The Commuter Experience

Nevaeh Schiffhauer

Being a commuter student is much different than being a student who lives on campus. Both commuter and on-campus students have their advantages and disadvantages, and both have different experiences every day when attending school. For example, students who commute are responsible for waking up at a certain hour in order to allow themselves time to get to school, as
well as ensuring that they find a parking spot and do not get stopped by a train. Sometimes this can be a challenging routine.

While commuters tend to have a routine, on-campus students do as well; really, both types of students have unique challenges concerning the idea of home. The biggest difference between being a commuter student and living on campus is that some students get to go home every day, while others only have the option of calling a dorm their home. Some students enjoy making the drive to and from school and going home every afternoon, while others enjoy the time away; some might get homesick and wish they could leave, but in the end, they decide to stay and finish school. Some play sports and have no other option.

Another difference that stands out is that, although some students that live on campus have access to their cars, not everyone who is an on-campus resident does. This differs from those who commute simply because commuters have access to their cars at all times. This allows commuters to go different places after classes for lunch, maybe go on a quick grocery run, or just to the park not all students have this option. There are also different parking lots for commuters and on-campus students to park. This might create different daily routines for each student in deciding where to park and how to get to class. Everyone differs in their daily patterns and routines based on which class they have and at what time; having access to a vehicle can really make a difference.

As mentioned before, each student differs in their situations and experiences in which they obtain while in college. As a known fact, no one has the same routines, or lives for that matter. Being someone who commutes is much different than being someone who lives at school semester-to-semester. Sometimes, commuters may feel that they miss out on campus culture and activities. However, all students are fortunate to have any college experience. It comes down to who you are, where you come from, and what you decide to make of your time at Defiance College.

Nevaeh Schiffhauer