Being a lifelong local from the Eastern Townships, I was familiar with every hidden gem and tight-knit community long before I started my journey at Bishop’s University. Yet, tackling the academic world as a commuter came with its own set of challenges and opportunities.
Small town living
Ever heard of Fitch Bay? It’s like the Bermuda Triangle of convenience – everything’s a long (though scenic) drive away. My whole life, I’ve lived in that small town and let me tell you, life would be pretty dull if you didn’t have any means of transportation. Need groceries? Plan a half-hour drive. Want a night out? That’s another 40-minute trek. All this to say, with my town practically in the middle of nowhere, an hour-long commute to Bishop’s was just another day in the life.
Juggling commuting and university life
I’m not here to preach about the holy grail of campus life versus the commuter grind. We’re all living life in our own lanes, right? But let me tell you about how my university experience has been a rollercoaster compared to my friends chilling at Bishop’s. Here’s the lowdown on what I juggle every semester:
Scheduling shenanigans
Every semester, I attempt to craft my dream schedule, but hold up! Unlike most students who can zoom home on breaks, I can’t say that it would be worth my while to do the same. I have to consider my commute and try to avoid marathon gaps, being stranded too early or too late. Sometimes it’s unavoidable, but it’s something to consider if you’re going to be a distant commuter.
Night life struggles:
As you probably know, Bishop’s really prides itself on being a social school, which means they have lots of after-class nightlife events. The Gait, the Lion, Reed Street – it’s party central. Unfortunately for me, getting home at the crack of dawn isn’t exactly my idea of a good time. So, if it’s not a major event, it’s a struggle for me to justify staying out late and commuting back home. Unless I’m crashing at a friend’s place, I’m the sober, early-bird spectator.
Fuel costs
Living a university life means I’m on a first-name basis with my budget. Unlike lucky campus dwellers who save on gas, I’m pumping dollars into my car like it’s a slot machine. I fill up my car every week. Luckily, I live near the American border where gas is cheaper, but it still adds up to a monthly fuel bill that makes my wallet cry. On the bright side, no rent means I’m still balling on a budget. Being a commuter definitely allows me to save more money, which is the biggest reason why I do it.
Winter driving
During the winter season in Quebec, things can be a little unpredictable to say the least. Some days, the roads take a little longer to get plowed in my area or the weather is just too dangerous to be driving, which means I can’t make it to my classes. In these cases, I opt for the backroads to school, my shortcut to beat the buzzer. Come winter, I have to factor in an extra 10 minutes to my commute just to make sure I get to school on time.
Why I choose to commute
You may be reading this and asking yourself: Why don’t I move closer to school? Sure, dodging potholes, questioning my sanity at least once a month, and racing to get to school on time can be a struggle, but hear me out: commuting also comes with perks.
It’s a significant money saver, which, under my circumstances, is a game-changer. With the financial burden of rent off my shoulders, I can afford to pursue my degree and still have some extra cash for fun events, weekend getaways, and going out to eat with friends. This flexibility gives me the freedom to enjoy both my hometown life and university in a way that’s manageable and affordable, giving me the best of both worlds without breaking the bank.
I could go on and on about this topic, but hey, I’ve got places to be, like actually driving to school right now. Remember, friends, life’s a highway, and I’m just trying to avoid all the potholes!
