Commuting to College

College Search & Selection
1

Hi!

So I wanted to start a thread for those of you who are making the choice to commute or not. Since I am a commuter student, I thought that I could give you all some insight on what it is like. Here is a little about myself…

I am a senior at SUNY Albany, having transferred from a nearby community college. My commute is almost an hour long, but this is because I do not have a vehicle; otherwise the commute would be around 20 mins. SUNY Albany was literally my last choice out of every college I got into, but I chose it because loans are scary and I wanted to avoid them at all costs. Now, I would choose UAlbany over and over again.

I know so many people who feel as though commuter students are completely robbed of the “college experience.” I cannot tell you how far from the truth that is. Here’s the thing: after you are done with your classes, don’t just run on home. STAY on campus and meet people! I know so many students are afraid and shy and they think it’s easier to meet people when you live on campus cause you are forced to, but you can still meet many people as a commuter.

Last semester, I was wandering around campus when someone from a professional fraternity approached me. They asked me if I was interested in checking them out, so I went to an informational and then I started pledging after getting my bid. I met SO many people and I really felt like a part of the campus community; the whole “commuter student” thing wasn’t even thought of. Do you know how great it feels going to campus, hanging out with everyone I met, then getting to go home to the comfort of my parent’s house? It’s the best of both worlds!

Colleges have so much more going on than just classes. Take advantage! You don’t have to join a frat; there are so many other options. At the beginning of each semester, all the organizations on campus come out and try to get people to join; DO IT! You will have an awesome college experience while saving TONS of money. I have ZEROOOOO debt right now because I only have to pay $5,000 a semester and luckily I saved money from when I was younger, parents help me out, blah blah blah (getting off topic!)

Trust me, being a commuter is not bad at all but you must force yourself to be active on campus. Do not be afraid! Once you start to meet people and get to know them, you will feel so much more comfortable and never regret your decision. Good luck!

PS: This is coming from someone with bad anxiety when it comes to meeting new people. Trust me; if I can do it, so can you.

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Thank you for your perspective, @SUNYJMM. My son will start commuting to a SUNY this fall because, like you, he wants to avoid debt. I commuted to school most years, although I lived on campus too, so I know intellectually that what you say is true. But I’ve been feeling badly that he won’t have that campus experience. He’s very social but he likes to wind down in his own space, so I think it’s a good choice for him. I’m glad it’s worked out so well for you.

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@austinmshauri what SUNY school? UAlbany is pretty big compared to schools like geneseo, new paltz, oswego etc. and it was still easy for me to find my place there. It’s probably easier to do on a smaller campus! I know my college also has events particularly for commuter students so that they get to meet people; this may be true for whatever SUNY your son is going to.

The only experience that I’m missing is living in a dorm room, but I really don’t think I’d like that. I’m fine with roommates, but the dorms I’ve seen at different colleges all seem small and whatnot. Plus sharing the showers? Nopeeee. Other than that, I feel like I am getting a great experience!

Don’t let him just come home after school! (unless he wants to), try and get him to stick around campus and check out everything the college has to offer.