With Arlington being the heart of DFW, it makes plenty of sense that UTA is known as a commuter school. While this isn’t necessarily a bad thing, it does create a unique atmosphere for both the university and for the students. Here are some reasons why commuting is the best (and the worst) thing to do in college.

Pro: You save money

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The main reason many students chose to commute is because of the money they are about to save! If you spend most of your time in class, at the library, in the university center, or at work, paying a hefty amount of money for a room you usually only use to sleep in may seem like a waste.

Con: Are you even independent???

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Yes, you save money while living at home with your parents, but at what cost? The cost of independence! It's their house, their rules, and there isn't much you can do about it since they do pay for your cell phone bill, water bill, gas bill, car note, insurance... Okay, maybe all those things are worth following their rules.

Pro: You get a bit more help from your parents

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Although your freedom is at times limited while living at home, living with your parents while going to college is comforting in a sense, because they still feel like they have a responsibility to take care of you. Besides paying for your living expenses which is a huge help, they'll (usually) also go out of their way to make you dinner or lunch, help with your laundry when you're swamped with papers and projects, and even fill up your gas tank once in a while!

Con: Traffic and Parking

The amount of traffic you deal with largely depends on what time your classes start. Either way, you always have to plan ahead to ensure you'll get to school with plenty of time to spare in order to find a parking space at one of our 18 parking lots/three parking garages. Even with planning ahead, the risk of being late to class when you commute is a greater one than when you are living on campus. Rationalizing why going to class for two hours isn't worth the hour drive seems to be a major problem at times as well.

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Same thing, right?

Pro & Con (???): Meeting new people is hard

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Being involved on campus is crucial to having a great college experience, but being a commuter can make this harder than expected. While those who live on campus usually befriend their roommates or the people they met during Welcome Week, it may feel like you have to go the extra mile to step out of your comfort zone and make friends. However, once you join a club or organization which interests you, this issue can be a thing of the past and you will find your second family. Take it from the girl who ate lunch in her the first day of college because she knew no one (aka me).Commuting can be painful at times, but there will also be times when you will appreciate living at home more than ever. Don't worry y'all, we'll get through this together even when we're feeling like Ron.

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What are your favorite and least favorite things about commuting? Tell us in the comments below!