Firstly, I'd like to thank my friend Kelly that shares the woes of the commuter stigma with me and others for giving me the idea to write this article about the stigma on commuting to school. For me, as a commuter, I am stigmatized by society for not being a "normal" college student. I am not saying there is anything wrong with dorming, but some people don't dorm for a few reasons. Some people feel like it's too expensive and want to save money, some people love the comforts of home, whether it's because of pets, their bed, or family, and some people just don't feel comfortable in that living arrangement and that's okay. Whatever the reason is that made you choose to commute, you're a real college student.
People act like you don't belong or have a real college experience when you tell them you commute, but let me tell you, many of us, like me, have joined clubs. Commuting doesn't mean that you can't be included in activities and clubs through a school. I have been welcomed in English Society and Pops (dance team) while being a student that commutes. You are just as able to participate in campus programs just like a student that dorms, and nobody that dorms thinks twice, so don't let random people make you feel like you're not living a "real" college experience because I commute and have had a fun ride so far with some pretty amazing people that I've met.
If you commute, remember that you can live at home, work hard, and meet people while participating in school programs if you wish, and that doesn't mean that you aren't as diligent as those who live on campus or less social than those who live on campus either. When you work or go to events and people act shocked like you aren't capable of having a college experience with either your education and social life, let it roll off your back. There is nothing wrong with commuting because you are still making a memorable experience and working just as hard as everyone else. A room that you sleep in won't determine how great of an experience you will have or how much you will learn. Have fun, get involved at your own pace, and work hard while making your college experience what you want it to be and shake off the stigma because you're doing great and have all the same opportunities as everyone else.
