Photo Credit: University of St. Michael’s College
6 tips for commuter students
Josephine Murphy, Opinion Editor
As T.S. Eliot famously stated, “The journey, not the destination matters.” That quote, my commuter friends, is what you will be embracing the next four years as you venture from home to campus. Trust me, the journey builds character — or something like that. To help you along the way, here are some exclusive insights brought to you by a seasoned commuter (yes, that’s me).
Plan your route ahead of time: Use the U of T map to pinpoint lecture locations and room numbers. Save your timetable on your phone for quick reference. While J.R.R. Tolkien believed that “not all those who wander are lost,” trust me: U of T students don’t have time for wandering. The only ones doing that are truly lost.
Get a Presto: For those who don’t know, a Presto card is a preloaded payment card that simplifies riding the TTC. Tap on, hop off. It’s the key to a smoother commute.
Capitalize on downtime: Download apps like Microsoft Word or Google Docs on your phone for studying, assignments, and course review during TTC rides. Alternatively, use travel time to unwind by listening to music, podcasts, or watching a Netflix episode.
Assemble a “commuter study kit”: This is essential to commuter life. It should include electronics, chargers, headphones, a water bottle, notebooks, pens, snacks, and yes, a sweater for those chilly buildings.
Consider online classes: Taking a few online classes provides extra flexibility. You can work from home, sleep in, and don’t have to worry about food. The variety makes the days spent on campus more enjoyable. Using the U of T Timetable Builder, you can filter courses through delivery mode and find online courses of interest.
Be realistic about your daily goals: With a class starting at 9 am and another ending at 9 pm, you’re looking at a 12-hour day downtown. Attend class, complete readings, and work on assignments, but don’t anticipate nonstop productivity. Take some breaks, find a comfy spot on campus (Brennan Hall’s Coop and Sidney Smith Commons both have comfy chairs and couches), and make time for proper meals.
Lastly, take a moment to appreciate your situation. Yes, you’re commuting, but consider yourself fortunate to live close enough to the university for commuting to be an option! You have the privilege of experiencing the comforts of home while attending Canada’s top university. Plus, think of all the exciting things you might experience on the TTC — from the unexpected delays to the questionable aromas, each commute is sure to be a memorable one.
