It’s a fact that college is one of the most exciting times of your life. It’s the time where you get a taste of independence, get to explore new topics and start to figure out what direction you’d like to take your life in.
Another part of the traditional college experience is getting to live on campus. But there are so many students who are unable to have this experience and end up feeling like they’re not experiencing college to the fullest. If this sounds like you, here are a few tips to help you make the most of your college experience.
1. Befriend other students who commute
Honestly, it wasn’t until my senior year of college where I started to make actual friends. I’m not talking about people who you only see and talk to in class, but actual friends who you go out with and check on. Since I commuted for each of my four years in college, making friends with other people who did the same thing was refreshing and it didn’t make me feel left out. The school I went to was made up of primarily commuter students, so this wasn’t particularly difficult to do. But if you start to feel left out, make sure some of the people in your circle are commuter students as well.
2. Join/start a student organization
One part of feeling like you’re really part of campus life is by actually participating in it. An effective way to do this is by joining or starting a student organization. Not only does this help you to be part of your campus, but it also helps you to meet people who have a common interest and who may be commuter students as well.
3. Maximize your time while you’re on campus
If you have large gaps between classes, use that time to find ways to be active on campus. Join a study group or help your club/organization advertise. Some students will host free lunches, career-centered events, etc. See what you would be available to attend and go!
4. Bunk with some friends who live on campus
Lastly, if you happen to become good friends with someone who lives on campus and you’d like to experience dorm life, see if you could sleep over for a night or two. Even if you don’t live there, at least you can say you stayed for a bit.
If you’re a commuter student, what are some ways you participate on campus?
