Schedule your classes so that they are close together in time. Often, it is difficult for commuters to find parking spaces, and they must allow extra time to find a space. If you schedule your classes in blocks, you will eliminate the time spent in the car. In addition, you will save on gas money, because you won't have to commute back and forth several times a day.
Join a college club or extracurricular activity. One of the major concerns that commuters have is that they "miss out" on the college experience, unable to make lasting friendships because they don't live on campus. By joining a club or other activity, you can make connections with students you otherwise might not be able to. If possible, schedule your classes so that they are close to the club's meeting time.
Purchase a meal card that allows you to eat at campus-funded eateries. You can have meals with on-campus students you have met in class, promoting bonding and keeping you feeling more connected to on-campus life.
Schedule study sessions with fellow students, especially if you are unable to schedule your classes together. This will allow you to fill in the gaps between classes, reducing the need to leave and come back again. In addition, study sessions provide an additional way to make friends.
Join a commuter club, if your college or university has one. Mills College in Oakland, California, for example, has a Commuter Lounge complete with a kitchen, computer lab, lockers and even guest rooms if you find the need to stay overnight. Commuter clubs bring together college students with common concerns and situations. Because all of the students in the club are commuters, chances are you will be able to make lasting friendships, like those who live in dorms.
If you are just out of high school and living at home while you attend college, discuss with your parents potential issues that might arise, suggests the College Bound Network. For example, you might experience power struggles; your parents might still treat you like a high school student and set curfews or otherwise limit your independence because you are still living at home. Work with your parents to set some ground rules that are acceptable to both parties.