From the 1 Train to the Commuter Lounge

When I started at Barnard as a commuter student, I wasn’t really sure what to expect. Most of my classmates were settling into their new dorms, making friends with their suite-mates, and embracing campus life 24/7. Meanwhile, I was hopping on the train every morning, juggling the pros and cons of living at home, and navigating life at a majority residential college.

Don’t get me wrong - there are definitely some amazing parts about commuting. I get to enjoy the comfort of my own full-sized bed every night and have endless storage space for all of my impulsive purchases. Plus, I’m saving so much money by living at home. But let’s be real, it’s not always easy. When your train suddenly gets delayed while you’re running late to class or you miss out on late-night campus events, it can feel like the whole “college experience” is happening without you.

At first, I worried about making friends. So many people bonded over impromptu dorm hangouts or late-night study sessions - things that just weren’t possible for me. But instead of letting that get me down, I decided to meet people in ways that worked for me. Clubs became my go-to! Joining Skip Stop (Barnard’s commuter student club) was a lifesaver. We host breakfasts, snack breaks, and other events that allow commuters to connect with people who “get it.” Plus, I started becoming involved more on campus like becoming a BSAR (Barnard Student Admissions Representative), a Peer Mentor with Access Barnard, and using the Design Center more often (I love creating custom button pins there) so I can have different mini-communities on campus I can hang out at during the day. 

Being a commuter also taught me how to create little “home bases” on campus. The commuter lounge on the 1st floor of the Diana Center has become an important spot of mine - it’s where I eat a quick snack, store extra architecture materials and books, study with friends, and recharge between classes. Then, after a long day on campus, I get to head home to my family, enjoy a home-cooked meal, and decompress. It’s a balance that works for me.

Also, one thing I’ve learned as a commuter is that it’s okay to ask for what you need. Whether it’s requesting earlier club meetings or asking professors to get a little extension on an assignment to account for your commuting time, these little things can make a big difference. 

If you’re thinking about commuting, my biggest advice is to own your experience. Sure, it’s a little different, but that’s what makes it special. Being a commuter adds a unique perspective to campus life, and you’d be surprised how many people will appreciate and celebrate that with you. Walking through my front door after a long day lets me recharge and stay grounded, while Barnard gives me the chance to push myself and grow in new ways.