Navigating the commuting horrors
Hello Off-Campus and Commuting Buffs!
My name is Prakriti, and I am the Beyond Campus Buffs Commuter Lounge Liaison! I commuted for two years from Longmont. My junior year, I lived in a house about a 30-minute bus ride from campus and this year I live in Bear Creek! I am no stranger to commuting, whether that be driving to campus or taking a bus ride over.
Now that it’s October (my absolute favorite month!), I wanted to share some of my scary commuting horror experiences and tips to “break the curse” and spend a successful year being an off-campus student.
The phantom phone
You swore you charged your phone, but it's the end of the day and it's holding onto its last breath....When did this occur? It happened right before your eyes.
How to break this curse:
Keep a car charger or a small portable power bank in your bag! Or visit the Commuter Lounge to charge your phone during the day on campus.
The vanishing bus
You saw the bus on the Transit app and it said it was five minutes away… You blinked and then suddenly, it disappeared.
How to break this curse:
If you are running late, always have a backup option to get to your destination. Whether that be taking the free BCycles to campus, a different bus route or walking. It’s always a good idea to show up earlier instead of rushing! You can show up early to campus and complete some work.
The wrath of the skies
The forecast swore it’d be sunny. You dressed for the weather but now, it looks like the Weather Gods are angry and the heavens have unleashed a powerful downpour.
How to break this curse:
Colorado weather can be a mess! Stash a compact umbrella or raincoat in your bag and other essentials for your car. Here are some essentials I have in mine: snow boots, an ice scraper (we have free ones in the Commuter Lounge!), a shovel and an extra pairs of socks.
The rumbling stomach
You just finished your long day on campus and you are heading home. You are hangry and it doesn’t matter if the traffic is light or the bus is early, every second feels like torture.
How to break this curse:
Consider packing emergency snacks for the road (granola bars, trail mix, fruit snacks, protein bars, etc.). This will help a lot on times where you are rushed but need a quick pick-me-up.
The spilled coffee curse
Your first sip of much-needed energy turns into tragedy once you spill it during your commute.
How to break this curse:
Make sure to use a leak-proof travel mug and keep stain remover wipes in your car/bag. And be sure to stop by the Commuter Lounge for some free coffee to replenish your soul.
The never-ending traffic stop
You’re on the road, almost home and suddenly you are stuck behind a sea of brake lights and stalled cars. Minutes stretch into centuries.
How to break this curse:
Check traffic apps before you leave or have a good podcast/playlist to keep you sane. Consider avoiding driving during peak hours and spend your time on campus getting homework done while you avoid the rush!
Commuting doesn’t have to feel like surviving a horror story. With just a little prep, experience and backup plans, you can live curse-free! It’s important to pack wisely, plan ahead and enjoy the ride!
Feel free to reach out to me with any questions, I am happy to help with anything!
Prakriti KC