Being a commuter is hard: here's how students make it work

Nearly half of Otterbein’s student body lives off-campus. Commuters face unique challenges that traditional students may not even think about.  Creative problems require creative solutions, so here are some insights from commuters and the things they do and rely on to succeed. 

• Connections: The single thing that stood out the most among commuter students who shared their experiences was the connection they had with other students. 

Farrah Banks, a junior zoo and conservation science major, said that it’s hard for her to go to campus events and connect with people that way because most of the events are at night. “Making friends is definitely, as a commuter with no car, especially, it's not easy unless you're extremely social and you are trying to meet every single person that you interact with,” said Banks.

The thing that she said worked for her was becoming a student engagement officer and joining the Otterbein Multicultural Club. Now, she has friends who will sometimes let her hang out or study in their dorms or elsewhere on campus, which can be crucial for students with no dorm of their own to go to.

• Community: Exploring Uptown Westerville can be a good way to find ideal study and hangout spots.  

Livas Brown, a freshman political science, environmental science, and sustainability studies triple major, said that she frequents nearby cafes and gardens and prefers them to some of the available campus spaces. “That's where I spend most of my time, and what makes me not bored every day.”

• Parking: Brown recommended learning how to parallel park and said that there is usually ample street parking on campus – at least in comparison to the parking lots. 

For students with electric cars, like Brown, the Westerville parking lot behind City Hall has charging stations. Utilizing these options can help students save money on some of their ever-increasing transportation costs.  

Some students rely on others to drive them, like Banks during her freshman year. This can make commuting even more challenging. If her mom were ever unable to drive, Banks would have to spend $24-30 on an Uber or miss class. Even though she can drive herself now, she still risks missing class on days when her mom needs their shared car. 

• Campus Resources: Commuter-focused resources like the lounge and Commuters and Coffee events are there for students to relax and connect with other commuter students.  

In previous years, there was also a discount at the OtterDen for commuter students, but it is unclear if that still exists. Banks recommended that the school bring that discount back, as well as update and better maintain the commuter lounge, which is located in the basement of Towers Hall. The Promise House is open to all students but is often utilized by commuter students for its space and available resources. 

Commuter students may not have the typical experience and perks that come with living on campus, but they gather resources and make commuting work for them. Traditional students with commuter friends can help be a resource as well.

As Banks said, “If you care about your friends, just make sure you let it be known that “hey, I know that you're here.”