Making major life decisions as a young adult isn’t always easy — something that becomes especially clear once you start college. A couple years ago, I made the choice to transfer to the University of Southern Maine and commute to classes while living at home.
Being a commuter student comes with challenges and I know it’s not for everyone. Keep reading to find out what works for me, and what my life looks like as a commuter student at USM.
The Pros:
1. I get home cooked meals often (whenever my mom feels like cooking) – my personal favorite meal is boxed mac and cheese, so it’s always a treat when I’m forced to eat vegetables and protein.
2. I listen to a lot of music with all the driving that I do. I have been nonstop streaming Florence & the Machine’s album, Everybody Scream, since it came out in October. It’s just that good.
3. I can work at my summer job during the wintertime which means I don’t have to miss my coworkers too much.
4. I save a lot of money on things like food and housing, which will really pay off when I graduate and finally move out of my hometown.
5. I get to take a lot of pretty sky pictures when I’m leaving class in the evening.
The Cons:
1. One of the downsides to commuting is that it can be harder to make friends because I’m not on campus for any activities — and I’m not the best at putting myself out there.
2. I always have to schedule around my commute, which typically means waking up earlier so that I’m on time for everything.
3. And, of course, I have to pay for gas more regularly than most college students.
Commuting Tips and Tricks
1.
Fill the tank after class
First, always fill the tank up with gas on the way home. You won’t want to do it in the morning, trust me. You can tell yourself that it’ll be fine, but then you’ll forget until you’re already in your car and running late and then you’ll really regret it.
2.
Leave early
Leave early. I always try to leave at least 45 minutes before my class starts, despite my 15 minute commute. I hate being late, so leaving this early ensures that I will always be on time, even if I’m running a little behind.
3.
Stay on campus
If you have three hours or less between classes, I recommend staying on campus. This might seem obvious to people with a longer commute, but even if your commute is only 15 minutes, I still suggest this. Once you’re back home, you won’t want to leave again.
4.
Pack lunch
I personally don’t follow this advice, but if you don’t have a meal plan, save money by bringing lunch from home. I waste all my money at Whole Foods. Do not be like me.
5.
Use resources
Take advantage of the USM resources for commuter students, like the Commuter Student Association, which offers a place for commuter students to meet and find a sense of community.
Bonus: A song for your drive.
The Great Divide
Noah Kahan
