What Is It Like Being A Commuter Student?

Do you know what it’s like to come bright and early in the campus, especially for morning classes? Do you want to be involved in campus activities and yet you can’t stay late? Do you want to attend events and improve your social life, but you have to be home at a certain time?

If you answer yes to one question or all three, then you are probably a commuter.

Being a college student isn’t easy, but it’s even harder when you commute to college. As a commuter, I take public transportation, the bus, and at times it can be frustrating depending on the traffic. Even those who are considered lucky with cars have to drive, take the turnpike and then find a parking spot. Plus, commuters have to pay endless amounts of money, for bus tolls as well as parking spots.

We often feel that we’re at a disadvantage, like I said, when it comes to getting involved in campus activities and building up social networks. But look at it this way, at least we save perhaps thousands of dollars per year for room and board which comes with a steep price tag.

The PATH is often used for commuters limited on time. Photo Credit – NJ.com

Anyway, the disadvantage didn’t stop me. I make sure that I not only receive a quality college education, but I become more involved and make a great impact in our fine university. I am in plenty of clubs and organizations (i.e. Muslim Student Association, Student Government Association, Philosophy/Agora Club, Mendel Biology Society, Gannon Debating Society, Indo-Pak Club, Pauw Wow, etc.) and  have already attained multiple e-board positions in my second year! Though I am a commuter, this doesn’t mean that I should be limited to my stay around campus. Remember: college is what you make of it. Join a club of your interest, be active, and make friends!

We commuters feel that we should be concerned with our own issues and have our own events. Fear not, Senator Class of 2015 Alyssa Scrudato and I are reviving the Commuter Student Association, so that commuters such as ourselves can discuss the commuter agenda, coordinate signature events, and more importantly, bond with our fellow students. It is a long, arduous process but hopefully the Association will be active as of this year.

Details about the CSA will be provided at a later time. Furthermore, Dean Tharp, Associate Vice President for Student Life and Development, explained on Leadership Nite that there will be a Commuter Life Office and lounge in our soon-to-be Student Center. It is only a matter of time until we will have our own spot to just unwind and simply chill out. In the meantime, be patient for the new Student Center and stay positive in our normal, habitual journey of commuting.