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MONTGOMERY, Ala. — For many students at AUM, the day begins not with a walk across campus but behind the wheel, driving down Interstate 65. With a larger majority of students commuting to campus, travel has become a defining part of student life, offering financial savings and flexibility while also presenting daily challenges.
When explaining their decision to live off campus, students frequently pointed to cost and convenience. Junior Kenzie Holland said, “I’m saving a ton of money rather than paying for room and board.”
Like Holland, student athlete Gracie Mason cited affordability as the main factor in her decision to live off campus. Living only eight minutes away from AUM, she said, “the hardest part is when I have to be at school really early and don’t have time to go home, so I usually pack my car and find places to change during the day.”
A 2023 study at The University of Buffalo summarized by researcher Emilia Peracciny found that many college commuters were less likely to be active within campus life stating that, “Over 88% of students confirm that commuting causes some sort of interference with their participation.” The research suggests that long drives, transportation costs, and schedule conflicts often make it harder for commuter students to attend college events and join organizations. These challenges can make it harder for them to build friendships, participate in activities, and feel like they are truly part of campus life.
Junior Randy Fuqua, who drives in Prattville each morning, said interferences like interstate traffic can turn a normal commute into a long delay. “One time it took me an hour to get to school because there was a really bad accident.” Still, he explained how he uses most of his drives to catch up on class lectures or talk with friends.
Freshman Anna Little expressed a similar view, stating that while frequent gas stops and interstate traffic can be frustrating, the drive helps set the tone for her day. “I get to listen to music on my way to school, which starts my day off on the right foot,” Little said.
While not every AUM student commutes, campus life still offers a different set of benefits and challenges to its residents. Senior Haleigh Bedwell, who moved to campus from Newbern, about two hours away from AUM, said, “I like living on campus because it is so convenient for classes and it’s a great way to meet people.”
She added that dorm life isn’t without challenges, noting, “Sometimes roommates can be complicated and sometimes if there is an issue with your dorm, maintenance takes a while to fix that issue.”
Whether students live on campus or drive in each day, most say the decision comes down to balancing convenience, cost and connection. For many, the daily trip has simply become part of student life.
