This article was originally written for FirstGenerationStudent.com, now a part of ImFirst.org.
Since well over 75 percent of all college students travel more than five miles to and from classes each day, it is very likely you fall into the category of “commuter student.” Commuting generally involves traveling to and from campus each class day. For many, this has been the natural mode of going to school for years.
Three Basic Ways Commuters’ College Experiences May Differ From That of Non-Commuters
According to research, there are three basic ways in which commuters’ college experiences differ from those who live on or near campus: First, commuters are more likely to be first-generation students and are more likely to come from lower socio-economic means. Indeed, the reason they are commuting is often that they are saving money on room and board by living at home and driving to and from campus.
Second, there are often academic differences between commuters and non-commuters. Commuters are less likely to be academically prepared for college and more prone to attending college in an episodic (that is, “on again, off again”) fashion.
Third, commuter students are more likely than their non-commuting counterparts to have significant non-school obligations and pursuits that tend to keep them from getting too involved in campus activities. Closely related to this is the fact that their support systems are often found outside the college environment, whereas students who live on or near campus are more prone to make use of support systems provided by the school.
Challenges Related to Physical Travel
When you simply consider the practical issues associated with traveling to and from campus, you may recognize that commuters face unique challenges. For example, something as simple as car trouble can turn an ordinary day into a stressful experience. Similarly, when a commuter student is sick, should he or she still get into the car and drive to school through the fog of medication, or sit out a day instead? When you consider the background issues we already discussed along with the challenges of travel, and it is easy to see the potential for a commuter student to have feelings of isolation, sense a lack of support and feel uninvolved in campus life.
Two Key Activities to Ensure Commuter Success
The differences between commuters and non-commuters can put the academic success of the commuter student at risk. Here are two good practices that can positively impact your in-class and out-of-class performance:
First, develop strategies to cope with incidents that will negatively impact your attendance. Let your professor know that you are a commuter and that on occasion, a traffic jam may keep you from arriving to class on time or even at all. This may not always absolve you from being absent, but it will give your professor a better understanding of your circumstances. In addition, be sure to identify a classmate who can provide you with notes in case you miss a class.
Second, develop a specific strategy for getting involved in activities on campus. In other words, do not be seduced by the commuter life into having a “zero footprint” profile on campus. Target professional groups related to your major and join them. Attend special events such as lectures by guest speakers and organization meetings.
Evidence Shows Commuters Thrive
Even though commuting to and from school presents specific challenges, research shows that commuter students thrive at essentially the same rate as those who live on or near campus. For example, the overall GPA for commuter students is essentially the same as that of their on-campus counterparts. Similarly, commuter students do not report experiencing more stress than non-commuters. And, finally, you will be glad to know that commuter students report just as much satisfaction with their college experiences as those who live on campus!