Knights Navigate the Commuter Life
By: Avery Kleier
For most Bellarmine students, the start of their day begins in their dorm rooms just steps away from their classes. Yet for the hundreds of Knights who commute to campus every weekday, their mornings look different. Their days start in the early morning traffic along Newburg Road, and then they fight for a good parking spot on campus.
Living off campus requires mastering the ultimate commuters' survival kit. Traveling back and forth means carrying their whole academic life in either a backpack or car trunk. Without a dorm room to go back to after classes, surviving and maneuvering their way around campus requires preparation, strategy, and knowing where the designated commuter spots on campus are. Here are a few tips and tricks every Bellarmine commuter student should know.
The Commuter Necessities
Commuter Mohammed Youssef Haj Omar, a third-year clinical psychology student, travels by car to campus. Youssef said, “having extra charging cables and sticky notes in his car has been very helpful for in-between classes.”
The key to being prepared on class days is making sure to have all the necessities required to spend the whole day on campus. Experienced commuters know that packing light is a trap; instead, it’s better to be smart and prepared by bringing everything.
Charging Cables and Portable Chargers:
For the long days on-campus, a portable charger will be a lifesaver. Bringing the chargers for all tech devices (computers, tablets, headphones, phones, etc.) keeps commuters prepared for the whole day at school.
Headphones:
Headphones are a great way to be entertained and avoid the boredom on the way to campus, especially when using public transit. Headphones are also useful in general, especially whenever studying in a noisy environment on campus.
Umbrella:
Keeping an umbrella in the car or backpack is a good idea for the unexpected rainy days.
Mini Hygiene Pouch:
Keeping a bag of travel on-the-go necessities, such as deodorant, perfume, gum, hand sanitizer, toothbrush, etc., in a backpack or car is always helpful.
Snacks:
Buying meals on-campus can get pricey. Bringing on-the-go snacks is a great way to grab a quick snack and/or energy boost in between classes.
Change of Clothes and Shoes:
Keep a spare sweater for cold lecture halls, a fresh shirt, and comfortable walking shoes in the car, locker, or backpack for unexpected spills or changes in weather.
Mastering The Schedule
Managing time as a commuter student can be difficult, especially when balancing classes, traffic and personal commitments. It is important to prioritize and plan ahead to be ready for classes.
Prep ahead of time:
Instead of rushing trying to get out the door, be prepared and have everything packed and ready the night before. Charge electronics the night before so they are ready for classes the next day.
Sean Thompson, a third-year DAT and communication major, commutes to Bellarmine every day by bus. Being prepared and having his bags packed helps him remember all the things he needs to bring to campus.
Thompson said: “If I don’t already have what I need in my bag, I will forget it. So, when I get home the only things that should be coming out of my bag are my computer and tablet, that way I know I’m keeping everything in my bag at all times.”
Plan travels accordingly:
Always factor in Louisville traffic, unexpected construction delays, and the extra 10 minutes needed to hunt down a parking spot on campus. Leaving early and allowing at least a 20-minute grace period prevents the stress of being late to class.
Senior business major Dieumerci Bisetsa said he had been late to classes before due to traffic and trying to find parking on campus. “For future references, I saw that as a lesson to prepare to leave earlier and include the time for parking or potential traffic,” he said.
Plan travel around classes:
Tailoring class schedules to fit their needs is very important to commuter students. It’s also crucial to plan realistically and be sensible when scheduling early morning and evening classes. Creating a reasonable class schedule allows time for jobs and family commitments.
Utilizing Dedicated Campus Spots:
Bellarmine offers designated spaces on campus for commuters. Instead of sitting in a car between classes or wandering around trying to find a place to sit, take advantage of the areas in Centro designated for commuters to recharge, study and connect.
Commuter Lounge:
Located on the first floor of Centro, Bellarmine provides a designated area for commuters that is equipped with comfortable seating, charging stations, printers, computers, a pool table and televisions. Knights Knook offers a great space to relax and hang out with friends in between classes. Cafe Ogle is located just across from the lounge and is a great place to grab a snack or drink.
Commuter Lockers:
Take advantage of the commuter lockers located in Horrigan Hall on the first floor of Centro. Make sure to reserve space by filling out a Locker Agreement Form, then either returning it to McGowan 280 or emailing it to commuters@bellarmine.edu. Lockers are a great place to store heavy gear and extra bags.
Commuter Pit Stop:
The Pit Stop is located on the first floor in Centro, right across from Cafe Ogle, and provides a small kitchen area designed to support off-campus residents. The cooking area includes a refrigerator, sink, microwave and air fryer, where students can cook and/or heat up food. The Pit Stop is connected to the commuter lounge space as well.
Building an On-Campus Presence:
One of the most challenging things to do as a commuter is to be engaged in campus events and organizations.
For students who live on campus, it’s easy to attend events and get involved in activities and student organizations. But for commuters, it requires an intentional effort to stay engaged and involved on campus.
Commuter Emily Estes, a second-year nursing major, said she has felt disconnected from campus life. Estes said during her first year at Bellarmine, she found it hard to bridge the gap between commuting and also being involved on campus.
“Finding time to attend events on campus, even just a few, and making friends who live on campus has been a good way to help me get involved on campus. I recently joined some new clubs, and I look forward to making some new friends through those as well,” she said.
Commuting doesn't have to mean missing out on the full college experience. Joining a club or attending campus events can help bridge that gap. Scrolling community platforms like Engage, and Bellarmine organizations’ social media make it easy for students to stay updated on events happening around campus. Bellarmine has departments on campus specifically for student involvement, such as Student Activities Center and Center for Community Engagement, where students can find information about events and student organizations.
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