Get in loser, we’re commuting to Elmhurst

Last year when I first arrived on campus, I did not expect to become so overwhelmed with being a commuter student.

Being a commuter student can be a highly rewarding experience, but also stressful. The first week will always be hectic, as you are trying to figure out what works best for you. If you are as lost as I was during my first week at Elmhurst University, here are some commuting tips that fellow students and I recommend. 

Finding parking before your classes start will always be hectic. With everyone trying to cram into the Alexander parking lot at once, it will be challenging to find a space. 

It is important to get to campus early. You do not want to get to school in a rush because most times, it only causes anxiety and stress. Being in the school mindset will benefit your learning, while being stressed because you are late will not.

“Get to campus early to give yourself time to get work done and get in the school mindset,” said Elmhurst University Senior, Bailey Hoenig. “If you work, treat clubs and organizations like a class and give yourself that time off to participate on campus.”

Finding the parking lot that works best for you is very important. While there are only two main areas that students can park in, knowing what area works best for you and your classes will help you immensely. 

If you get to campus early enough, you may get lucky and find a prime parking spot by Schaible or West Hall. Driving around campus before your classes start will assist in finding the spot that best suits your schedule.

If arriving on campus early to find parking is one challenge, staying organized is another. It’s easy to become disorganized when you’re consistently taking school supplies to and from campus. 

“Keeping your car clean and keeping textbooks organized in bins in your car is a lifesaver instead of hauling material to and from each class in your backpack,” said EU Senior Savannah Giordano. “In the morning I grab the textbooks I need and at the end of the day I dump everything back into my car.”

As a commuter student, it also is important to be cautious with what you spend your money on. As gas is getting more expensive, you will find yourself prioritizing putting gas in your car rather than splurging on other things.

Graphic by- Rachel Fratt

Be on the lookout for the cheapest gas stations on your drive to campus.“Figure out which gas stations are the cheapest and plan out refilling your car by it,” said EU senior Janet Perezchica.

That covers getting to campus, but how can you, as a commuter student, make this campus your home?
There are many places on campus that offer a safe haven to commuter students. While there is the obvious commuter’s lounge that students can take a break in, there are some hidden gems on campus that some students recommend. 

EU Senior Gabriel Galindo said their favorite place on campus is, “The library, it just feels chill and quiet.”

Giordano also recommends the library for commuter students, with their favorite spot being the group study rooms, “It  gives me a few hours to study and work on assignments in complete silence before going home.” 

The Frick Center also is a popular spot on campus for commuter students. While the commuter’s lounge is in this building, some students have found a home in The Roost and The Founder’s Lounge.

Perezchica stated the best spot to relax is “Anywhere in the Frick, [you] can meet up with friends, grab a drink, or even study.”

If you want to explore outside campus, there are many spots where you can make your home away from home, from BrewPoint to the Elmhurst Public Library.

“The public library is relaxing because it is still a quiet environment but not on campus,” said Hoenig.

Getting involved on campus is an essential step in order to make your commute to campus worth it. Just coming to campus for classes and leaving immediately will make school feel like a job. Staying after class to get the feel of campus life will make for a more memorable and enjoyable experience.

You have to find what works best for you as a commuter student through trial and error. There are commuter students everywhere on campus, so know that you are not alone in trying to figure out what’s best for you.