As a commuter student from New Jersey for the past 4 years I have learned a lot about how to prepare for the hour and fifteen minute train ride. But before I tell you how to deal with the spare time you need to figure out, no matter where you are coming from what type of transportation you are using. Are you walking? Taking the train or subway? Riding a bike? Driving? Taxi? and can you use this time to be more productive?
Well I have some great news ,you can! Two hours and thirty minutes is a lot of time to lose from your day, not to mention if you work besides going to school, you need every second you can spare. So this is what I learned:
- Commuting can be stressful, listen to calming music, it tends to help drown out the noise of the guy snoring next to you or the person typing away really loudly.
- Get a Wi-Fi hot spot ( this is a must) If you have this you can be more productive on your commute , doing homework, reading, whatever it may be.
- Close your eyes, sometimes you don’t realize what that can do for you. Put your phone aside and your laptop and just unplug for a while.
- Read a good book or magazine, I could finish a book in a week and it passes the extra time quickly.
- Plan your week ahead, Figure out when things are due and when you have extra time to do them. Monday mornings I get on the train plan my week, study for a little or do some homework. Then I unplug for the rest of the trip. Then for the train ride home I usually take that time to do the work I was just assigned in my class.
Commuting can be a lot, There was a point where I was commuting an hour and fifteen minutes to school then another forty minutes to my internship by subway. But as long as you know how to manage your time and pass it quickly you will be fine.
I’ve been asked would I consider moving to NYC due to my commute? Well since I am used to it now probably not, but in the beginning I would have done it in a heart beat. So if your a freshman just starting out or a transfer student just give it some time you will get adjusted!
Happy Travels,
Kailee