Going to college as a commuter student doesn’t mean that you won’t be able to enjoy a traditional college experience. In fact, universities like the University of South Alabama are taking steps to make sure commuter students are able to take full advantage of their time on campus.

 

All too often students assume that because they’re a commuter student, they’ll go to class and that’s it. That couldn’t be further from the truth! There are a variety of ways for commuter students to be involved on campus and get that traditional college experience.  

Here are a few ways commuter students can make the most of their time on campus.

• Join student organizations
• Attend sporting events
• Play an intramural sport
• Start a study group
• Grab meals on campus
• Keep an eye on the Upcoming Events Calendar

Joining student organizations is one the the BEST ways commuter students can make the most of their time on campus. Whether you join a Greek organization, an academic organization, or a special interest organization, this is a great way to make friends and stay in the know about what’s happening on campus.

Attending sporting events is another great way to be involved in student life. Ask someone you meet in class if they’re going to the game and if they’d like to meet up. Students are often able to get great prices on tickets so this is an easy event to attend!

Intramural sports are growing increasingly popular on all college campuses. Sign up for to play on a new intramural sport each season to meet and hang out with new friends. The great thing about intramural sports is that you don’t have to be experienced or know much about the sport in order to play. If you haven’t played on a quidditch team, now is your chance!

Class is where commuter students meet a lot of people. Why not start a study group with your friends from class? Multiple studies show that studying with a group increases your chance of academic success over studying alone. Plus, it gives you a chance to get to know your classmates better.

Many universities have stepped up their on-campus dining options, making them a great place to grab a meal between or after classes. Meet up with people from class to grab a quick bite at delicious spots like Chick-fil-A, Panda Express, or Moe’s.

The Upcoming Events Calendar will be your best resource for learning about on-campus events so be sure to check it out every week!