The Commuter Experience: Getting Involved

One of the most frequently asked questions that I get as a commuter is "How can you possibly have a great college experience if you don't live on campus?" My short answer is that your college experience, regardless of your resident or commuter status, is entirely what you make of it. I found this out on my own during my freshman year at FCLC.

I live in New Jersey, and while my commute is only about 45 minutes long, as a freshman, I was upset that I didn't receive housing. I felt that I would somehow be missing out if I wasn't living in the residence hall. I worried about how I would possibly make friends if I didn't have roommates to rely on. Luckily, during Orientation, I was assigned to a Commuter Freshman Mentor group. My CFM, really helped to break the ice between the students in my group and before I knew it, my CFM group became a tight-knit community. We learned about each other's backgrounds, made commuting buddies, and went on group outings with my CFM throughout the Fall semester. I could relate to the students in my group since we all commuted and I stayed in contact with some of them through my Eloquentia Perfecta seminar. However, Orientation came to an end and I felt like I was on my own, like I didn’t have a place. I had some resident friends, but I wasn't connecting with the many other residents because they would go straight to the residence hall after classes. When I had nothing to do, I would dread long blocks between classes since I had no one to hang out with. My problem was simple; I wasn't getting involved on campus.

This problem was even simpler to fix. As the semester went on, I began to get involved by attending club meetings. I've now learned that clubs are an integral part of campus life here at FCLC, and many students, especially commuters, find their closest friends through the clubs they attend. These clubs don't only offer meetings, they plan fun events and outings that are open to all students. As a freshman, I got involved in the Campus Activities Board and the Commuting Student Association. My former CFM is now the President of CSA and I've joined the club as a Senator. During my freshman year, I decided to become a CFM because I wanted to help my fellow commuters get involved and make connections. Becoming a CFM is one of the best decisions I've made here so far and I'm hoping to stick with it throughout my remaining years at FCLC. Because I made a great transition by getting involved, I've become passionate about sharing that with new students. Hopefully, some of my mentees will be inspired to follow in my footsteps by becoming CFMs in their sophomore year.

Honestly, I've learned to love commuting and I couldn't picture my Fordham experience any other way. I've made good friends through the clubs I attend and have gotten really close to my fellow CFMs. Your college experience is what you make of it. Just because as a commuter, you may not feel like a traditional college student, you don't have to fade into the background. Fordham University has such a strong commuter presence and offers an endless amount of outlets for commuters to find a home on campus. As a commuter at FCLC, it's easy to get involved, make great friends and connections, and eventually make your own voice heard as a student leader.

Tips for getting involved on campus:

• Check out the Office of Student Leadership and Community Development (OSLCD) in room 408 to check out the list of clubs at FCLC. From clubs based on cultures, peer education, arts, community service, and more, you’re bound to find one that sparks your interest!

• Go to events! You don’t have to be a club member to attend campus events, they’re open to everyone. Many clubs also offer free outings to restaurants, cultural events, Broadway plays, and so much more. Check out the flyers posted around campus for more info and go to 408 to sign up; spots fill up fast!

• Create a profile on OrgSync and check out a calendar of campus events and club meetings. As you’ll see, there so much to do on campus every week!