The following does not represent the views of Loyola University Maryland, The Greyhound, or Loyola University’s Department of Communication.
When it comes to college applications and decision season, there is a lot of thought behind where you will end up because of all the considerations that must take place. You have to consider if the campus feels like home, what the dining options are, how large or small you want the university to be, the student-teacher ratio, and the location of campus, amongst other things. For many students, their first instinct is to get as far away from home as possible for the “true college experience.” As much as I believed in that statement a year ago, I now realize that commuter students can have a “true college experience,” too. Commuting has been a good experience, and if anyone is on the fence about commuting, here is why you should.
Starting off very strong, we have the financial side to commuting. Students that decide to commute to campus save anywhere from $11,700-$13,170 from room-and-board. If you chose to opt out of a meal plan, that could save you an additional $3,095-$3,495. The amount of money you save makes commuting sound better and better!
The average student debt balance is $38,375. By commuting, students won’t be suffering from as much debt when compared to living and eating on campus.
Lucia Martinez, ‘28, discusses how she manages to eat on campus as a commuter.
“Last semester I would buy my lunch on campus, but this semester, I have been bringing in my own lunch from home and heating it up in the microwaves offered by Loyola. It’s been a huge game changer for me because I am spending a lot less money,” Martinez said.
During the past fall semester, there was a Messina session where the class spoke about their roommates, and how we can be good roommates. One of the questions asked was “how does your roommate treat you?” Everyone in the class gasped as each student shared their experience: the loud music late at night, piles of dirty dishes in the sink, and overflowing trash scattered around the room, to list some.
Luckily, commuting avoids roommate horror stories and allows you to continue living the lifestyle of home cooked meals and clean surfaces wherever you are.
One of the top draws, the comfort of your own bed! Missing your bed is a common experience whenever people are traveling, having a long day, and especially when living on campus. Going a long time without your bed makes you crave it. Commuting gives you the pleasure of being able to sleep in your own bed each night and allows you to sleep the way you want to, with no issues; whether that is ocean waves as background noise, or a bright night light, you have your own personal space to do whatever you desire.
Commuting doesn’t mean you are completely cut off from being involved. It can be difficult due to timing of events, classes, and just the urge to go home, but immersing yourself in campus organizations is so important. By doing so, you are putting yourself out there, meeting new people, and staying active. Loyola offers over 150 clubs, ranging from athletics, academics, and hobbies for any student to take part in.
Angelo Velasco, ‘25 and the president of the Commuter Student Organization highlights his involvement on campus despite commuting.
“I attend campus events as much as possible and try to meet and engage with people I my classes at these events,” Velasco said.
The Commuter Student Organization is a great place to start if you are unsure where to begin your commuting path. This group gathers commuter students to provide an inclusive and engaging environment for people to connect and grow within the Loyola community. Additionally, Loyola University Maryland even offers a space dedicated for commuter students, called the Commuter Student Lounge, located in Avila Hall, across from Newman. Even though you are on campus, this building’s goal is to make you feel at home.
Commuting can come with some downsides. Imagine your car started giving you troubles: the turn signal, lights, and windshield wipers are not working. Unfortunately, you may have to take one of your parent’s cars to school while your car is in the shop. This can bring complications that someone living on campus would not have to worry about before class.
Classes in general can be another struggle. Class registration and getting to class on time are some of the most common battles faced by commuter students. Class registration time has proved to haunt commuter students, as a late registration time assignment means less class selections, and, sometimes, leaves only the early class times left. Every student gets classes, but you may turn out with an eight a.m. rather than the 11 a.m. you wanted or end up with an elective you weren’t planning on taking yet.
Managing your time for classes is a huge responsibility, allocating time to wake up and make breakfast, as well as leaving enough time for traffic and parking. Loyola residents do not have to deal with this, as they can enjoy the luxury of waking up thirty minutes before class starts and ordering Green and Grey on their walk to class.
Cynthia Fraga, a Spanish Professor at Loyola University Maryland, explains her experience as a commuter.
“On a good day, it takes me 75 minutes. When I have to be on campus for nine a.m. classes or meetings, it can take me between 90 minutes and two hours one way. I pick out my outfit and pack my lunch the night before, and my husband has coffee ready for me and I just grab a toast to-go or a bagel [in the morning]. It is important to get ready the night before, for me, since I need to leave by 6:45,” Dr. Fraga said.
We can’t forget about parking, of course. Parking can be a hassle. Between finding a good spot on the side of the road, deciding if you even want to risk leaving your car on the side of the road, or choosing to park at the FAC and take the shuttle or walk.
“I simply cannot just walk into a building and study. I have to make sure where I’m parked at is valid and [that I] don’t overstay, otherwise, I will get a ticket/be towed,” Velsaco said.
Sure, these challenges can arise, but these are just small bumps when compared to the responsibility and self-sufficiency that commuting brings. Commuting comes with its own set of rewards that living on campus cannot always offer. There’s something empowering about being in control of your own schedule—whether it’s squeezing in a quick jam session during your drive or savoring the freedom to unwind at home. Commuters become experts with time management skills, learn to juggle traffic, parking, and class schedules.
As a commuter, it is important to know that you matter as much as everyone else on campus, and that you can be involved and included.
“I stay connected with students by grabbing lunch with them, hanging out in their dorms, and going off campus with them. I let them know I am a commuter so they understand that I may not be able to be present on campus all the time,” Martinez said.
“All my friends and classmates are so understanding, and I feel so appreciated,” she said.
Commuting is more than just a way to get from point A to point B; it’s a chance to welcome the rhythm of your day, leave room for some personal time, and submerge yourself in the dynamic energy of campus life. If commuting is within your reach, don’t miss out-sometimes, the best part of your campus experience begins before you even step foot in class.
