Despite common tropes, college commuters make up 85% of college students. Whether they are commuting 5 minutes or 30 minutes, freshman commuters face a unique struggle navigating college in an untraditional way.
Traditional college students who live on campus may not understand the various factors commuters have to take into account when navigating freshman year. Tips that apply to traditional students may not apply to commuters; that's why commuters require a unique set of tips from a fellow commuter.
Always know your parking situation
The feeling of waiting with bated breath, hoping a particular parking spot will be open, is humbling. It’s essential to be fully aware of all available commuter parking spots. The Athens campus parking map is a great resource to pick out the perfect parking spot closest to classes.
Every year, Ohio University sells student permits, which give students the ability to park in commuter lots across campus. The permits go on sale at different times, so set an alarm to ensure your permit is secured.
Time management saves sanity
Although time management is an important skill for any incoming freshman, commuters also need to factor in driving times, walking times and getting home before it gets dark.
Some commuters live only a 10 minute drive away, but others live over 30 minutes away, which makes managing time difficult. I have a 30 minute commute and it can become stressful if I run into traffic or get a late start in the morning.
Leaving early and arriving on campus an hour before your class can give you extra studying time and a cushion in case you run into problems. Arriving early at campus also allows commuters to explore campus life, find good study spots and feel more at home.
Planning out your day completely by factoring in time elements that might be thrown your way will save you time and, most importantly, your sanity.
Get involved right away
Being involved in campus life as a commuter can be difficult. When you’re not in class, you’re either home or studying and making time in between can feel impossible.
Despite those factors, OU offers events specifically for commuters, which can make it easy to find friends. Clubs and other organizations are often very accommodating, and with enough searching, you’re bound to find something to fit into your schedule. It can take some time to find clubs that are accommodating, which can be discouraging; however, they are out there.
OU’s Bobcat Connect is a great resource for finding various clubs on campus. Contact the people in the club and ask if they are accommodating for commuters; most people understand the struggle.
Many of the clubs and organizations I became a part of are incredibly accommodating and make me feel welcome as a commuter. Clubs with earlier meetings or the option for meetings online are extra helpful for a commuter’s busy schedule.
Find your spaces
As a commuter, time on campus can be limited and fully exploring campus can be an afterthought. It is extremely important to find your go-to spots for studying, eating and hanging out.
The campus can feel extremely large when you first get here; however, you’ll quickly gravitate toward the spots where you feel the most comfortable. Schoonover Center and Alden Library have always been the two spots I go to the most, and it makes me feel more connected to a campus I’m only on for a few hours a day. Schoonover Center is where I have the most classes, and Alden is always open, making those spots extra accommodating.
Finding your spaces will greatly improve the college experience because you’ll feel more connected and comfortable on campus. Pick a day to go exploring, check out every building and spot you can think of, and you’re bound to find at least one that speaks to you.
Realize every college experience is different, and that’s OK
As a commuter, it can easily feel very isolating. Seeing all of your peers have experiences you won’t have can make you feel like you’re doing something wrong.
I have experienced this countless times, feeling like I’m somehow missing out on the traditional college experience. However, I quickly realized even if my college experience looks a little different, that’s OK.
The college experience looks different for everyone, and differing experiences are OK. As I approach my last semester at Ohio University, I am thankful for the decisions I’ve made.
Although there’s some negatives, commuting has so many positives that have saved me time, money, and effort throughout my four years. My experience was different and at times unconventional, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world.
Haylee Leasure is a senior studying journalism at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnist do not reflect those of The Post. Want to talk to Haylee about their column? Email them at hl125421@ohio.edu
