Challenges Faced by Commuting College Students

Interview Context: The interviewee is a college student who commutes.

Hardest Part of Being a Commuting College Student:

• The primary challenge is not finding ways to get involved, but rather actually staying on campus and participating in events and clubs.

• There's a strong temptation to go home after classes, especially after a difficult day, leading to less involvement in extracurriculars or studying with friends.

• This results in a feeling of being less involved and a perception that one could be more involved in school events or clubs.

Specific Challenges and Exclusion:

• Commuting often leads to self-exclusion due to logistical difficulties.

• Example: If classes end at 11:35 AM but a club meets at 6:00 PM, attending means driving home, driving back, and finding another parking spot. This hassle often makes it easier to simply stay home.

• The interviewee noted a past instance last week where a club met on a Thursday evening at 6:00 PM.

• They had work in their hometown, making it difficult to attend. While switching shifts was an option, it was perceived as