Commuter Student Survival Guide

Photo by Ian Murphy

Starting at a new college can be anxiety-inducing, especially when you’re just starting out and getting used to navigating the ins and outs of campus. It’s normal to not have everything figured out; there’s bound to be an adjustment period. So from two commuter students to another, here’s everything you need to know to make your first semester here at Elmhurst University a bit easier.

Parking

The parking here can be tricky. If you’re commuting, your best bet is to bite the bullet and buy a parking permit so that you can register your vehicle and park legally in any of the numerous lots on campus.

Once you have that permit, it can still be difficult to locate the parking you’ve paid for. The easiest way to find parking on campus is by arriving early in the morning before those who filter in for their afternoon classes. Don’t be afraid to take time to explore the area. By arriving a little early and driving around campus, you’ll be able to find lots closest to the buildings where you have your classes and prevent having to take a longer hike from your car.

If you’re ever unable to find parking in any of the main lots, EU does offer overflow parking in the St. Peter’s Church lot and the First United Methodist Church lot a little further off the property.

Trying to cut corners may seem like a genius move, but it’s generally not recommended. Parking your car in the main lots with no permit, or even worse, leaving your car in visitor parking for the day, can earn you a ticket from the Office of Public Safety. At that point, you might as well have paid the cost of the parking permit for the year.

Should you ever find yourself in a spot of car trouble, EU does offer assistance from the Public Safety Office, where there are jumper cables and other resources available for dispatch. Note, though, that the University does not take any legal responsibility for any damage to your vehicle in the event of an incident — and officers may not always be on hand to assist you.

Navigating Campus

Missed out on New Student Orientation? No problem, the great thing about our campus is that it’s outdoors and open 24/7. Taking your own tour can be a fun way to get used to the lay of the land and locate where your classes are going to be held.

Worst case scenario, there are maps placed outside all over campus for you to refer back to if you’re trying to get somewhere but find yourself turned around. Additionally, the Information Desk in the Frick Center usually has a student worker on hand to answer any questions, with paper versions of the campus maps on hand as well. If all else fails, you can always pull out your phone and find the map online by searching “Elmhurst University map.”

The basement of the Frick Center is home to The Roost, which is a smaller cafeteria area that sells drinks and other food from the grill. In the hall just outside there’s an area specifically for commuter students referred to as the Commuter Lounge. There you’ll find information about events happening on campus, a place to kick back and relax or take some time studying, and a refrigerator for you to keep your lunch in throughout the day.

Getting Involved

Posters hung around campus are going to be your best bet for finding out about activities and club meetings happening around campus. Bluejay Life (located on the myElmhurst Portal hub) is another great way to find out about events hosted by different clubs. Keep your eye on those postings regularly; you never know what gems you’ll find. There are often giveaways, game days, and movie nights hosted by different clubs throughout the year.

You might by accident come across an event or a group that you know nothing about. While it might seem a bit intimidating, don’t be afraid to walk up and join in! You never know what you might discover or who you might meet.

Additionally, campuswide events can be found on the EU Instagram or the Office of Student Involvement Instagram. Moreover, individual clubs often have their own social media pages where they more directly provide frequent updates on events. Be sure to follow the organizations you’re most interested in on their socials!

Safety and Support Services

There are a variety of services you might want to take advantage of during your time here. One that is particularly helpful for commuters is the safety escort offered by the Office of Public Safety. If you feel unsafe at any point walking on campus, especially back to your car late at night, an escort will come and walk with you.

Another service that can be useful is the Learning Center; they have tutors that can assist with classwork in a large range of courses, and even organized study groups during the summer and winter terms. The Learning Center also hosts an event called “Long Night Against Procrastination” at the end of the spring and fall semesters to encourage and support studying for finals.