Part 4 of my Studyblr University Orientation Week!
If you live off campus, then you’ll most likely have a commute of 15+ minutes (sometimes as long as an hour) to get to school. Here are a few tips to help make this an easy, potentially even enjoyable, part of your day rather than a flaming hell stick.
I know that it’s a common piece of advice in the studyblr community to study during your commute, but I’m here to tell you that’s bullshit. Unless you have an hour long commute, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t take this time to relax a little. It’s better for your mental health if you aren’t using every conceivable moment studying.
Like I said in my last post, it’s important to know where you’re going. Know what stop to get on at (make sure you’re on the right side of the street), what bus you grab, what stop to get off at. Memorize that shit.
If you’re driving, know your turns by heart. Know when to change lines so that you’re over in time. Being late for your first day of class because you missed your turn won’t be a fun feeling.
If you’re walking, get a good feel for how long it’ll take you. Everyone has a different pace and Google Maps’ estimate may not always be correct (it also may not account for closed sidewalks).
If you know for certain that you’ll get a seat on the bus, bring a book. You’ll be amazed by how little time you have for reading for pleasure now that you’re in uni (as well as how little you want to read before bed after spending all evening reading). This is a good time to get through some of your tbr.
A lot of the time though, you won’t know for certain if you’ll get a seat or you know that you’ll definitely be standing for at least part of your journey. In these cases (and if you’re sitting the entire time too) I strongly recommend you bring your iPod and either listen to music or podcasts the entire time. Audio dramas are great because they’re a nice little break from the world.
Have your money/bus pass ready when the bus pulls up.
Don’t sit in the priority seating unless you’ve got a disability.
Don’t yell at people who sit in the priority seating and don’t “look” disabled. A lot of disabilities are invisible.
If you know that you’ll only be on the bus for a few stops and it’ll be busy, stand or sit near the exit. Otherwise you’ll be rushing to push through people to get out the door before it closes.
Please keep your voice down. The bus is noisy enough, we don’t need you screaming about your sex life too.
If you must bring your upright bass on a crowded bus, please be careful with it. Don’t hit people in the shins with it. Or the knees. I have weak knees, please be gentle.
As a rule thumb, be aware of your bag(s). Don’t turn quickly and domino half the bus.
Put your bag in your lap or on the floor when the bus is crowded. Please.
If someone touches your ass or puts their hand on your thigh, look them square in the eye and yell/say loudly “take your hand off me.” It will get people’s attention and they’ll do it.
Thank the bus driver when you get off the bus.