Commuter Student Survival Guide
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Essential Tips, Tricks and Gear for Commuter Students
There are lots of reasons why college students choose to commute to school rather than living on campus - availability of housing, cost of tuition, jobs and family obligations are just a few. Commuting to college can be a great option for people who are attending school part-time, are non-traditional students, or are going to a community college before transferring to a university. Commuting can give you the freedom to live at home or at an off-campus apartment, save money, keep your job, or care for your children or parents.
The downside of being a commuter student is that you may feel left out of on-campus events or clubs, you will have to plan your schedule more carefully and with less flexibility, you may have to deal with traffic or weather challenges on your way to school, and you must carry all that you need in a day on your person every day. These are all challenges that you can overcome if you keep a positive attitude and reach out for assistance when needed, so don't let them discourage you from being a commuter student!
First, tell us about yourself - Why are you a commuter student?
Support For Commuter Students
Three Social Tips For Commuter Students
Avoid The Commuting Blues
1. Join your school's commuter student organization and meet other commuters like yourself! Talk to people a year or two ahead of you, and get their advice on the best places to hang out on campus, who has the best coffee, which parking lot fills up fastest, etc.2. Make time to make friends. Ask a classmate if they want to get lunch and study, or grab some coffee before class. When you need to borrow some notes after a sick day, you'll already have someone you can ask, and a friend too.
3. Get involved with on campus activities like clubs, service organizations, honor societies or religious groups. You'll make friends and have something to put on your resume too.
A Blog For Commuter Students By Commuter Students
The Commuter Student's Bag
An Absolute Essential!
A Good Bag Is An Essential For Commuter Students!
The Best Bag For Commuter Students
The Timbuk2 Commute 2.0 Laptop Messenger Bag is widely considered the best bag for commuters out there, and I highly recommend it. They last forever, and you will not regret making this investment.
Timbuk2 Commute 2.0 Laptop Messenger Bag
Amazon Price: (as of 05/30/2012)
A serious upgrade of Timbuk2's beloved Commute bag, the Commute 2.0 combines the functionality of a laptop bag, the organization of a briefcase, and the versatility of a classic shoulder bag. The Commute 2.0 offers plenty of storage space, with a large main compartment; a plush, corduroy-lined computer compartment; and an internal organizer panel. The clever laptop compartment also unzips to lie flat, so you don't have to remove your laptop at airport security (the compartment is TSA compliant for maximum convenience). The Commute 2.0 even excels in nasty weather, with a waterproof TPU front flap to keep your stuff dry in a drizzle and a waterproof Hypalon rubberized bottom. Plus, the key fob is still there, so you'll never need to dig for your keys.
Alternatives To Timbuk2 - Backpacks, Bags and Cases for Commuters
Whatever bag you choose, make sure it is comfortable!
Poll For Students: How Do You Commute To School?
Commuter Gadgets and Gear
Comfort and safety items away from home
Comfort and Security While Commuting
Commuter Student Safety Tips
First, you have to carry everything with you while you are commuting, as you don't have a nearby dorm room to run to. This is where the commuter student bag, backpack or briefcase is crucial, but it is not always enough. If your school offers lockers for rent for commuter students, definitely take advantage of that opportunity. Having a locker will allow you to stash books, snacks, an extra sweaters or personal toiletries at school, instead of having to drag them with you every day. This is particularly crucial for students using public transportation.
Second, as a commuter you may encounter some safety and security issues that your friends on campus will avoid. For example, your car may break down, or you may be stuck in bad weather on the road. For commuters who drive, it is especially important to have a emergency kit in your car. You should have one anyway!
First Aid and Emergency Kit For Commuters
First Aid Only American Red Cross Emergency Preparedness W/first Aid Kit, Soft Case (Pack of 2)
Amazon Price: $22.86 (as of 05/30/2012)
This innovative American Red Cross 67pc. emergency preparedness kit comes in a convenient, all-inclusive package. Zippered pocketbook design provides easy access to contents and the smaller size makes it versatile enough for travel, home, office, school or car. Kit includes: first aid guide, call 9-1-1 banner, vinyl gloves, ample bandages and gauze pads, blister prevention, first aid tape, antiseptics, hand sanitizer, ointments, light stick, emergency blanket, emergency poncho, face mask, whistle with neck cord and germicidal wipes.
More Comfort and Security For Commuters
Poll For Graduates: Were You A Commuter Student?
Share your advice and tips for commuter students!
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Phillyfreeze69
Aug 24, 2011 @ 5:29 pm | delete
- I did'nt know much about commuter students but I do now!...when I read that Chicago school kids had missed school once in a twelve year period because of inclimate wheather I was amazed.
In my community, 2 or 3 inches of snow is enough to call school off...every year. The reason, school buses can not navigate the streets that lead to subdivisions and apartment complexes. Great lens for students and anyone that commutes to school or work.
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Peter.Murray Feb 18, 2011 @ 7:38 am | delete
- To beat the boredom while commuting, check out my lens about the Top 5 things to do while commuting
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jptanabe
Feb 8, 2011 @ 5:27 pm | delete
- Now my daughter is living off campus and has to face some of these challenges. Thanks for sharing these tips!
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Tipi
Feb 8, 2011 @ 5:16 pm | delete
- Great lens Jen. Blessed!
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JenOfChicago
Feb 9, 2011 @ 12:36 pm | delete
- Thanks Tipi!
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About Me
by JenOfChicago
I'm a proud Chicagoan, and I enjoy writing about Chicago first and foremost. I am also interested in politics, public leaders, non-profits, volunteering,... more »
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