Is Commuting to College Worth It? Here’s What One Cumberlands Student Discovered

University of the Cumberlands is one of the most affordable, fastest-growing universities in Kentucky, and for many students, commuting is becoming a smarter way to maximize that value.

While some assume living on campus is the only way to experience college, students like Sydney Hurst ’29 are proving that commuting can offer the same opportunities with added flexibility, lower costs, and stronger connections to life beyond campus.

Do Commuter Students Miss Out on the College Experience?

It’s one of the most common concerns, and one of the biggest misconceptions.

“When I first started commuting, I thought I might miss out on a lot,” Sydney said. “But I don’t feel like I really am. I have relatively the same kind of experience as someone on campus.”

At University of the Cumberlands, commuter students have access to the same academic programs, campus jobs, student activities, and social opportunities as residential students.

By being intentional with her time and involvement, Sydney has built a college experience that feels just as full, while still maintaining flexibility outside of campus.

When Does It Make Sense to Commute to College?

For some students, commuting is part of the plan. For others, like Sydney, it becomes the best option when plans change.

“My plan was to be on campus, but my roommate ended up not attending Cumberlands,” she explained. “That’s when I made the decision to commute instead.”

Living about 30 minutes away in Knox County, Kentucky, Sydney realized commuting made more sense than stressing about finding a new roommate.

For students who live within a reasonable distance, commuting can:

• Reduce housing costs
• Eliminate the stress of leaving home
• Provide more control over daily schedules

Sometimes, the practical choice turns out to be the better one.

How Do Commuter Students Structure Their Schedules?

Success as a commuter often comes down to one thing: time management.

Sydney intentionally builds her schedule to minimize gaps between classes and make the most of her time on campus.

“Dead time” is one of the biggest challenges commuter students face, but it’s also one of the easiest to solve.

Instead of wasting time between classes, Sydney:

• Works her on-campus job at the Student Financial Center
• Studies in the library to keep assignments from piling up
• Stays engaged in campus spaces like the Boswell Campus Center or Patriot Park rather than leaving and returning

That approach turns downtime into productive, career/community-building time.

How Do Course Offerings Make Commuting Easier?

Flexible course options are one of the biggest advantages for commuter students at University of the Cumberlands.

In her first semester, Sydney balanced both in-person and online courses.

“My class schedule made commuting a lot easier,” she said. “I only had to come to campus twice a week.”

This flexibility allowed her to:

• Reduce travel time
• Spend more hours working at her off-campus internship
• Maintain balance between school and personal responsibilities

For commuter students, having in-person and online course offerings can be a gamechanger.

Can Commuter Students Still Build Career Experience?

Commuting didn’t limit Sydney’s opportunities; it expanded them.

As a commuter, Sydney balances a flexible on-campus work-study role with an off-campus internship at Family Pride Counseling in Barbourville.

“My work-study job is really flexible,” she said. “They know I commute, so even if I can only come in for an hour between classes, they make it work.”

On days she isn’t on campus, she works at the counseling center, gaining real-world experience while staying connected to her local community.

That dual experience is helping her build a stronger résumé and a clearer path forward after graduation.

Is It Hard to Make Friends as a Commuter Student?

Another myth about commuting: commuter students struggle socially.

Sydney’s experience says otherwise.

“I think the biggest misconception about commuting is that you won’t have a social life,” she said. “But that’s not true. There are so many ways to make friends and have fun.”

Through work-study, campus fitness classes, and everyday interactions, she’s built meaningful relationships.

“I’ve made friends through work-study, and I enjoy going to the free barre class at the gym,” she said. “Getting out and taking advantage of opportunities helps you form connections.”

At Cumberlands, involvement, not residence, drives connection.

Why Do Some Students Choose to Live at Home During College?

For some students, commuting is both a practical and personal choice. 

Sydney values the ability to return to a familiar space at the end of each day.

“I love being able to go back to my own house,” she said. “I have independence, but I also have my own space.”

Living at home allows her to:

• Stay connected to family
• Maintain friendships from high school
• Remain active in her local church 

“I love being able to go back to the church I’ve always called home,” she added. 

So, Is Commuting to College Worth It?

For many students, commuting is not a limitation; it’s a strategic advantage.

Sydney’s experience shows that commuter students at University of the Cumberlands can build friendships, gain career experience, and stay fully engaged on campus while maintaining flexibility and reducing costs.

At Cumberlands, commuter students benefit from:

• Affordable, high-quality education
• Flexibility
• Career-building opportunities 
• A student-centered community that supports every path

For students within driving distance or for those looking for a more flexible, cost-effective college experience, commuting can be one of the smartest ways to earn a degree.