I have just recently converted over to the life of commuting for the 2016 fall semester, and let me tell ya, it is a whole different world. There are pros and cons to this lifestyle so I would like to clear up the rumor that it is all terrible. To any readers out there, if you are a commuter then you can relate to this article and if you are not, then here is an inside look.
1. Parking
Just the word itself makes my stomach queasy. This is why commuting gets the reputation of being so awful, especially if you go to a school like Worcester State. If you want to get a remotely decent parking spot (which I wouldn't know what that is because every day I park in a neighborhood that feels like it's miles away) then you have to arrive at school no later than 8 am. Even with the five-story parking garage there is nowhere near enough on-campus parking for the 5000+ students that commute to WSU.
2. Classes
Like I previously stated, I am new to the commuting scene and was not aware that the golden rule of commuting was to schedule classes either at 8 am or after 2pm. Again, this is only because of the horrendous parking. Another tip I learned is it is smarter to schedule more classes in a day on a Tuesday/Thursday for example, than to spread them out and have to make the drive to school five days a week.
3. Eating
I'm not sure how other schools handle commuter meal plans, but at Worcester State you are given $150 dining dollars at the start of the semester. Use it wisely. That money could be gone in a month and then you are either left starving or spending your own money. What I do to avoid disaster is I bring my own food! It's a little time consuming but its healthier and cheaper, or if I am lazy I will make my way into the dining hall, buy a $1 cup of coffee and smuggle some food out. Beware, that method will only last so long before the staff catches on.
4. Sleeping
One of the pros of commuting is sleeping in your own bed in your own space. BUT, if you have a break in between classes you can't just retreat to your room thats a walk away and take a power nap like someone who lives on campus can. Also, if you are like me and have friends that live on campus, then be prepared to sleep on the floor or be squished sharing a bed.
Overall, the commuting experience is a stressful one, but you can still have a great and beneficial time in college!
