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.

On Campus.

Commuter students do not have the luxury of returning to a dorm, though spending countless hours in your vehicle can be prevented. 

Class Schedule.

Most colleges allow you the opportunity to organize your class schedule, arranging it in your favor, and saving an abundance of time. For me, I scheduled all my classes on Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays, allowing Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturdays to do as I please. 

The downside: I spend 8 hours three days a week on campus. Though it may not seem like a long time, comprehending all the material covered in each class, may be difficult at times. Also, exams tend to fall on the same day. Four consecutive, vigorous, mentally-draining tests can never be joyful. 

The upside: I have an abundant amount of time, without interruption, to study, work, or catch up on sleep/relax. The amount of gas is limited, and I save two commutes a weak, thus saving cash. 

The point: When considering your class schedule, take into consideration all of the points explained above. One thing that may work for me, may not work for someone else, spreading out classes may be beneficial to you. Also, one thing I may do next semester, is scheduling all my classes in the same buildings, or group them at least. Thus, preventing the 5 minute walk in the rain, or being close to the parking lot to exchange books, or grabbing a bite to eat.

The Parking Lot.

Luckily the college I attend, provides many commuter parking lots, spread throughout the campus. During hot days, I find it luxurious to park in the shade, so when I retreat to my car to eat lunch it is cool and comfortable. Another factor to consider when choosing a parking lot would be; position. Try to position your car in a place away from other vehicles. Squeezing into a space, may result in various dents to the side of your vehicle. Though we may be adults now, students still don't get the concept of hitting another car with your door, isn't the nicest thing to do. 

Familiarity.

The last, and possibly the most crucial concept, is becoming familiar with what your campus has to offer. As a commuter, school seems more like a job, and your unlikely to become familiar with areas outside your work space. Exploring various building can be very convenient, some things you may want to seek out are; libraries, learning assistance centers, and of coarse; cafeterias. Knowing where you can find help, study places, or food, will save you time. You will also reduce the situations of humility, in asking for directions, because you don't know where to find a slice of pizza. Becoming familiar with your campus will ultimately prove essential by providing yourself with comfort in down time between classes.