To the incoming freshmen living off-campus,
Your college experience is still valid. Whether you are commuting or got placed in an off-campus building for your housing, do not let this stop you from having your own memorable first year of college and beyond. Sure, you do not get to experience living in a traditional hall or dealing with the community restroom, but outside of that, take it from someone who has experienced both sides, you are not really missing much. Living off-campus opens more opportunities to grow as a person which is exactly what college is all about.
You will still enjoy experiences and events on campus. If you want to go to the FC Cincinnati matches or Football games with your friends or just enjoy a night out, go for it. Living off-campus never stopped anyone. Just be safe, use some common sense, and stay together. There are plenty of resources around campus and ride share services, such as Uber and Lyft, that can help make sure you get home okay. There are usually free services on campus as well.
If you're commuting, you're saving a ton of money. For my commuter friends or even folks who are living on/off-campus and traveling to a regional campus, you're not alone. Tuition is much more affordable at a two-year college. Plus, if you're living at home and your parents aren't charging rent, even better. It isn't where you live or if you're at regional/branch campus or not, it's about how you use your time to make valuable memories in your life.
Still get involved. I literally can't stress this enough. As a Resident Advisor, I have been off-campus during my entire tenure so far and I work with students of various years in school and the way they find a home/work/school balance is just by getting involved. Even if you join an organization or two that has nothing to do with your program, you're still going to meetings and activities. Even while I lived off-campus, I still got to intern downtown, volunteer, and get my own radio show started on campus. Time management is your best friend, as is Google Calendar, as an off-campus student.
You will be safe off-campus. If you are a freshman coming in and living at a satellite/off-campus location, you will likely have a resident advisor (maybe even me!), and we always have your back. There is always someone on call for emergencies and to ensure the building is safe. If you are having issues, we can help point you in the right direction for resources. If we don't know where to go, we also reach out for help. We have shuttle services and off-campus patrol to make sure you have a safe commute home and secure buildings in general. Again, just use some common sense and manage your time wisely.
Lastly, just have a good time. You're here to get a degree of course, but that should not be the only thing you do with your time. Join an activity, intramural sport, volunteer, go to events on campus, concerts, or whatever it is you are into, but find something other than school to focus your energy on this year. For me, it took me some time, but I enjoy video games when I need to recharge and take care of myself, but I also enjoy concerts, sports, and going out for food with friends. There is no such thing as "The College Experience." Everyone's experience is different and living off-campus should not limit your personal college experience or opportunities. Enjoy every moment of that first year, and even if it isn't what you expected, from personal experience, it gets better after freshman year.
