- Photo by Jessica Ferrarelli
Commuter students experience college from a unique viewpoint. They make their way to campus from different directions and by different forms of transportation. Commuters cannot run back to their room when they forget something so they have to be creative and smart in what they carry.
Besides the typical items for class, like a laptop and books, and the items some cannot live without–like a smart phone–what else should commuters carry with them, especially with the impending snow?
Kimberly Pepenella, a junior political science and business major with a finance minor, drives to campus and she uses her car to store what she needs.
“In my car I have a crate that holds all of my books so I don’t forget anything at home,” Pepenella said, adding that she also keeps an extra pair of clothes in the event she has to stay on campus due to snow.
Commuter students should also consider keeping other emergency items in their cars such as a blanket, jumper cables and a first aid kit.
Allison Dion, a junior English major, takes public transportation to campus. Not having a car on campus to run to, she has to carry a lot with her.
“Invest in a backpack that has a lot of space. Sometimes bigger ones can be a little expensive but it’s worth it,” Dion said.
It is winter time and Dion also suggests to layer clothing if taking public transportation.
“Layering your clothing is a tried-and-true way to maximize your comfort in the outdoors. The beauty of this simple concept is that it allows you to make quick adjustments based on your activity level and changes in the weather,” according to REI.
If a student wears one piece of heavy clothing, they will not be able to adjust when they enter some of the warm classrooms at Cabrini. Layering allows them to stay warm while waiting for their ride while also having the ability to remove some items.
Danielle Perez, a junior marketing student, uses public transportation to commute from Philadelphia. She has a busy schedule and some days can be at school from morning until night.
The number one mistake that Perez has made as a commuter is underestimating how much food she needs to take to campus.
“I’ve always thought, ‘Oh it’s okay. I’ll survive a few hours without eating.’ Don’t do it,” Perez said, adding that she is now in the habit of carrying food such as candy bars with her. “There have been times where I’ve been snowed in or I’ve had to leave later so it’s always good to be prepared.”
Cabrini does offer meal plans to commuter students if they eat on campus often. CAV Cash can also be deposited onto a student’s school identification and can be used in Jazzman’s, CAVS Corner and Sandella’s. For more information, stop by the CAVS Corner office located on the bottom floor of Founder’s Hall.
Other items that commuter students can carry with them in their backpacks are chargers, refillable water bottles, medicine, tissues and a book or hobby to pass the time. Some of these items can also be found in the bookstore located on the first floor of the Widener Center.
Amber LaJeunesse, assistant director of the Center for Student Engagement and Leadership (SEaL) and commuter liaison, believes that it is important for commuter students to carry their student identification with them.
“As much as they don’t think it’s that important because they don’t use it that often it is helpful in situations they’re not always prepared for,” LaJeunesse said.
LaJeunesse also said that the SEaL office is the biggest resource for commuter students. Lockers are available on the second floor of the Widener Center. Students must provide their own lock and they can check out a locker in the SEaL office.
