Commuting to Umich

Hello everyone! I was recently accepted to Umich as a transfer student from WCC and I was wondering if any of you have experience commuting to the school or know anyone who commutes? I’ve seen on past posts that it is really difficult commuting to Umich however, my parents only live about 7-10 minutes away from the campus. Plus, I don’t mind the drive to WCC which takes about an extra 10 minutes for me to get to than Umich. I know it isn’t ideal to commute, but I’m not sure I can justify spending thousands of extra dollars each year when my parents live so close to the campus. I do have reliable transportation and my parents help me with gas money. Any advice you’d have for me would be helpful!

Why would it be difficult to commute? Many students live further away and drive. Do what’s works for you financially and congratulations on your acceptance.

I guess I am just thinking about the time it would then take from the bus, bad weather, potential car issues, etc. It would only take 7-10 minutes during times where there is no traffic so I’d have to plan all of my classes around that. I’d also have to take the bus an extra 20-30 minutes from the park & ride because parking is so unreliable/expensive in A2. In a selfish way, I’m also worried about feeling disconnected from other students. And thank you!!

@Knowsstuff

No question not having to commute has its perks. I guess you could always live on campus for a semester and see how it goes. You could get an apartment in campus to help decease what you would pay in rent. My point was like living on North campus takes my son around 20-25 minutes to get to Central campus depending on the day and that has been fine. Yes parking is a pain. I don’t know but are there monthly pricing for the lots /garages on campus? I just looked this one up.

http://rpsa2.com/FAQ this way you are guaranteed a spot. I couldn’t find a monthly fee but whatever it would be would be a lot cheaper then a dorm.

Yes! I did look into that. Unfortunately, they were somewhere around $150-250 a month and don’t always ensure you a spot. I’m not saving a ton of money once you add in gas money and time lost due to commuting. With traffic, the commute ends up being an hour or longer. I know there is ways around parking like some people almost “rent” their parking spots at complexes and houses if they aren’t using them. I certainly cannot dorm! That is much too expensive. I am looking more towards apartments/houses/co-ops on central. I am leaning towards what you said which is try out a semester on campus and see how it goes. Right now, I am very tired of making the commute to WCC which is about 10 minutes away from UofM campus but always has ensured parking and no further bus rides. Thank you for your input! Hope your son is enjoying UofM. @Knowsstuff

@rosie1898 - how much is Uber in that area?

It sounds like you are close enough to the college to get there easily and also participate in campus activities. I would seriously consider commuting. My daughter is a freshman living on campus but she has friends that commute from nearby. You will save so much money. I have no idea how bad parking is, though.