Tips for commuter students this semester

As a commuter student, the experience here at Elmhurst University can be a tad different, but regardless, you can still enjoy campus life. Here are some tips to take into consideration during your time here at EU. 

The early bird catches the worm: Driving to campus can be a hassle for many commuters, especially for those whose distance is farther than 10 to 15 minutes. I would highly recommend arriving about 30 minutes before your classes even start; that way you don’t have to rush from building to building or struggle to find the right parking space for your vehicle. 

Money and Food: The cafeteria and The Roost can be expensive when you don’t have a meal plan or struggle to find something you like. Many commuters usually come to campus with a packed lunch that can last from noon to the afternoon. 

Also, there are restaurants and places that have more variety and can be more affordable. My best advice would be to eat a decent breakfast, pack a lunch that lasts, and use your money wisely when buying dinner or food if you’re staying in the afternoon. 

Time Management: One of the biggest struggles when it comes to all types of students is time management. Your classes differ on a block schedule, and for first-year students who never had such a schedule, it can be hard to deal with at first. 

For commuters, try to balance the time you spend between class and assignments, and utilize resources to the best of your ability during your time on campus. The Learning Center at the A.C. Buehler Library will certainly have workshops during protected hour to help with that. 

Extracurriculars and Flexibility: Trying to be part of a club or organization on campus and participating in events can be a hassle. Most commuters leave after 1 p.m. and some stay all the way until 4 or 5 p.m. 

Keeping that in mind, commuters must keep in touch with their respective clubs and organizations to the best of their ability. There are always days and times to meet up depending on their schedules. 

Resources and Help: Just because you’re a commuter, it doesn’t mean you can’t access the resources EU has to offer. It can be hard, but there’s always time to use to the Learning Center, the Weigand Center for Professional Excellence, and the Wellness Center. 

You are a student here, regardless of whether or not you live on campus. Your voice does matter and makes a difference — it just takes one leap or action to ignite it.