Being a commuter student on campus can be difficult especially when you are on campus all day from 8AM – 5 PM. I’ve gathered feedback from my peers and composed a list of advice and tips for students! Here are a few tips from current commuter students:
- Pack like you are leaving for a road trip.
You want to make sure you have everything you need whether it’s your laptop charger to a sweatshirt. It almost seems that each building on campus is either freezing or smoldering hot based on the season. Typically, most buildings on campus are cold, so bringing a sweatshirt to campus is a must. Also, pack your iPad/iPhone charger, your laptop charger. You may need your chargers if you are on campus all day. It’s always better to pack more than you think you will need so you don’t forget something that impacts your day!
- Bring a water bottle or a tumbler to campus.
Not only will this help you save money, but you will contribute to being a sustainable Buckeye. There are lots of water fountains all around campus where you can fill up your bottle. A few restaurants may be able to fill up your tumbler or bottle with coffee so be on the lookout out for that!
- Do not text/call and drive.
You have heard this a hundred times but don’t text and drive. You must be especially careful on campus because there are a lot of people on campus each day. Students, staff, faculty, and visitors are crossing streets, rushing to their next destination, and are expecting you to stop, so they may not be paying as close attention as they should be. Remember, pedestrians always have the right of way!
- Find the right parking pass for you.
Many students park at the Buckeye Lot because it is the most cost-effective option, but it is a short bus ride from the Buckeye Lot to Central Campus. Based on your eligibility, you may have more options to park on campus available to you. Visit CampusParc for more information regarding permits.
- Always leave early.
Many students come to campus early to find a good spot to park or to get to class on time. I am a morning person, so I take 8 AM classes. I know it sounds awful, but you get used to it over time. For my morning classes I typically leave my house around 6:50 AM. It takes me 25 minutes to get to campus with rush hour traffic, and an additional 20 minutes to comfortably get to class and make sure I get coffee on the way. Leaving early ensures that even if I hit more traffic, need to spend more time waiting for a bus, or if I run into someone I want to talk to, I have plenty of time to still be at class on time without starting off my day rushing around campus. No one likes to sit in a lecture hall when they are sweaty from running across the oval!
Hopefully, this helps! I am always willing to give more tips!
Sincerely,
Your favorite Commuter Student- Abby