What Is a Commuter Student?
A commuter student is someone who does not live in campus housing but travels to college from a home off campus, often with family, in an apartment or shared house. At many community colleges and urban universities, most students are commuters, and at residential colleges they may be a minority.
Reasons for commuting
- Cost: living at home can reduce housing and food expenses.
- Family or work responsibilities.
- Location: the student's home may be near the college.
- Preference: some students prefer independence from campus rules.
- Availability: campus housing may be limited or not available for some groups.
Challenges
- Time and travel: commuting takes hours each week and can limit study and sleep.
- Disconnection: missing spontaneous activities, study groups and friendships built in residence halls.
- Scheduling: gaps between classes with nowhere to rest.
- Parking and transport costs and delays.
- Balancing work and family with study.
Benefits
- Savings on housing and utilities.
- Support networks at home.
- Stability, since you stay in a familiar environment.
- Flexibility to work or care for family.
Making commuting work
- Plan your schedule to cluster classes on fewer days where possible.
- Use travel time well for reading, audio lectures or reviewing notes, if you are not driving.
- Find a base: a library carrel, commuter lounge or study room.
- Pack ahead: food, chargers, books and a change of clothes.
- Check transport options, such as student passes and carpool programs.
- Join clubs and activities that fit your schedule, and attend orientation and commuter events.
- Build connections by studying with classmates and talking to faculty.
- Use support services, including advising and wellbeing.
What colleges offer
Many colleges have commuter services such as lounges, lockers, microwaves, quiet study rooms, text alerts about weather and transportation help. Some provide meal plans designed for commuters and designated parking.
Related terms
See dorm, meal swipe, dining dollars, extracurricular activities and town and gown.
Frequently asked questions
Are commuter students at a disadvantage?
They may miss some social opportunities, but many succeed with planning and by engaging in campus life. They also save money on housing.
How can commuters get involved on campus?
Join clubs that meet in the daytime, use commuter lounges, attend orientation and events, work or volunteer on campus, and keep a study space in the library.
Do commuter students need a meal plan?
Usually not required, though many colleges offer commuter plans with a limited number of meals or dining dollars. Compare with bringing food from home.