When I first started college, I didn't think that commuting would affect my college experience that much. As the weeks went on, I found myself struggling in almost every aspect of college, and I couldn't figure out why. All my friends lived on campus, and they were loving the experience. So what made commuting so hard?
I'll tell you.
1. The drive
I live 25 minutes away, so I have to schedule that into everything- what time I get up in the morning (usually a solid hour before everyone else), and what time I leave (an event that starts at 10 pm? Too late for me!).
2. The gas money
$25 a week x 17 weeks per semester.... help me.
3. Choosing which social event to go to
Should I stay an extra 5 hours on campus in order to go to this event? Is it even worth it to go?
Of course, you'll see all the fun you've missed on your friends' Instagram Story later and feel guilty for not staying, but aimlessly staying on campus does not sound appealing.
4. No place to crash
In between classes or social events, I struggle to find a place to relax. Although I have great friends that let me stay in their dorm sometimes, the struggle of finding a place to collect myself is hard.
5. No food
Yes, I bring food, but sometimes I eat it all before realizing I need to stay on campus longer than initially planned.
Yes, I have friends that give me food, but I hate feeling like the needy friend.
No, I don't have money to buy myself food.
6. Having a ton of stuff with you all the time
My car is parked far away and my house is even further so I might as well bring everything with me, right?
Because once I have forgotten something, I can't simply go get it from my room.
7. Never seeing your house
I live at home, I have a nice room and a nice bathroom, but I only see it right before I shut my eyes for the night. Let's just say I don't invest a lot of money in bedroom decor.
8. Weather
I'm from Rochester, NY, so there is snow all winter long. Good times.
9. No, I don't work out-- I'm a commuter
Walking from the far-away parking lot, uphill, carrying heavy textbooks, instruments, lunch bag, and backpack, and you're asking me to work out? I already did this morning carrying my stuff from my car!
10. Constant bitterness about being the commuter
Lots of prayer and lots of Jesus and I'm still bitter about being a commuter. I'm sorry.
11. Commuting saves you money and makes you stronger
Who else can go through all this stress and still do well in all your classes?
Commuters!
Who else can put all this effort into getting to class and still enjoy college?
Commuters!!
Who else can do school while saving 10 grand a year?
COMMUTERS!!
We rock.
