Roadblock.

It is bound to happen, sooner or later, as a commuter you will be late to class. Whether it is sleeping in to late, running out of gas, or an accident, commuting offers so many obstacles that prevent you from making it to class on time. I remember the first time it happened to me, it goes a little something like this..

Oh Deer.

At the time, I was commuting from my parents house, and was inexperienced when it comes to commuting. I would often wait last minute to leave, drive with the gas light on, and other things I shouldn't have chanced.

This particular day, started out just like any other. Waking up after a much needed nap, I made myself a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, watched a little sports center, and got ready for class. Leaving for my 1:00pm General Chemistry lecture, I stopped at the local gas station. Deciding to spend my money on a slice of pizza and a Redbull, instead of gas, I continued on my commute. 

It was a great day, the sun was shining, Jay-Z was on the radio, and no cars on the road. Cruising around a corner, I see it out of the corner of my eye: a deer. Time slowed and I watched as the path of my car converged with the path of the deer. Slamming on my breaks, the deer is shot up and over the corner of my car, but my focus remains on the road ahead. Swerving in and out of each lane, my car comes to a stop, after a complete 180 degree turn. 

It being my first accident, I was pretty shaken up. After calling the police and filing a report, my mother arrives and let's me take her car. I ended up missing my lecture, but she made sure I was still able to make it to my lab. As you can see in the picture, the damages to my car where upwards of $8,000. The next 4 weeks I was stuck driving my mother's girly Mazda Miata around. 

It is worth noting commuting can be dangerous, and can cause multiple problems. Luckily, I was fortunate to have a spare vehicle. 

A Day in the Life.

The heading explains it all. As I sink deeper into the commuting lifestyle, I can see my life shape before my eyes. From 9:00 am-5:00 pm it is a life filled with classes, friends, and fun! As the clock turns 5:00 pm, all this ends and I drive away. Let's take a look at the day in the life, of yours truly...

Waking up-Heading to class...

After showering and a cup of coffee, I enjoy a egg-white sandwich on an everything bagel. Packing a lunch, I grab my backpack and rush to school, not sure if I'll make it on time but somehow I always manage to squeeze through the door of my 9:00 am class just in time. Every morning seems like a rush when you have to prepare for a commute.

Class-Lunch Break...

The first two classes are the worst, half asleep, I just try and manage to write the things down I need to do and plan on doing them later. At lunch time, from 11:00 am-12:00 pm for me, I walk back to my car and eat my lunch. I know, why not eat in inside? Well...a 19 year old carrying around a lunch box, come on. Instead, I sit and listen to music, and munch on a turkey sandwich and whatever else I manage to stuff into my lunchbox. When I finish early, I leave my car and head to my next class. Waiting for the doors to open at 12:00, I usually study, chill with friends, or resort to my phone for games.

Class-End of Day.

At this time of the day, my energy level is at its max...usually. I spend the next 5 hours in lectures and labs. Two hours in, I munch on an apple-cinnamon granola bar, and sip on water throughout the day. Trying to absorb all the knowledge possible in class, I have no time for homework or studying. As the day finishes up, I pack my things and return to my car.

Commute-Apartment...

Now, I am starving, my roommate (brother) gives me crap for grabbing a sandwich because he hasn't eaten either. Usually after a day of classes, there isn't much work, as I only have class every other day, so I head to the gym. Upon returning home, my roommate has dinner ready, and we eat. As you can see from the picture, we eat pretty good. Of all the things I have learned, cooking good meals is probably the best of them.

 From 8:00 pm-bed, watch television (sports center or family guy), and depending on my motivation, I may chip away at some homework.

As you can see, this isn't the exciting life that a lot of people imagine. It's not that I don't have fun, but on a daily basis, this is what you can expect. Weekends are a whole different story.

The Downside.

Overall, commuting in my opinion is far better then I could have ever imagined, but nothing is perfect, and that includes commuting to college. Here are three solid downsides:

1. The Commute
2. Lack of Campus Resources
3. More Responsibility

Let's explore how much of a hassle these can be.

The Commute

The frustration that comes from waking up a precious 20 minutes earlier can grow to be very annoying. Even though it's only 20 minutes, a mere 1200 seconds, it is a significant difference when thinking about hitting the "snooze" button each morning. On top of that, each day when you are ready to head back home, it takes another 20 minutes out of your day. What you don't notice at first, is that you have to consider that you will not be around campus for evening homework, which leads to point #2...

Lack of Campus Resources

The absence of campus resources can prove to be aggravating. It is essential to get things that require campus resources done before you head back for the night, it will save time and money! Though, more likely than not, you will forget something that requires the library perhaps. This results in either one of two options, you drive all the way back or head in early the next morning. Also, when considering what you want for dinner, you can't just go to the cafeteria. Making a grocery list each week and sticking to it, is harder then it sounds. Especially when you return home at 8:00am after a long day, then realize you have to make a dinner that takes an hour. Peanut butter and fluff sandwiches become your favorite meal before you know it. Of coarse, without campus resources handed to you, a little more responsibility is required.

More responsibility

Commuting can be related to a job, you drive in each day and go home each night. By choosing to commute, it is mostly a decision to skip the phase of life that transitions you from living with you mom and dad, to dorm lifestyle that requires a little more responsibility and prepares you for living completely independent. Instead, by making the decision to commute from your own residence, you are thrust into adult hood very quickly. Whether it is paying rent on time each month, stocking your fridge, balancing a job to pay for all the bare essentials, or performing well inside the class room. There is little time for the "fun" things that college is suppose to have. But, by managing your time well, going to each and every class, and making responsible decisions, the satisfaction of independence is sometimes "fun" itself. Though, by not choosing to live in a dorm, I can't help but question how my life would have been different.

Social Life.

 

Who says commuting is just for extroverts?

    Many blogs about commuting often make the assumption that it is a requirement  to be extremely out-going, when considering commuting. I would have to disagree. I am not the most out-going person, and I often would rather head back to my place then stay and socialize on campus. This doesn't mean I have no friends. There is so many opportunities to meet new people, even when not trying to. Labs, Lectures, events, work studies, and just being on campus are a few ways that you can meet new people.

Labs + Lectures

    Most students have at least two labs a week, during labs you are forced to work with others, and even have a designated lab partner. This is a great way to meet other students, I can guarantee friendships will be built. Even the shyest of people have to communicate with other students to proceed in the lab, helping each other with equipment, and exchanging data. Lectures as well demand the need for communication, you will meet new people as you seek help or they seek help from you when understanding materials covered in class. One way or another, new friendship will began to form.

Work Studies + School Events + Being on Campus

    Here are a few more options that allow for the opportunity of meeting new people. Work studies are great! You get paid to study and do homework for the most part, and every now and then do a little bit of work. I work in the mail room, and handing out packages to the occasional person, I have met plenty of cool people  You will find that the friendliness of the college life, is much better then those days of high school where everyone is judgmental. For example, just being on campus, in the library perhaps, it is inevitable to meet new people and connect with others that you can hangout with outside of the classroom.