The BC Experience from the Commuter’s Perspective

Have you ever wondered what the college experience is like for a commuter rather than a residential student? Is there really any difference, or does it just depend on the student and what they make of it?

Bluefield College junior biology major Maddie Thompson said the main advantage she has as a commuter is not having to pay for room and board. She said she sometimes eats in the cafeteria, but mainly on Wednesdays when lunch is only $3.

Because she does not live on campus, Thompson said she typically hangs out with friends in the Student Activities Center (SAC) or in Easley Library. One thing she said she finds challenging at times is finding a parking spot on campus.

“Having early classes and staying on campus all day works well for parking,” Thompson said, “but having an 11 o’clock or later class at the beginning of the day is very challenging to find a parking space. It’s especially hard on Wednesday for chapel services.”

When it comes to time management, Thompson said she thinks residential students have an advantage.

“I run track and cross country, so when my latest class of the day ends at 3 o’clock, I then have practice at 5 o’clock. I can’t go back to my room and just relax,” Thompson said. “I either have to drive home, which adds on time and gas, or I have to find somewhere to go on campus for two hours.” 

Senior graphic communication major Chris DeBerry said he enjoys being a commuter, but does not care much for spending so much on gas. One main advantage DeBerry enjoys about being a commuter is not having to follow BC’s visitation rules. He also said he saves money by not having a meal plan on campus.

“I didn’t really like the cafeteria that much before,” he said about his experience as a residential student, “so I didn’t want to pay for a meal plan I wasn’t going to use.”

DeBerry said residential students do have the advantage of not paying utility bills and not doing grocery shopping. On top of that, he added, they don’t have to drive every day.

When it comes to student activities for commuters, BC’s Josh Arnold, associate vice president of student development, says the college has a range of programming opportunities available for all students. For example, he said through the school’s WOW campaign, BC offered guided RZR trips for both commuter and residential students.

“The Office of Student Engagement also hosted several events, such as our Downtown City Party in Chicory Square last fall and our Roaring ’20s Party this spring,” Arnold said. “Additionally, Residence Life regularly hosts ‘glued’ events that are open to both residential students and commuters, alike.

Arnold added that BC clubs and student organizations also provide a great opportunity for commuter students to “find their place within a small community of like-minded individuals. He admitted that BC does not have any commuter-specific programming at the moment, but he does hope to see in the future a “student-led club that focuses on commuter-related programming.”

“Student Development could likely help support such a club with some funding for their activities and events,” Arnold said.

Students interested in forming a commuter club are encouraged to reach out to Anne Pelchar, director of student engagement, by email at apelchar@bluefield.edu.