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Confessions of a Commuter Student

Defining the Terms

I didn't exactly have the typical college experience. You see, I was one of those commuter students who roam about college campuses every year. I may have even stolen your parking spot in front of the student lounge one time.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with the term, a commuter student is anyone who goes to college in or very close to their hometown, lives at home or in an apartment with high school friends and "commutes" to school just as a businessman might commute to work. (I'm in the stay-at-home crowd. And yes, I am not ashamed to admit it.) You can typically spot us trudging between classes with a fully loaded backpack, unable to go to the dorms between classes.

College can be a tad overwhelming for any student, so I want to offer you, my commuting compatriots, some tips that will not only result in a very fruitful college experience, but will also allow you to be a more effective minister on your campus.

Hip Tips

I was fortunate enough to have a close group of friends who were also commuter students, so we never had much of a problem adjusting to the rigors of college social life. However, I want to stress that as a commuter student you shouldn't neglect to branch out and meet students from other areas, even other countries. That's one great thing about any college campus — you can meet people with different perspectives and from all walks of life. And let's face it: You wouldn't want to end up like one of those socially-isolated home-schooled kids. (Uh, I mean … Did I mention I was home-schooled?)

In college, it is possible to be involved in too many things at once (trust me — I know this because I was so popular back at my school), but it's not good to be a total hermit either. So, a great way to engage yourself on campus is to get involved in a campus ministry like Campus Crusade for Christ, Baptist Collegiate Ministries, Intervarsity Christian Fellowship, or one of the many other fine Christian clubs. These are available on most college campuses to help students minister to their peers according to their God-given abilities and talents. They're also a great place to meet like-minded students.

From personal experience, intramural athletics is one of the best ways to find other students who share your interests and values. Athletics are always a great way to get to know your fellow students and show them a Christ-like character — something that isn't always displayed at sporting events. Many students have probably never even known that it was possible to combine sports with traits like humility and patience. So, intramurals is a great way to have fun, meet new people, and share your faith.

Now, since you're probably not extremely involved in the campus nightlife, now is a great opportunity to take a part- to full-time job. As a commuter student, living at home or in your hometown can provide you the advantage of being able to handle both a job and schoolwork. Believe me, it will be a great help having that extra bit of cash on hand to spend on rent or food.

Just Do It

C O F F E E  S H O P

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Do you think being a commuter student is easier or harder than being a traditional student, or just different?

Join the discussion!

Now, having drilled all of these suggestions into your brain, I command you to go out and have an impact on your campus. Well, maybe I don't have the authority to command you to do anything, but I do hope that this article has been helpful. I know that I would take my own advice.