I've been in college for four years now. I spent half my time as a commuter and half as a resident so I've experienced both sides of the housing spectrum. One thing I've learned comparing the two is that my struggles as a commuter far outweigh anything I went through while living on campus. Commuters have to deal with the problems school brings along with a slew of other issues; I've filled up my gas tank in the worst kind of weather conditions and napped in random places in public more times than I'm proud to say of. This is a list of some of the most challenging aspects of being a commuter.
You can't just go to your room to take a nap in the middle of your classes.
Some commuters are lucky enough to live only a few minutes from campus, but I live 50 minutes away so I've napped in some really strange places. There's one secret spot on campus that is my go to, but I can't give that one away just in case I need it this finals week.
Having to spend all your extra cash on gas for your car.
There is nothing I hate spending money on more than filling up my gas tank. I have a car with pretty decent gas mileage but it feels like I fill the tank more than once a week.
Speaking of money, you probably don't have a meal plan so you're forced to scrounge up some change or mooch off of your friends.
I tried to buy some chips the other day for lunch and my connect card only had 14 cents on it; I dug through my wallet to find some change but that moment was pretty embarrassing. I hate begging for someone to swipe me into the dining hall, but my friends usually have too many meal swipes left anyway. They're saints.
It can be harder to maintain the friendships you make with people from class.
The moment you tell them you're a commuter, they make that "oh god I'm so sorry face" and you don't really see them much after that. I get it though, it's easier to be friends with people who are convenient as opposed to the ones who are either working, in class, or driving home when you want to hang out.
Finding a parking spot.
For one, the parking lot you need to parking in is probably full, so you're stuck waiting for someone to leave then following them slowly to their car to take their spot. It's extremely awkward and I hate it but it's absolutely necessary. For some reason, my school made up of 60 percent commuters decided to put the parking garage in east nowhere instead of the parking lot everyone uses the most. I get that it would have been difficult to build on that lot because there would be nowhere for commuters to park during construction but I'm still bitter about it.
It can be harder to be involved on campus because between your one, two, or three jobs and school you don't have much free time.
Someone's gotta pay for all that gas.
When you try to be super involved on campus, it can kill your sleep schedule.
I decided to join a sorority and there are some nights where by the time I've finished my 50 minute drive home I just collapse into bed and pass out with my regular clothes on. I'm super glad I joined because it keeps me on campus instead of just driving home after class but the exhaustion is real.
It's impossible to do homework at home, but staying on campus isn't an option sometimes.
I can't concentrate on anything at home so I usually do my homework while I'm on campus, but it would be nice to be able to walk from the library straight to your room.
There are surveys and events that you can't participate in because you're a commuter.
Every semester I get the same email from ResNet telling me "you can win a free iPad by taking this survey" but to qualify you have to be a resident. It's like danging a carrot in front of a horse's face.
Group projects are the bane of your existence.
It's already difficult enough working around everyone's class schedule, but then you have to factor in the days you're actually on campus and available to do the project. By the end of it you're all just emailing one another and hoping for the best.
Traffic.
There is nothing worse than adding extra time to an already annoying commute.
Your backpack rivals that of a survivalist trekking in the woods.
You need everything for all of your classes because why would you want to walk all the way back to your car in east nowhere then back to civilization?
Driving all the way to campus to find a note on the door of your classroom saying class was cancelled.
No email, just pure and utter disregard for everyone and everything.
There are a lot of struggles commuter students face, but I wouldn't trade home-cooked food, my own bed, and snuggling with my cat every night for anything.
