The CGS Catalyst

It’s mostly about saving money.
Anonymous Response

Commuting is a huge part of the culture here at UWM at Washington County. For myself, I have to drive around 40 minutes to class each day, and it has been a bit taxing on me. I conducted a survey to see how much other students have to commute, and how it effects them.

There seems to be a lot of mixed emotions about the drive students make nearly everyday to their education. Lots of students talked about how much money they are saving by making this daily commute. “The amount of money I have spent [on gas] is nothing compared to what I would be spending at a 4-year college,” a student commented. “I like the campus environment, but saving money and doing a little driving is fine with me too,” another student stated.

Commuting doesn’t seem to a big deal to students who live closer to the campus. “It is a nice and easy commute,” a student who lives nearby to the campus stated.

Many students, who live further away from campus, responded detailing how much they dislike the drive to school. “The only thing I hate about the drive is it is a straight shot from my house, a really long one, and there is no new ways I can take that won’t take an extra 20 minutes,” a classmate talked about how long the drive can drag on. “Commuting sucks big time,” another person stated simply.

Other students enjoy their drive, using as a time to be alone in their thoughts. “I enjoy to drive because it is a way of meditating, listening to music, and riding where the road takes me,” a different student said in response.

One student showed concern for the environmental impact driving to school has. “I appreciate being able to drive myself to school, however it isn’t good for the environment. I’m usually running late so cutting out the half hour commute may have me on time more.”

Overall, there a range of opinions about commuting to college. People come from all around to get an education at UWM at Washington County. There were more people who live further away from campus than I originally thought there would.

I know this post seems very ironic, as we all have to take classes online, and at home, for the rest of the semester. However, it is important to remember to keep a positive mindset- especially during these trying times the world is facing right now.