Navigating College Life as a Commuter
Living off-campus is a common choice for many UIC students, with approximately 80% of the student body opting for non-traditional housing options. When it comes to finding off-campus housing and getting support as a commuter, UIC’s Commuter and Off-Campus Life (COCL) is the go-to resource. With Commuter Appreciation Week coming to a close, here's some advice from COCL on navigating college life as a commuter. As a bonus, Student Legal Services (SLS) offered tips for students exploring their rights as a tenant.
Kate Poirier, Program Coordinator, COCL
Commuter students can take advantage of the services offered by COCL. Kate shares that commuting and off-campus living both come with many advantages, with the most significant one being financial. Going this route means students can save on expenses and potentially reduce the need for loans. Off-campus students can also benefit from not needing a car and using public transportation. Increased personal autonomy is also a plus.
For many students, balancing academics and commuting can be difficult. Kate says, “Time management is the most important factor for commuter students to balance all responsibilities”. Staying organized, planning the commute, and staying on top of deadlines is key when it comes to ensuring that commuter students have a healthy balance between their personal lives and school. Kate also mentions that students can utilize on-campus resources like the tutoring center, Academic Center for Excellence (ACE), the writing center, the library, and the Commuter Student Resource Center (CSRC).
To fully enrich the college experience and foster an engaging environment, Kate recommends that students remain on-campus after class and attend events hosted by CSRC and student organizations. This is a great way to network and find other commuter students. Getting involved can create lasting memories and friendships.
Off-Campus dwellers are tasked with searching for the perfect college apartment. This can be challenging, but the CSRC has many resources to make apartment hunting easy. Students can utilize the Off-Campus Housing Service and search using specific criteria, such as close proximity to east or west campus, to find their ideal apartment. Sign up to find a roommate or list a property.
Kate advises students to “Identify potential roommates, determine expectations for housing, and establish non-negotiables.” Following these steps can reduce the stress that comes with apartment hunting. Students should also make an inspection checklist to check for insects or rodents, test water pressure, and confirm that all appliances are functioning properly. Becoming familiar with the neighborhood and neighbors also makes for a smooth transition.
Shafia Mehdi, Junior, Integrated Health Sciences - CSRC Advisory Board
As a member of the CSRC Advisory Board, Shafia Mehdi advocates for the needs of commuter students. With a full kitchen, Quiet Room, and Flex Spaces, CSRC is the perfect spot for students to study, unwind, or have a meal during the day. Free coffee and tea is available for all, as well as board games for study breaks or lively hangouts with friends.
Balancing academics along with commuting isn’t easy. Shafia shares, “I personally use Google Calendar to block time and factor in my commute which gives me a realistic idea of how I can balance all aspects of being a commuter student”. Being involved on campus through student organizations is an integral part of the college experience. Shafia says, “Staying a bit late on campus is a sacrifice worth the delay”. Many clubs offer hybrid meeting options which adds a layer of convenience.
Shafia describes her outlook on commuting as one that allows her to take advantage of being independent and learning her way through the city. Some days, Shafia makes her way home with the moon following her. Other days, she starts her morning off with a view of the sunrise on her train ride into the city. Both are equally rewarding and allow Shafia to make the most of her college experience.
Current commuters carry diverse perspectives and experiences. To learn more, UIClife connected with a few students hanging out in COCL.
Hiba Mirza, Sophomore, Computer Science - UIC Commuter Student
Hiba Mirza advocates for the commuter lifestyle by urging students to “Keep doing what they’re doing”. Hiba describes the advantages of commuting as allowing students to enjoy home-cooked meals, increased personal space, and having a comfortable bed to sleep on.
Arsalan Zahid, Sophomore, Computer Science - UIC Commuter Student
Arsalan Zahid places importance on safety. Students should be cautious when taking buses and trains after dark. Arsalan advises students to carry pepper spray, and keep somewhere accessible like your pocket, not in a bag. Time is of the essence in an emergency. For more tips on prioritizing security and safety, check out this blog post.
Jay Chavda, Sophomore, Information and Decision Sciences - Commuter Assistant
Jay describes living off-campus as an opportunity for students to experience independence and a heightened sense of freedom. Although renting an apartment can be costly, Jay mentions that having roommates alleviates high rent prices and makes living off-campus accessible for everyone.
For students that are seeking independence and considering living off-campus for the first time, it is important to explore rights as a renter and there is a resource for that!
Sarah Baum, Director, SLS
SLS provides free and confidential legal services on most legal matters including landlord and tenant issues. Sarah says, “We are available to review leases and help students understand their responsibilities as renters. In addition, we can help if you have a problem with the condition of your apartment or if you have a dispute with your landlord.” In the event that students have an issue, SLS can step in to help make things right. Need advice? Request an appointment.
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UIC offers comprehensive support and valuable resources to elevate their academic journey, create lasting memories, and enrich the overall college experience. By connecting with fellow students on campus, you can access solutions for an exceptional college experience as a commuter.