#ginastudy

1. Keep a close eye on traffic patterns and construction! If you drive, chances are traffic is a huge annoyance in day-to-day commuting. When you first start the school year, try and look at different routes to school to see which has the least traffic at certain times! Often times, there will be traffic no matter what, but some routes may have less than others. If you take public transportation, just make sure you have the routes and times down so you won’t be late to classes. Construction is less predictable (but possibly more aggravating), but if you come across some, try to make a mental note to avoid the area and possibly another traffic jam. 

2. Get that parking permit ASAP. Not having a parking permit (especially if you park at school every day) can add up money-wise, as well as being inconvenient. 

3. Try to consolidate the amount of papers/books you bring to school so your backpack isn’t too heavy. Since you don’t have a dorm to store your things in so it’s easily accessible from campus, you may find yourself bringing a lot of materials to school every day, which can be kind of annoying. I usually bring one folder with all the papers I need for that day and use loose-leaf paper for notes to avoid bringing notebooks all the time. 

4. Charge everything the night before! I don’t know about you, but my laptop lasts the whole day as long as it’s 100% or so in the morning. To avoid having to bring a laptop charger, be sure to charge your laptop before heading out. As for phones, perhaps invest in a portable charger (or simply use your laptop to charge your phone). 

5. Bring some food! Eating out can prove to be pricey, so bringing lunch (and/or dinner, depending how long you’re at school) is essential for at least some days. Snacks like granola bars or oranges are always pretty convenient to have incase you get a little hungry. Be sure to scout out good/reasonably priced places for a quick bite and stock up on stamp cards for your favorite places :-)

6. Keep some essentials in your car (if you drive)! An old set of clothes (in case your lab requires certain clothes) and an umbrella are always helpful.

7. Use time wisely. This is a tip for essentially all students, but it is especially important if you have a long commute. Try to plan your classes so that they happen all around the same time to avoid long gaps in between (unless you like that kind of thing). I like having my classes in the morning so I can get home before it gets dark, but that’s just me.

8. Try your best to get involved. You don’t have to be apart of a fraternity and in 5 clubs, but I do recommend at least looking into one or two things to meet new people. It is true that having a “social life” is difficult when you aren’t at campus nearly as much as everyone else, but it is possible and pretty rewarding! If nothing else, make some friends in your classes that you can study with (and if they’re down for boba runs afterwards, that’s a plus!).

9. Know what to do in an emergency. If your car breaks down, who should you call? When the buses are late, do you know anyone who can give you a ride to school if needed? If you are really lucky, you might have a friend like that-- or perhaps, you *are* that friend (in which case, thank you). 

10. Stay safe. Whether you’re walking in a parking lot, taking the bus alone, or anytime in between. Try not to be distracted when you’re out and about, and be aware of your surroundings. Finding a fellow commuter student may help with this!