MYTHBUSTERS: Commuter Edition
The city with one of the most iconic skylines. The city that never sleeps. The city of a million opportunities. New York City. Why wouldn’t I want to continue to live here while getting my college education? I have lived in New York for my entire life and it has treated me well thus far, so I had no inclination to change my location for college. However, just because I am a commuter student and I am familiar with my surroundings does not mean that transitioning to college was any easier for me than it was for the residential students. In some aspects, it felt that it was more challenging! If you are interested in seeing how to transition in regards to supplies you may need and tips for successful classwork, take a look at Parts I and II of “Transitioning from High School to College: Advice to PAs on Starting your Freshman Year”. They give some great tips that are useful to everyone. In this article, I’m speaking as a commuter to the commuters about adjusting and fitting in a school that is 80% residential. I’m here to discuss some popular myths about going to college while being a commuter. There is some truth to every myth, but it is ultimately up to you to debunk them for yourself in the college setting!
MYTH #1: Being a commuter makes it difficult to meet new people.
Fact or fiction? Both! Being a commuter does make it more difficult to meet as many new people as the residents. Since you are not constantly immersed in the campus activities and setting, it could be challenging to establish strong relationships with your peers. However, that just means you have to work harder to build these relationships. For everyone, the initial ice breaker games are awkward and something we all want to get through as quickly as possible. However, these games work! And once those awful games are over, you can begin to talk to the people who you will be spending most of your class time with. As a commuter in the PA program, it is difficult to reach beyond the 30 or so students in your class to meet people from different majors. It is easy to go to class and then go right back home. Ultimately, it is up to you to take the first step, get involved, and introduce yourself to other people. It is really great to initiate strong friendships within the Wagner PA program, but do not limit yourself to the students you will be with for the next five years. Broaden your relationships and reach out to people from different walks of life and different paths. You will not regret it! Not only that, but reach out to the upperclassmen. We are very friendly and we all want to get to know you guys!
MYTH #2: Being a commuter can make you feel left out.
Fact or fiction? Both! Being a commuter could make you feel as if you are not living the “college life”. And to an extent, that is true. You are not constantly on campus or eating in the dining hall or living in the dorms. You still see your parents and siblings. You still eat home-cooked meals (which is a HUGE perk, for the record). You still sleep in your childhood bedroom. While most of the other students are walking back to their dorms after class, you are walking the other way: to your car. And that is okay! Being a commuter is simply a different lifestyle. Again, it all boils down to your initiative. If you want to be included, you must take action and participate in events on campus, with the residential students. Wagner includes EVERYONE in their activities; they are not solely for the students that live on campus. There are tons of clubs and associations, servicing many interests. Though driving to campus back and forth constantly could be inconvenient and monotonous, it will be worth it when you realize how involved you are in school and with your peers.
MYTH #3: It is impossible for a student to handle classes and an off-campus job, while maintaining an acceptable GPA.
Fact or fiction? Fiction! Something I heard constantly as a commuter was, “There is no way you will be able to work, take these classes, and expect to get good grades.” Though I cannot speak for the later years, I can speak on behalf of freshman year, seeing as I went through it myself. As a commuter, I was able to go to my classes without missing a single one, work 30+ hours part-time, be a part of co-curricular clubs on campus, participate in community service projects, and finish both of my semesters with a more than acceptable GPA. It is possible, especially your freshman year. Eventually, when you become an upperclassman, things may change, especially with the introduction of more challenging material and more responsibilities. However, for right now, if you want to continue to make money to save up while you are in college, go for it! It will not be too much for you to handle, as long as you keep yourself on track in class. But do remember that your exams, classes, and grades should always be your top priority. Therefore, if it seems to become too much, take advantage of Work Study if you qualify. It gives you an opportunity to make some money with a job that is suited to your class schedule.
MYTH #4: Being a commuter prepares you for the real world.
Fact or fiction? Fact! Though being a residential student prepares you to live on your own and be self-sufficient, being a commuter does the same thing. Being a commuter forces you to learn how you are going to live as an adult: waking up early to prepare and give yourself extra time in the morning, grabbing an on-the-go breakfast, driving to your place of work/study, performing your tasks, and commuting back home to prepare for the next day. Being a commuter forces you to do your own laundry, feed yourself, wake yourself up, and get yourself to class or school. All of these skills are something that you will have to possess in the future when your mom is no longer cooking your meals and doing your laundry. Being a commuter in the college setting promotes you to start getting up early every day, regardless of if you have a morning class so that you can stay on top of your responsibilities. Being a commuter in the college setting promotes you to plan and make meals in advance to ensure that you are taking care of yourself, given that you are adjusting to a drastically different schedule than that of high school. Being a commuter in the college setting promotes you to take your education into your own hands and not to rely on your parents, your professors, or your classmates.
MYTH #5: Professors are easier on commuters if you arrive to class late.
Fact or fiction? Fiction! No matter who your professor is, they will not always be easier on your tardiness just because you are a commuter. To the professor, as well as to your peers, tardiness gives the impression that you do not care enough to get to the class on time. Of course, there are some exceptional circumstances that are unavoidable. However, if you are a commuter, set your alarm 20 or 30 minutes earlier than you think you need to. That will allow you a stress-free morning to prepare and get to class on time. There is nothing worse than speeding in your car to class: it is stress-inducing, dangerous, and unnecessary. Pulling yourself out of bed a little earlier will be worth it in the end. Even if the professor does not mention anything about tardiness in the syllabus or in class, do not take that to mean that they do not care. In the PA program, professionalism is one of the biggest qualities that we are to possess. Tardiness is one of the most obvious examples of being unprofessional. Avoid that by getting up just a little earlier every day. Soon, you’ll get in the habit of waking up early and it will become second nature!
In Conclusion…
College can be terrifying. We all go through it and we survive those first transitional weeks. Hopefully these tips ease your mind a little bit about being a commuter in the college setting. Being a commuter is not always easy, but it gets easier if you take initiative and show that you want to be here. Use the resources available to you and make connections with people. A commuter can have just as fruitful a college experience as residents. As general advice, make your grades and your schoolwork your top priority, if they are not already. Keep a planner and stay organized! However, do not let your schoolwork take over your life. Always schedule some relaxation time for yourself to keep your mental and physical health in check. Above all, have an amazing freshman year. It will fly by! Good luck!
