Commuter Survival Tips
- Don’t go home right after class
- Study on campus as much as possible: in your RLC’s lounge, the library, Benson, etc. Another place to study is the LEAD/Honors Commons in the Learning Commons (Library), Room 325. As LEAD Scholar, you can also get access to the Commons after office hours by getting your Access Card coded for the room. Please talk with the Assistant Director about how to do this.
- Attend as many RLC events/programs during the first couple weeks of school and interact with as many people as possible. Even better: join your RLC’s Community Council to plan events
- Attend Welcome Weekend events
- Ask the RD/ARD to be put on the community mailing lists
- Ensure that you have access to your RLC by using your ACCESS Card
- Form study groups with members of your RLC and your classmates
- Take a fitness class, volunteer, play intramural sports, etc. to interact with more people
- Join at least one club for which you are willing to regularly attend meetings and events
- Get a job on campus if your schedule permits
- Try to locate who the other commuters are in your classes or RLCs and form relationships
- But don’t make friends with just commuters
- Eat in Benson and randomly choose people to eat with
- If someone invites you to hang out, eat, party, etc. accept the invitation if you can!
- Spend the night with friends who live on campus as often as you can and if you feel comfortable
- Double check to make sure you have everything you need for the day before leaving for school
- Wear comfortable shoes
- Bring extra clothes, toiletries, etc. in your car just in case. Clothes should range from what you would were to class, comfortable ones for the library, and even business casual for presentations. Even items you think you won’t need, like umbrellas, extra backpack/purse, phone chargers, etc. may be necessary
- Pack snacks/meals and bring refillable water bottles…even buying one meal a day on or around campus can become expensive!
- Discuss any issues commuting might have regarding studies with your professors; it might not make a difference, but you never know
- Take advantage of the free counseling services if school, home, etc. is becoming too stressful
- Try to understand any concerns your family members (if you are living with them) may have, and try to communicate your point of view objectively
|
