University life is often idealized as a time for independence and self-discovery beyond the walls of high school and hometowns. But for students who don’t live on campus, it can be difficult to feel like you’re getting the full university experience.
Here are three ways to make the most of your time as a commuter student.
Find study spaces beyond your bedroom
Part of the university experience is carving out your own spaces and routines. Utilizing the local spaces and businesses that Brock and St. Catharines have to offer as study spots is a great way to break up the school-to-home commute. Instead of heading home after class, take advantage of the fact that you can explore the city — even without a car. Access to the Niagara Transit bus route is included within your tuition, so just swipe your student ID and hop on.
Downtown St. Catharines is less than 10 minutes away from Brock, making it a quick opportunity for a change of scenery. A bus ride on the 316 will take you to the downtown terminal, where many cafés are within walking distance. Brindle, Mahtay and Fine Grind are a few great places to harbour while getting some work done in the heart of downtown.
If you’re willing to adventure a little further, Balzac’s Port Dalhousie is another quiet spot to settle in. If leaving campus isn’t in the cards for you, there are still great study spots hidden throughout Brock. Check out this guide from the Brock Press for a list of all the best study spots on campus.
Connecting with peers
As a commuter, you aren’t set up with the same routines and proximity that allow so many of your peers to make friends early in the school year. It can be daunting to make the first move to meet new people and jump into new hobbies.
At the beginning of the school year, especially in first year, most students are in the same position of wanting to connect with as many like-minded peers as they can. For a commuter student, making those connections may require you to step slightly out of your comfort zone.
Simple introductions are all you need to get to know someone new. Introduce yourself to the person sitting next to you in a lecture, ask what they’re studying and maybe exchange Instagram accounts. University is a learning curve for everyone, and most students will appreciate a new connection.
If impromptu introductions aren’t your thing, there are plenty of structured ways to meet people too. With over 160 clubs, along with intramurals and sports teams, there are plenty of extracurriculars available to meet peers with shared interests.
Staying “in the know”
Getting involved on campus sometimes goes beyond the efforts you make when you’re there. Social media is a great tool to learn about campus life and news. The Instagram pages for the Brock University Students’ Union (@brockbusu) and the university itself (@brockuniversity) are both incredibly helpful resources to stay up to date with student resources and events.
Your academic program and department likely have a social media presence too. Seeking this out could provide newfound access to social events, news and awards specifically tailored to your studies.
Outside of school, seek out locally based accounts tailored to your interests to learn about events in the community. The Niagara Artists Centre (@niagaraartistscentre) frequently posts about music and art events in the area. Discover Lokal (@discoverlokalca) is a great resource for deals and updates on Niagara events and restaurants.
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Being a commuter doesn’t have to mean giving up the independence and community that is supposed to come with university life, but it does change it. Figuring out your place within this new stage of life may require more effort, but if you look for it, you’ll find it.