How Commuters Can Stay Involved on Campus
By Ally Kennedy
Experiencing the social scene of college is an opportunity given to all students at the University of the Cumberlands. The school does an excellent job planning and executing exciting events like Bingo, Study Breaks, and the annual Patriot Party. These events are highly successful and have become essential events in the calendars of many students. However, one group does not get to participate in the events: the commuters. Considering they have the same opportunities presented to them. people may wonder why they do not attend such gatherings. The answer is simple: sometimes, alter a long school day, they want to stay home. While some are open to the idea. others do not want to drive home and back more than once a day. Five commuting students noted how long their drive was to get to school with their answers ranging from fifteen minutes to an hour.
This situation urges the question: Why not just live on campus? Because living on campus costs about the same as tuition. Many commuters feel that spending that extra money does not make sense because they live so close. Some of the students decide to make the sacrifice of just missing out. Instead of meeting people at social events, they are limited to meeting them during classes. Many commuters are not actively involved in any clubs either. Commuting sophomore Charli Pierce, who lives an hour away, says. “I only go to the UC Engage events.” UC Engage events are essential for students taking the UC Engage class because they count as part of one’s grade.”
Commuter life can feel stressful for some students. Driving to and from school daily may feel like a burden. With everything else going on in a student’s school life, incorporating driving into the schedule can make it seem like one is always busy. An on-campus student has the same responsibilities as a commuter, yet they do not have to schedule lengthy morning or evening travel time. Due to these long commute times, many commuters find spots on campus to hang out with friends or study between classes. Some commuters study in the library, while others play ping pong in the Boswell Campus Center’s middle level to pass the time.
Despite the lengthy drive commuter students face daily, these students should plan to attend campus events. Downloading the PATS Rewards app is one great way for commuter and residential students to become involved on campus. Students must plan their week ahead of time to attend any events they may find fun or exciting. Regularly checking one’s email is another brilliant way for students to stay updated on campus events and functions. Often, the Student Government Association, the Campus Activities Board, or many other organizations on campus will email students to remind them of certain events. By planning and staying aware of events occurring on campus, commuter students will be able to attend more functions on campus. Attending more social events will increase friendships and decrease stress due to less focus on school and more focus on creating lifelong relationships.
