Being a college student isn’t easy, no matter what lifestyle you decide to chose. The commuter life is one that seems to be easy, but isn’t one to be messed with. Speaking as a UB commuter student myself for all four years of college, I know exactly what this lifestyle is about.
One of my close friends, Nina Jones, is also a commuter student here at UB. She is by far, one of the very few people I know that has managed to live a very busy commuter student life but does it all so well.
I took the time to interview Nina to see what her thoughts were on being a commuter in hopes she can help future and current ones like myself.
Decision between commuter or resident
Before college even begins, one of the first decisions you have to make is whether you want to be a commuter or a resident. Everyone always wants to go with being a resident because they want to live the “college experience,” but that’s not always the case at hand for many.
When I asked Nina how she came about with her choice, she said “I decided to be a commuter because I live across town and I would rather live at home and save money than spend more money being on a campus.”
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Modes of Transportation
For starters, she has taken most of the different forms of transportation in order to get to school and back. She knows the in’s and out’s of commuting. Nina’s taken the bus, has had friends pick her up and has driven on her own.
“Having a vehicle first hand is a lot easier for my schedule, especially since I work as well. I am up at 3:30 in the morning to be a lovely barista then I’m on campus until 8:30 at night. Having my own vehicle and running around at my demise is a privilege I’m grateful to have.” -Nina
Unfortunately, very few students have the privilege that Nina and I now have when it comes to being able to drive to school. We’ve had to accommodate to the schedules of others in order to still have that ride home, which were exhausting after a while.
Which form of transportation is the best to get to campus?
The best possible option is to be able to drive because you are under no obligation to have to wait on anyone else or be on a set schedule. Being able to concentrate on yourself and just walk into your car at any given moment is the best. Sadly having a car isn’t always possible, so the next best mode is public transportation like the bus. Since they run all day, all you have to do is know when and where.
I asked 30 students that attend UB to see how they get to school and the results were rather interesting.
This is an infographic of some of the students get to UB. The majority of them have their own car or borrow one in order to drive there.
Work life
Being in college to be able to have an amazing career in the future doesn’t mean you don’t have to work in the meantime. Commuting to school is so helpful in this aspect because you are able to work more shifts, pick up emergency ones, and make it there or back to class on your own time.
When it comes to work and being a full-time student, Nina excels in this part of being a role model.
She’s a barista at Starbucks in Trumbull, which means she sometimes has to take early morning as well as night shifts. The earliest she works on weekdays is at 4 in the morning in order to still make it to her classes that start at 9:30 right after.
Monday’s is usually when she has those early morning shifts and has to be in class till 8 pm. Living the commuter life benefits her in such a helpful way. By being able to go home after the two classes of the day to relax, eat a little, and do some homework before the next class, she can live her life easier.
The “College Experience”
Many chose the residency for the “college life,” but you can still have the same experiences as a commuter. Nina does this well as she makes an effort to still participate in school events or hang out with friends on and off campus.
“I much rather commute because I get a break from being around people. Space from society is always a good thing to have.”-Nina
Just because you don’t live on campus doesn’t mean you miss out on all the fun that happens. As long as you manage to attend events and hang out at school, as a commuter, you’ll feel like you’re right alongside the other residents.
I don’t socialize often because of my schedule but I try to make time for design events on campus; it’s nice spending time with everyone ☺️
— Nina L. Jones (@BeyondNinaa_) April 18, 2016
Saving Money
In the life of a commuter, saving money is a huge advantage. Being able to live at home and not have to buy so many supplies like a resident would has its perks.
“I think as any person you should be saving money rather than spending recklessly. However, because I pay for everything myself, saving money is a necessity.”-Nina
Many of us like Nina have to save money in order to be able to pay for everything else in life that we have to deal with. Commuting helps with saving money in college as you aren’t required to have extra charges and fees added into your tuition.
Check out how this student in New York deals with the commuter life.
Tips for Current/Future Commuters
Commuting isn’t for everybody. If it’s something that comes to mind or you’re already living the lifestyle, some tips are always helpful.
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Plan out your days accordingly.
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Remember that you only experience college once so enjoy time on campus as much as you do off.
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Save money.
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Pack your own food to save money from buying on campus & to save gas.
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Remember that not everyone has the privilege to attend college.
Writing for Interactive Media 
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