The media as a whole glorifies "The College Experience"; being able to move away from home and redefine yourself in a new atmosphere full of people in the same situation. A place where you'll meet your life-long best friend and experience things you could have never experienced at home. A place where decorating your dorm, showering in flip-flops, and eating in the dining hall is just the way your new life is.

College: A place where eating ramen noodles and pizza is known as "the college struggle" but never noticed as an actual life struggle, in which some families — not college students — but families, live off of ramen noodles as to not starve.

When you’re too broke for the college experience, it's not just about "missing out" on sub-par food, but never having that chance to dorm. Going away was never an option; getting away from home to become an independent soul that discovers the universe anew is merely a nice dream. Meeting new people and finding that life-long best friend is a joke because commuting form home, to work, to school, and all over again leaves no room to socialize or participate in those school events that seem to be made specifically so you couldn't attend. "The college experience" is a luxury you could not truly afford.

For some, attending college in and of itself is a miracle. Working multiple jobs and keeping up with school and familial responsibilities is just the way life is.

But here's to you:

DO NOT GET DISCOURAGED. "The College Experience" isn't solely based on residential life. Indulge in your kick-ass ability to manage work, school, and family because it's certainly not something just anyone can do. Relish in those savory mouth-fulls of home-made cooking, fight anyone for that last parking spot, and marvel in your ability to improvise even when you forget everything at home.

Lastly, and if possible find ways to get involved. Join one club, just one and see the definition of college experience begin to change. Attend seminars and workshops, use the facilities that are at your disposal (you're paying for them anyways). Don't let the media deter you from enjoying college despite the commute.