Kemi
Will commuting be too time-consuming?
I'm thinking of commuting next year because I don't think paying 10k+ a year for what I'm getting with room/board is worth it. But, then there's the issue that by commuting, I may be wasting time (1-1.5 hours round trip) which I could otherwise use to study or commit to other things. With this, I may also have to wake up much earlier thus getting less sleep. Will I be alright or should I practice on managing my time if I actually want to commute? #college
2 answers
Ken Simmons
Ken’s Answer
HI Kemi!
Commuting could actually work to your benefit!
It gives you something to take your mind off of studies for a while and listen to music or things that you have recorded, such as class notes, etc,
It gives you an opportunity to meet other people. Remember that 80% of people who find jobs and advance in their careers do so through networking. You never know whom you might meet that would be very helpful to you. You can stop by Student Services to see who else might be community from your general location (many times they have sign up sheets) or you can just stand up in your classes that you enjoy the most and ask if anyone is commuting from your area. You can then share expenses and life/college experiences. Many times, if you can share a ride from an upperclassman, you can learn much about the college and your major. Many times colleges have special social activities for commuting students.
Here are some tips on networking that might help:
http://www.wikihow.com/Network
https://www.themuse.com/advice/nonawkward-ways-to-start-and-end-networking-conversations
Use commuting to your advantage. Take my word from experience, living in a dorm is not what it might be hyped up to be. During my college experience, I did both, and I enjoyed commuting the most. Dorms can be distracting places especially if you are paired with people who do not share your values and do not honor your boundaries.
Please let me know if and how this helped. I would like to follow your progress. Please keep me informed.
Rachel Resnick
Rachel’s Answer
I had the same commute while I was going to school! It took me an hour there and back though and I say it was still worth it. But, I was able to schedule my classes 2-3 days a week and take about five classes a day and some classes were only once a week, so if you can make it work it will save you money!