Make the Best of Your Commuting Experience

I used to commute to Cumberlands’ campus, and I learned a lot from the experience. I eventually decided to move onto campus because I really don’t like driving or paying for gas, and I’ve enjoyed my time as a resident student. But thinking back on my commuting days, here are some tips I learned that will help you have a good commuting experience, if you decide to go that route.

Packing
The first tip is to make sure you take all that you need with you every day. I mean everything. Take water, snacks, a charger, and anything else you may need, especially if you don’t live close enough to quickly run home and back. You may even want to pack your lunch, as it can become expensive to eat Chick-Fil-A every day (though we wouldn’t blame you if you did). Make sure you have a backpack big enough to comfortably fit all these things. Oh, and be sure you park in a commuter lot when you arrive.

Food
To make buying food on campus easier, try purchasing Patriot Bucks. You simply load money onto your student ID card so you can just tap your ID to buy food. It is much quicker this way than pulling out money or a credit or debit card.

Friends
You don’t have to live on campus to make friends; there are many opportunities to meet new people, even as a commuter. The most obvious way is to talk to people who are in your classes. Striking up a conversation with one of your classmates has great potential to turn into a friendship. (Plus, if you need to miss class for any reason, maybe they can send you notes about what you missed.) If you have time in between your classes or want to stay on campus for a little bit after your classes end, go spend time in the library or the Mid. There are lots of people who hang out in those locations. You never know who you’ll run into, and who will become a great friend.

Social Life
If you have a schedule that allows it, attend as many UC events as possible. There are many events here that happen in the afternoon or early evening where you can socialize and have fun. There are even some events that are for commuters, such as commuter bingo. Attending school events will make your experience as a college student a lot more fun.

Cost
There are a few perks you will experience as a commuter, the biggest of which is a significantly lower cost. Since you aren’t paying for room and board, you are paying only about half the cost of what those who reside on campus pay.

Comfort
Everyone’s home life is different, so I’m not assuming you have a perfect situation, but the truth is that, as a commuter, you get to enjoy living in the comfort of your own home instead of getting used to a new dorm with a new roommate. You don’t have to deal with a communal bathroom either, which is an obvious plus. You can enjoy home-cooked meals, having your own bedroom, etc. As someone who used to commute and now lives on campus (I hate driving, okay?), I miss many of these perks and will go home on weekends sometimes to enjoy them.

You can make the best of whatever situation you’re in – life as a commuter or life as a resident on campus. There are perks to both. If you decide to commute, I hope this blog taught you some ways to make the most of the experience!