Have you ever rolled out of bed at 7:55, frantically looked for something to wear, run out the door with your shoes untied and still made it to your 8 class on time? For some college students this may seem like a regular thing. But average commuter students wouldn’t make it past their driveways.
For many college students, making the decision to live on or off campus involves multiple factors. Some people might assume that the cost is the only one. The cost of college for everyone is dependent on what major you are going for, how long you will be in school and whether financial aid covers most of the cost. The news is filled with information about debt and the struggle that many people have paying off their student loans. Students must learn how to make better financial decisions earlier than ever.
Mackenzie Tracy, a first-year student from Caribou, “chose UMPI because it’s close and affordable,” making it a better choice for her than going away to college. Not only is it affordable, but Mackenzie feels a sense of security in her own home and community.
Ellen Billings, a college first-year student from Mars Hill, also made the decision to commute to UMPI instead of living in the dorm at UMaine Orono. She prefers the sense of security she has by living in her own home and how familiar her community is to her. “Having my own private space, being close to home and friends is the reason I choose to commute.”
But for many commuters, the decision is based on comfort, convenience, anxiety and fear about campus life. Students who have lived close to UMPI all their lives are more likely to commute from home to school. They know their community and they feel more comfortable being at home rather than in a dorm with someone they have never met.
There is a downside to commuting, however. Commuter students may get all the comfort they need. But there is still something missing from being in college. When you commute, you go to school, go to classes and then go home. This leaves not much time to socialize. But socializing is a huge part of the college experience: meeting new people creates another form of community if you interact with the people on campus.
Mackenzie feels as though living on campus is the only way she would be able to socialize. “It would be easier if I lived on campus. I feel kind of closed off from other students.” Since she does not live on campus, she feels there is no way to connect with others.
But there are many ways to get yourself out there. UMPI tries to help students feel involved by having many different activities to pick from that suit you best. There are events going on around campus constantly. There is a commuter’s lounge located in Folsom Hall on campus. And joining a club is also a great way to communicate with others. Finding time can be hard. But once you start including yourself, it won’t be difficult to find your own community here at UMPI.
