Although some students think the walk to class takes a long time, it’s nothing compared to the 55-mile drive some commuting students might travel for class.
Ohio University students can qualify to commute to campus and be exempt from living on campus in their freshman and sophomore years if they plan to live within 55 miles of 88 University Terrace, or Scott Quad, said Jneanne Hacker, associate director for Residential Housing.
The university is unsure of the exact number of commuting students because commuters aren’t registered in the system as such.
“Once you don’t have a housing requirement, then there’s really no way that I’ve found yet to identify,” said Melissa Toretch, coordinator of special populations.
Students currently apply for commuting status, and Residential Housing verifies they live within 55 miles.
The university is alternatively considering determining which upperclassmen qualify by analyzing their addresses and zip codes, but that process will take more time, Toretch said.
Once accepted as commuters, students can get access to a commuter student lounge in Bromley Hall, where there are lockers, refrigerators and study spaces for students to use while they’re on campus.
“It’s a designated area where the (commuter) community can come together,” Hacker said.
Although she only lives about 20 minutes walking distance from campus, Chi Coppinger, a sophomore studying studio art, said the commute can be difficult because it’s hard to find parking, and when she does walk she usually remains on campus for the entire day.
“When I leave for the day, I leave for the entire day,” Coppinger said. “It takes 40 minutes of traveling if I forget something.”
Coppinger said she had an easy time adjusting to living off campus her freshman year because she had friends living in Athens before college.
Although commuting to campus can save money, Hacker said she recommends living on campus during the first two years at OU.
“One of the values of living on campus that the student might be missing would be that opportunity to get involved in residence halls and campus,” Hacker said.
dk123111@ohiou.edu
@DanielleRose84
This article appeared in print under the headline "University supports students with far commutes to class"
