For all the commuters out there?

Question

How hard is it to commute to go to school? I live in the Baltimore/Baltimore county area and i would really like to go to the University of Maryland College Park, which is about 45 minutes away, in good traffic. Im told the traffic to DC is really bad, never really witnessed it. But thats the school that i really want to go to, and living on campus is not an option because where im staying is free, no rent/food or utilities. I don't think its impossible for me to do this, but should i attempt to go for it? I know i would have to wake up really early to do it. What do you think? feasible?

Answer 1

if you can afford the gas and have the time to go early to make sure you get there in time do it  

Answer 2

I live in LA county and commute to Orange County where I go to school (UC Irvine) it is about 2 hrs round trip (about 90 miles total).

Some tips:

1. Schedule your classes around traffic. Most likely leave (for school) at 6am or after 11:00am. Leave school before 5 preferably around 3 or after 7.

2.Try to get your classes to Tu Thu or M W F.

3. Invest in GPS with real time traffic and detouring ability.

4. Make sure tires are at proper pressure. Drive at a speed around 70 (depends on car). Don't speed.Try to find someone to commute with.

I know how you feel I am in the same boat if you have a strong will you can do this. Believe in yourself. Its just driving sucks I know. But its not that terrible to warrant that icky feeling in your stomach right now. Keep your chin up commute if you have too nothing should get in the way of your education. But jump on the opportunity to live on campus when it becomes available.

Hey also! I cannot stress the importance of a routine! Ok look your new to college so ill give ya some advice i told my lil bro (im a senior).

1. GET INTO A ROUTINE. Go right now yes RIGHT now and buy yourself a schedule book. Specifically one that you can fit into your back pocket. In this book you will write how you will divide your time between school, studying, exercising, social, COMMUTING and even SLEEP!

2. When someone asks you if you can go to uhh... the park... take the book out from your back pocket and look at your schedule.

3. Dont, not comprise studying time and school for social stuff! DO NOT COMPRISE your routine (well except for emergencies).

4. Study in silence without music or friends tv, radio or any other distraction (this include ipod with classical music) Pure silence and concentration. This is study time don't bother me!

5.Study in cunks set goals in your schedule that are always at least a couple of days ahead of class.

6. You can write personal stuff in your schedule like I once wrote "speak to s**y green eyes by end of week" I promise you once your routine has been solidified you will actually "speak to s**y green eyes by end of week" because it would kill you if you deviated from the routine!

7. Live a little but be cautious very cautious. If you are a female be 5x more cautious. Watch how much you drink.

8. Quality of quantity. Pick decent people. A few people but make sure they are wholesome people. People you can rely on.

9. Don't join a Frat/Sor. Waste of time/money. This one just trust me.

10. Get involved in clubs relating to your career aspirations. For instance I want to go to law school so I joined the pre-law society and volunteer with a free legal service center.

11. THE MOST IMPORTANT: PICK A MAJOR WHICH YOU LOVE AND ARE ABLE TO DO.

ex) I am terrible in math and science always was therefore I did not pick civil engineering or chemistry as my major. I will never be a doctor but I can be a great lawyer.

You have to make your choice carefully what have you always wanted to do AND what you are "able" to do.

Hope this helped!

Answer 3

Ahh... Living with your folks, are ya?..I say, nothing should deter you from pursuing your goals, even commute traffic! (Which sucks on toast!)

Answer 4

Okay, I'm in California, BUT here is a UMCP link to the train running from Baltimore to the University: http://www.transportation.umd.edu/visito...  This link should help you plan a commute.

YES, it's an option.  When I was going to San Diego State it was an hour drive to classes during rush-hour (30 minutes off peak).  I took the BUS (70 minutes), but I could do studying and last minute essay typing during my commute.

I would REALLY look at the public transit in your area, you can get monthly passes at student rates on most systems... so you're saving money over driving. AND though the commute may actually be longer, you'll be able to USE your commute time.

GOOD LUCK !!