Commuter survival guide

Whether you are new to commuting or a seasoned pro, commuting can often be a daunting experience. The trains are crowded, the buses run late, and you may find yourself sandwiched in between someone lacking a sense of personal space and a person who was too busy reading MLIA/peopleofwalmart.com to shower this morning (this of course is not to mention the conspicuous lack of coffee entering your bloodstream, and that sometimes the person in the latter category is you). If I have just detailed an overexaggerated commuter experience, my apologies. However, for the days that your commute resembles this description, here are a few tips to make even the worst commutes more enjoyable.

Never underestimate the power of a good playlist
Regardless of whether or not you're an avid music lover, a good playlist can infuse your commute and your day with a whole new energy. There's nothing like an upbeat song and a good head bop (Insert your favorite here: I find that "Club Can't Handle Me," by Flo Rida and "Please Please Please," by the Shout Out Louds always seem to do the trick for me) to make your commute more enjoyable. There's also the added bonus of making other commuters' trips infinitely more entertaining. Music never fails to block out the daily noise pollution that you encounter at bus stops and inside trains.

Friends are awesome
This of course is not always possible, but having a friend to share a long train, bus, or car ride can make even an hour's long commute feel like a five-minute drive. Whether your companion is a close friend or an acquaintance from one of your classes, having a good conversation and someone to sit with can make even the worst commutes a lot less painful.

Sleep
In lieu of a friend, sneaking a few Z's can be a wonderful way to make a long commute go by quickly. As most college students are chronically sleep-deprived, sleep seems to be a popular choice on trains and buses at the end of a long day. Just be sure not to miss your stop, and know how to backtrack in case you do. Backtracking can also lead to some ridiculous stories to tell later, so if you have the time, missing your stop is not always a bad idea.

Networking: the initiator of beautiful friendships
It's never a bad idea to ask the person sitting next to you in Psych class where they live, as they might be five minutes away or have a friend who has a car and would be more than happy to drive you to school if you're willing to split the cost of gas. With a student commuter population of over fifty percent, the chances of finding someone who lives within a ten mile radius of you in not wholly unlikely, so definitely take the time to go out of your way to network.

The importance of checking your email
When you have an hour-and-a-half commute to school in the morning, arriving to find that your class was canceled might be the real reason behind UIC's buildings being riot proof. Though this doesn't happen often, it's always worth checking your e-mail in the morning on the off chance that your professor has canceled class due to a sickness or an impromptu trip to New Guinea. Remember to get your UIC webmail address re-routed to your G-mail or Yahoo! accounts so as not to miss said e-mails, and you may have just won two extra hours of sleep.

Take note of the windy city
Let's face it. Chicago weather is unpredictable, bearing its vengeance in all seasons. While winter haunts every commuter's dreams, it is a somewhat consistent season: sub-zero wind chills, long delays at bus stops and trains, sidewalks covered with sheets of ice, and the rarely salted streets and walkways. It is obvious that commuters must dress accordingly. It is fall and spring that bring unexpected rains, heat, and humidity. A commuter must always be prepared by dressing in layers and carrying an umbrella at all times. It may sound obvious, but there are one too many stories of an umbrella-less commuter waiting at a bus stop on a pouring afternoon.

Commuter benefits at UIC
While all the tips above have been a somewhat negative portrayal of all that commuting brings, there are benefits. Because UIC has a large commuter population, keep an eye out in Student Center East for free hot chocolate, bagels, and coffee. Thereare also a handful of scholarships offered that have a preference for commuter students so it is a must to keep updated with the Office of Special Scholarships. Be sure to visit the Commuter Resource Center located in the south area of Student Center East. The office provides commuter lockers and other beneficial services simply because they understand the difficulties of commuting.

So to all of those new to commuting at UIC – freshman and transfer students alike – welcome to the fold! There are definitely positives to commuting as well; believe it or not, the train and bus can sometimes be a nice way to unwind after a long day. So have a great semester, enjoy the "ride" and if anyone needs a ride from West Rogers Park, let me know!