Anyone who has ever attended a commuter school or community college will tell you that the experience is different. Don't take this as meaning the experience is negative or boring, it's just different and for a lot of people, those differences are for the best.
In my opinion, there is this unreasonable expectation to move across the country and somehow gain all this life experience, clarity, and freedom. People who do this may experience this in part, but it is not the only way. Frankly, I’m not cut out for dorms and being around people for close to 24 hours a day. It is mentally and emotionally draining for me. Being around people all the time is literally my living hell. In my experience, I felt the loneliest I have ever felt in my life even though I was around people all the time. I would make stupid decisions just so that I wouldn’t have to go back to my God-forsaken dorm and hear girls playing tag in the hallways in the middle of the night.
Later on in your college life, it’s common to find roommates and get an apartment, but even that may be too much for some individuals. There are so many people who are neurodivergent or introverted, and would probably prefer to not be in the company of their peers all the time. Personally, I deal with sensory overload and if I’m around a lot of people, or in a loud or distracting environment, sometimes I feel like shutting down.
How is this an adequate learning environment for people who do not thrive on the typical college learning experience?
It’s time to realize that maybe multiple (or all) roads lead to Rome. Do what’s right for you, boo! Who cares if people have a stigma or look down on you for having a different college experience? At my community college, I feel that the professors are actually more committed and caring compared to those at my previous four-year institution.
If you choose to go the community college or commuter school way, here are some tips to not turn into an enigmatic educated pariah, unless of course you want it that way:
- Join a club or an organization. They will say this at any school but how do you expect to make any friends if you just go to class and go home? It doesn’t work like that!
- If you can help it, do not go home right after class. Go to the library, student resource center, or counseling. Honestly, if you attend a community college, chances are that you probably know someone who goes there. The same for colleges and universities with a large population of commuters. Get lunch and chat! Talk to somebody who understands your unique experience.
- Join a study group. Even if it’s simply a GroupMe or a group text, joining a study group will benefit you academically and you will bond and get to experience camaraderie. Plus, you may make a friend.
- If your school offers it, any work study opportunities or jobs on campus will also heighten your experience.
You can stay connected and create a vibrant community out of a bunch of commuters. At the end of the day, we should make the most out of this experience so let's continue to maximize those opportunities.
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Elise was born and raised in Pasadena California and attends Pasadena City College. She is currently a Communications major. She loves writing poetry, reading, doing anything nature-related, and dancing by herself till odd hours in the night. Leave your judgments elsewhere.
