How to Stay Connected as a Commuter Student

Sep 12, 2022 • Victoria V.

You did it! You moved off campus and are now in an apartment or house in your own space. However, it is easy to feel isolated from on-campus life after transitioning from living in a dorm to living ten minutes away. As a commuter student myself, I can share my experience on ways I stay connected with on-campus activities.

1. Hang out in the Commuter Lounge: This has been one of my favorite things as a commuter. The Commuter Lounge, located in Green Hall, is one of my favorite places to socialize and do homework during a long break between classes. Now that you do not have your dorm to go back to, the lounge is an excellent place to chill so you do not have to waste gas going back and forth between your house/apartment and campus. Not only is the lounge a cool and vibey place to hang out, but they also offer free coffee to all commuter students. This is a great place to meet fellow commuter students as well, so take advantage of this opportunity!
2. Join an off-campus community group: Not living on a hall can mean no more community groups on Wednesday nights, but commuter groups fix this issue! Liberty still wants to encourage spiritual development in all of its students, so multiple commuter Resident Shepherds open up their homes to host weekly groups to discuss the campus community message. There are all male and female groups, along with co-ed groups that meet throughout the week that commuters can join at any point. These groups are a great way to stay connected in faith conversations with your fellow commuter students.
3. Attend commuter events: Commuter Student Life does a fantastic job of hosting many fun and unique on-campus events catered to commuter students. The workers and volunteers host events like tailgates, a Christmas party, and Montview Meetups that offer free food, games, and even commuter merch. If you attend any of these events, be ready to make some room in your closet for all the free merchandise you will get. These events are held throughout the school year and are a great place to bring fellow commuters while also making some new friends!

Transitioning to commuter life brings a lot of changes, but staying connected to campus is something that can stay the same with the help of Commuter Student Life. Enjoy this special time as an off-campus student, and whenever you are feeling isolated, just remember that fun Liberty events are just a short drive away.