Sometimes you have to say "no".

Usually you commute because you are a contributing citizen who has a JOB outside of campus. This leads to you having to cancel things due to a busy schedule. But hey, at least you get to make a living while in college. Just be a bit nicer about it than grumpy cat.

3. There is NO good place to nap (unless its your bed with your cat).

Let's face it: you're either extremely hot or cold backseat won't do the trick. And if you need to lay down in the library, there is always someone judging you. I say we pull out the old cots in the commuter lounge with pillows and blankets from hotels.

4. You have to schedule morning and back-to-back classes.

There is no "going back to my dorm." My backpack is my dorm. It has everything I need throughout the day, whether it be my lunch or all three textbooks. Morning classes are a necessity, otherwise when your energy is going downhill after your 8pm class, you still have to walk across campus to find your lonely car. With huge gaps in between classes, I either have to waste time driving home or sit in the library for two hours doing homework (trust me, I'd much rather be in my room procrastinating too).

5. The weather changes are deadly.

Especially in Oklahoma where the winter comes in August and Spring in February. The mornings are usually when your fingers will be frostbitten and when you walk back to your car at two in the afternoon, you are drenched in sweat. This causes your allergies to be out of control and you're the one everyone hates saying "bless you" to one thousand times each day.

PROS:

1. What Freshman fifteen?

I walk over three miles everyday. My shivering and sweating definitely defeat some calories all while still getting groceries with my mom that are better for me then Chik-Fil-A and pizza.

2. You have time for yourself.

After a long day of class, I can go to the comfort of my own home and not have to worry about interrupting anyone else. I'm able to actually take a bath and relax and not have to worry about who else has been in my shower. I can wear whatever I want around my house. Along with not having to listen to noisy neighbors while I'm cramming. I have leisure and it's wonderful.

3. You get to have a job.

I hear way too often "I wish I had a decent job" from my fellow friends and college students. I have the capability of having a job that allows me to be involved with campus, and still have an income to save for tuition. This was a huge factor in deciding for college, one because I want to help pay for MY own education, and two I just like the extra cash to get over-priced coffee.

4. I have enough room.

Seeing my friends' rooms and how small those closets were, definitely made me happier that I'm at home. I have my own closet that is reasonably sized and a vanity that can hold more than just a small bag of makeup. Also, my bathroom can have as much stuff in it that I want.

5. I get to have family time.

I have two younger brothers and it was so important for me to stay as close to them as possible. Having them only a few minutes away is better than a few hours. Now I can see them grow while I'm in college instead of showing up at home one day and one is a foot taller than me!

6. You save money.

This speaks for itself. But I don't pay $3000+ on housing each semester. I have a job and my student loans don't acquire interest so I can pay them now instead of when I try to start a life after school. Along with that, I don't pay for a meal plan because I have food at home which saves over $1000 a semester.

All in all, I am a proud commuter student. I can get away from school if it begins to haunt me, but I always know I have a family waiting on campus for me. Just remember the kid out of breath probably just walked across campus to get to class on time because traffic sucked, so be kind to your commuters.

I hope this will influence my fellow commuters and remember: stay strong and WEAR LAYERS.