More and more these days, we find that college is being taken on by non-traditional students; Students that take time off, older students that have families, and part-time students working full-time before night classes. I have taken college in a non-traditional way as a commuter from the south side of Milwaukee. There's ups and downs that go along with driving into campus everyday. Commuters are unique and brave people, choosing to take the responsibilities of time management and vehicle maintenance all while juggling college classes. Being a commuter is no easy task. Here are some things that make us commuters so great, and some of our biggest pet-peeves.
Traffic will drive you insane more than ever before. (No pun intended)
Traffic will become your worst enemy. It's always hit or miss. One day, you will fly across the freeway without a single vehicle in your path, and others it will be an utter stand still as you crawl along your commute at five miles an hour. It's a time management skill that needs to be mastered before you can commit yourself to being anywhere on time via vehicle commute.
You should pack for every weather event, natural disaster, and the most unusual circumstances every thought of.
As a commuter, my car is typically filled with different sets of clothes; workout clothes, rain jackets, extra shoes and socks, a few t-shirts and even sometimes, and extra pair of pants. Your day could be filled with anything, and you can't really trust Mother Nature (especially in Wisconsin). Beyond that, I keep blankets, a first aid kit and some pain relief medicine on me at all times, to avoid those awkward "If I only had [this]..." thought during your midday class migraine. Trust me, being prepared for the zombie apocalypse pays off when you're a commuter.
You learn to do things on the go.
Eating? In the car. Changing? In the car. Drinking your morning coffee? In the car. Your car becomes a sort of safe haven for a commuter, at least to me it has. Napping is the actual reason your seats fold down, just saying.
You learn to love whatever you drive.
I drive the most grandpa specific vehicle on the road. People pass me only to laugh at the young 20 yr old driving this giant, gold, grandpa SUV. It guzzles gas like its an Olympic sport, and parallel parking is just not an option. But I wouldn't trade her for anything else (well, that's not entirely true). But seriously, I'm grateful for my car now more than ever seeing that I drive it every day, and I hope to keep her running smoothly for at least 2 to 3 more commuting years. So it benefits you to take care (and pride) in your ride.
It's in your favor to make on-campus friends.
Being a commuter is draining. There's not always enough time in between a few classes to head out and grab lunch, or run to the store, or even back home for a quick nap. Make a few really good friends that live on campus with an extra couch. It'll be the best decision you make all year.
You become more independent. And quickly.
You naturally start going out of your way to make your crazy little self happy. You can hop right in, and courageously leave that well-parked street spot to grab a sandwich without saying a word when your class lets out early. You rely on yourself solely, and your vehicle. Its you and the (mostly) open road. Sometimes it's nice to take a drive after a long day to clear your head. It's sort of like running for the nonathletic.
You feel really old.
The only other people that understand your car trouble, parking disputes, and road rage are either other commuters or professors. And with most students choosing to live on campus, you find yourself walking to the car with a bunch of professors at the end of the day. Just remember that everyone does it at some point, and to take a deep breath every now and then when people steal your favorite parking spot.
It's good practice.
Honestly, I haven't met a commuter that isn't a champion driver. I have to brag, I think my snow-driving skills are above average. Your friends tend to ask you to drive, based on your sense of direction and familiarity for the city. And it's good practice for your "big kid" job, when you graduate. Because news flash: Your job doesn't have a "campus".
You become more flexible.
If there's anything commuting taught me, it's that nothing will go as planned 100% of the time, and this is perfectly OK. I enjoy the little hiccups, and I've learned to stop planning every little detail of my life. I'm not saying for everyone, but I find commuting to lessen the feelings of OCD and anxiety at times.
Being a college commuter can be a hassle at times, but it's shaping you into a pretty great adult. So cheers, you brave pioneer you.
