Being a commuter at Southern Nazarene University offers a mix of challenges and opportunities. With 30% of students living off-campus, the daily journey to and from SNU shapes their academic and social experiences. From thriving on campus to leaving as soon as classes are done, three students shed some light on what their college experience has looked like as commuters.
Tiana Frantz is a sophomore biology-chemistry major from Oklahoma City who manages to stay highly present on campus as a commuter. She plays keys for chapel, is on the SNU SALT and Creative team, is a TA in the biology department, and is a member of the Honors program. Additionally, Frantz is in SNU’s concert choir and is an ADD officer. With so many involvements, she spends an average of 10 to 15 hours on campus daily, and she does not let commuting affect her ability to join clubs or organizations on campus. She shares, “Commuting is only an impediment if you make it one. I chose to be involved, and the only issue with that is that I am on campus the entire time, but I still get the benefit of going home while getting the campus life.”
All the way from Guthrie, Oklahoma, Eliana Brown is a sophomore majoring in elementary education who shares her thoughts on commuting. With a 45-minute commute, a lot of Brown’s day feels like it is spent driving. Despite the long drive, Brown manages to stay involved on campus by being a student-athlete on SNU’s Western and English Equestrian teams. Brown says, “I feel like if I did live on campus, I would participate in more on-campus activities. Currently, it’s hard for me to do anything in the evenings because I don’t want to stay and drive home super late, or if there are events in the mornings, I don’t want to drive super early.” Though it has not been easy, Brown feels like living at home has been such a privilege. According to her, “I wanted to stay at home just to spend time with family so I could be fed, see my little siblings, and not pay for room and board.”
With a take of his own, Jacob Mash, a junior with a multidisciplinary degree in English and mass communications, shares his take on commuter life. Mash is heavily involved in all things music, including SNU Chorale and U-singers. He has also been in every musical production since he came to SNU and is currently working on his leading role as Harold Hill for the upcoming spring musical production “The Music Man.” Even though he is a commuter, Mash feels that he is very much a part of the student community and is already involved in the kind of things he enjoys on campus. Of course, like many commuters, Mash enjoys his space. He explains, “If I have a class that’s done early and I have nothing else, I just go home, take my time, and hang out for a little bit. Some days I don’t go home, but I also don’t want to stay on campus, so I go to places like Barnes & Noble and do my homework there.”
Each individual mentions that finances definitely played a part in their decision to commute. They all felt that regardless of whether they take advantage of them or not, SNU does provide great resources to facilitate commuter students. According to Frantz, “I don’t have a meal plan, but there are microwaves everywhere. There are plenty of places to do your homework and plenty of faculty here that helps provide stuff for me. If I need a place to store something, they are always willing to help. We also have the commuter lounge and the commuter life assistant, Carlos Zepeda, who plans commuter events involving free coffee, which I love.”
When asked about advice for future commuter students, each one believes that time management and being prepared for any situation is of major importance. Brown shares, “I have a basket in the back of my car which is full of all the random things: a change of clothes, a towel, extra shoes, and a first aid kit.”
These students highlight the resilience and adaptability that it takes to balance academics, campus life, and the demands of daily travel. Their experiences show what a commitment it is to overcome all unique challenges as commuters and to be involved at SNU. As the university continues to grow, the voices of commuters remain an integral part of the university’s diverse and vibrant community.
Photo by: Brisa Lopez