Commuting and campus life: How Oglethorpe students navigate their daily journey

For many Oglethorpe students, their day starts long before their first class. While resident students can get out of bed and walk to class in a matter of minutes, commuter students live a different reality: navigating Atlanta traffic, catching the MARTA train, or finding a parking spot on a busy morning. The difference in daily routines shapes not only their schedules but also their levels of stress and social lives.

Oglethorpe commuter lounge, opened 2024 | Photo via Oglethorpe University Instagram

“It’s definitely a grind,” said Andrea Montero, a freshman psychology major who commutes from Norcross. “I leave around 7 a.m. just to make sure I find parking before my 8 a.m. class. If there’s an accident on I-75 or construction on Peachtree Industrial Blvd, I’m instantly stressed before my day even starts.” She explained how long drives can be both mentally and physically exhausting, especially on days with late classes or group projects.

Commuter students make up a significant part of Oglethorpe’s student body (59%). However, their experience often feels disconnected and distant from campus life. Between long drives and class schedules, many commuters find it hard to stay for evening events or join clubs. “By the time my last class ends, I’m thinking about beating traffic, not going to a meeting or hanging out,” said Mariangel Díaz, a freshman commuter student who drives from Alpharetta.

She added that sometimes she takes the MARTA train on days her dad needs to use her car, which comes with its own challenges. “The train is usually fine, but delays happen all the time, and it can feel really stressful trying to get to class on time. It also makes it harder to stay late for events, because I have to check the train schedule,” Díaz said.

Juan Mendez, a junior who commutes from Cumming, agreed that traffic is the hardest part of his day. “Even if I leave earlier, most of the time the traffic is worse, so it doesn’t really make sense,” he said. “For early classes, like 8 a.m. or 9 a.m., I end up leaving an hour and a half before class just to make it on time.” He echoed the sentiment of feeling distant from campus life. “I’m barely on campus, and when I am, I’m in class or studying,” Mendez explained. “I don’t really interact with anyone outside of my classmates or professors. As soon as class ends, I rush home to try to beat the traffic. It makes me feel like I’m barely part of Oglethorpe.”

In contrast, resident students enjoy the flexibility of living on campus, which allows them to be more involved. Emily Bermúdez, a junior living in Jobe Hansen Hall, said that living on campus during her first year made adjusting to college life much easier. “Being on campus made a huge difference when I was a freshman,” she explained. “I could go to events at the last minute or study with people at Cousins or the TLCC whenever. It made it so much easier to make friends and feel part of the community from the very beginning.”

Jobe Hansen game room | Photo via Oglethorpe University website

Another resident, freshman Octavio Loera, said living on campus has made his transition to college smoother and more enjoyable. He believes staying on campus is favorable for students. “I don’t have to worry about driving or parking; I just get up and walk to class. It saves a lot of time and stress.”

As a member of Oglethorpe’s men’s soccer team, Loera said living on campus also makes dealing with early practices much easier. “We have 6 a.m. practices twice a week,” he said. “If I had to drive here that early, I would probably be half-asleep on the road. Instead, I just roll out of bed, put on my gear, and walk to the field.”

Loera added that living on campus has helped him build stronger connections outside of sports. “There’s always something going on, whether it’s an event or people just hanging out in the dorms. It really makes you feel part of everything,” he said.

Still, living on campus comes with some challenges for residents. Some students say that constantly being in the same environment can feel repetitive and lonely. “It’s nice not to commute, but sometimes I miss my parents and just want a break from campus life,” Bermúdez added. She explained that balancing time between school, work, and social life can still create stress, even without having to commute.

Loera said, “You’re around the same environment every day. It’s nice to be close to everything, but it can also feel like you never really leave school mode.”

For many students at Oglethorpe University, managing their time is the key to reducing stress, whether they live on campus or commute. Montero said she has had to adapt to her long drives and traffic, finding ways to make commuting less stressful. “I used to really hate driving, but now I put on podcasts and just let myself relax in the car for a bit,” she said. “It has become my personal time to get ready for the day and clear my head.” 

Whether by driving, carpooling, or taking the train, Oglethorpe students share the same goal: finding balance in a busy college environment. The challenges are different for everyone. Some deal with traffic, others with late-night events, but everyone is working hard to make it all fit into their day. As conversations about transportation and campus life continue, it’s clear that college isn’t just about where you live, but how you navigate your days and make the most of your time on campus.