It's that time of year again: Back to school! Time to pack up the car, drive back to campus, and begin the semester away from home...or is it? For many this is the game plan, but for the commuter students its not the case. For commuters it goes more like this: leave way earlier than you need to on the first day of classes because you don't want to be late and need to find somewhere to park without getting a ticket, go to all of your classes, maybe eat some lunch in between classes, and drive home...Hoping you don't get stuck in traffic. It may sound dull to some, but to me it's just a way of life. It also has many perks so with that being said let's check out the pro's and con's of being a commuter college student.
Pro: It's All About The Money, Baby
Probably the number one perk of commuting is the substantial amount of money you will save from not worrying about room and board or rent, utilities, and electric. Believe me, this part makes it all worth it. Plus, if your schedule allows time since you will be still living in your home town you can still keep some hours at your local job. This means I can go to school full time and work my job as a waitress part time for some extra bucks on the side. Commuting definitely saves you mucho guapo.
Con: FOMO
Yes, FOMO is most definitely real. Fear Of Missing Out is a huge downfall. Especially with social media such as Snapchat, Twitter, and Instagram you see it all. You see everyone you know having a blast at the local college town dive bars, all of the mixers, and even in their apartment doing nothing. It makes you fear that you are missing out on something, which you may be but hey, it's just a downfall of the commuter lifestyle.
Pro: Teachers Understand If You Are Running Late
This is one of my favorites. For most students, teachers are very strict about lateness...considering they are just a short walk away from campus. But for commuters teachers are a bit more lenient because there are a bunch of factors that go into the timeliness of us. Traffic, construction, stop lights, and weather all are contributing factors that may slow us down and make us late. Be sure to tell your professors in the beginning of the school year that you commute. They will probably make a mental note of that which could be used to your benefit.
Con: Having To Drive Every Darn Day
Day in and day out you will be driving to school both ways. I happen to live about thirty minutes away from my school, Kutztown University. This isn't all that bad of a distance until you throw in the traffic I get stuck in on the way home. Or maybe the really heavy rain we are having, that'll slow me down too.
If you're tired and you commute? Tough. Gotta make the drive to and from because it is important to get to classes to keep good grades.
Pro: Home Cooked Meals And Clean Clothes
Nothing like a mothers touch. From experience, when I did live at school I only did laundry when I ran out of socks, underwear, or yoga pants. And I cooked about three meals: tuna wrap with sautéed mushrooms and veggies, salad with grilled chicken, and oatmeal. Being home is entirely different. Laundry is done on a regular basis whether it be my mother throwing in the laundry or my mother reminding me to throw in the laundry. The best part is home cooked meals. There is an abundance of them as a commuter. I'm serious it's the best part because it gets a bit tiring eating the same crappy things all the time.
Con: Hard To Get Involved
Since you are driving back and forth you really don't have the opportunity to get involved on campus because its not like you are going to drive to campus just for a meeting or event and the last thing you feel like doing is staying after a long day of classes for an event when you know you have a long drive home. Getting involved as a commuter is difficult so many don't even bother. This may cause some missed opportunities throughout the college years.
Pro: Easier To Focus
It is seriously so much easier to focus when you are in a quiet place like your bedroom or your local Starbucks Cafe then it is in your apartment or the library. Why you may ask is it hard to focus in the university library? Because you always are seeing people you know and it's just hard to focus with a lot going on. I have gotten better grades the semesters I have commuted versus the semesters I have lived on campus. If it works for me, I'm sure it works for others.
Con: Your Closet Doesn't Double
Or triple, or grow by as many people as you live with. This is a MAJOR downfall. I am constantly riding the struggle bus when it comes to trying to come up with cute outfits to wear out. Living with other girls means you get access to their closet which can really spice up your wardrobe. Commuter's closets stay the same size...unless you want to go shopping which you may be able to afford since you are saving so much $$$ commuting. Still, it's the point. Sharing closets rule.
Pro: Easier To Make Healthy Eating Choices
You aren't looped into eating pizza two times a week because all your roommates want it or going on spontaneous ice cream runs. Your diet can be a lot more structured. This is good for those who enjoy eating healthy, but are easily persuaded like myself. I find that staying at home allows me to eat the way I want and need to in order to maintain my figure. As much as I wish I would have someone encouraging me to get food with them every now and then, I'm grateful I'm on my own for food choices.
Con: Everything Isn't Just A Walk Away
When living in Kutztown you can walk to campus, to a drugstore, the liquor store, any food place imaginable, and the grocery stores. This is super convenient and as a commuter we don't have that luxury. To go grocery shopping I have to get in my car and drive five minutes, to campus the drive is around thirty plus the time it takes to park and walk, and everywhere else I mentioned is also a five to ten minute drive. I definitely miss the proximity of everything living in a college town.
