Commuting to a big campus is hard, I get it. Driving home late at night after a long day can be tough when all you want to do is jump into bed — it can be exhausting. To help make things a little easier, here is a complete guide for commuters that I wished I had known when I started.
FIND COmmuter lounges
Most colleges have commuter lounges where you are able to access a kitchen with a microwave and lockers to put your items inside. Many other commuter students will also hang out there, so try to spark a conversation with other commuters! You never know who you will meet, so it’s best to put yourself out of your comfort zone and you may meet one of your future best friends. You will also be able to share experiences as a commuter and relate to the relevant experiences you will encounter, as commuting is hard. Make a group chat together to motivate one another to go to school and keep tabs on your grades as well.
Pack everything!
Before you leave your house, make sure you pack everything! Even if you don’t think you will need it for that day, definitely pack it. Pack all your chargers as well. There were days when I forgot to pack my laptop charger and it was a miserable day because I had an exam! Pack some extra tampons and pads in case of an emergency as well, because you never know if you might end up with a surprise from Aunt Flo. It’s best to create an emergency kit containing some pain medicine, bandages, extra underwear, emergency cash, and an extra sweatshirt because you never know what will happen, especially if you are on campus for a longer period of time, and it’s best to be prepared for whatever will come.
Wear comfy clothes
It’s a no-brainer to wear comfy clothes during a long commute. I wouldn’t want to wear jeans while having to sit and drive for over an hour, though if you have to look presentable, always pack a pair! But sweatsuits and joggers are the way to go for commuters.
its okay to ask for help
The last and most important thing I wished I knew the first time I was commuting as a freshman was it’s okay to ask for help! There are probably many others in your shoes experiencing the same problems as you. Make sure to reach out to your professors ahead of time to let them know that you are a commuter student in case you are not able to attend class due to an emergency. It’s a great way to build a relationship with your professor and to let them know you are a serious student who is not skipping class just for fun. It’s also okay to ask for help from academic advisors or even other advisors around campus. My freshman year I was put on academic probation because it was hard to handle commuting with bus times and managing my classes as well as extracurriculars, but after asking for help I was able to keep myself afloat and I’m able to ask for accommodations if I do need help. That’s what academic advisors are here for: to help you with your journey as a undergraduate student. Prioritize your mental health. It’s okay to fail, take a deep breath and get on your feet and ask for help. You got this!