The surreal experience of a commuting student

Nati Feliciano-Soto, Contributing Writer

Stepping onto the grounds of VCU is an extraordinary achievement, a milestone attained in a variety of students’ lives. Each student carries a unique narrative, navigating challenges to secure this educational milestone, often entwined with the aspirations of their families. 

While some embrace their newfound independence in Richmond, others, like myself, have no other choice but to embrace the thunderous road of a commuting student. 

The reality of commuting is a wild roller coaster — it is not only demanding but a relentless pursuit of opportunity. 

Every mile becomes a testament to determination, where education collides with the demands of survival.

In the clatter of early mornings and the solitude of late-night study sessions, the commuting student narrative holds threads of ambition, sacrifice and an unwavering commitment to making the most out of opportunities.

As a commuting student myself, my journey has been a challenging endeavor, particularly due to financial constraints that prevent me from living on campus. 

Despite my circumstances, I have learned that the sacrifices made to be a commuting student at VCU are validated by the diligent pursuit of academic and professional goals amidst the rigors of a tight schedule. 

I start my morning with a fast-food job to meet financial obligations and secure future prospects. Then, I have daily campus engagements from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. which include classes, internships and federal work-study responsibilities before ending most days with a 40-minute drive from campus back home. 

My unwavering dedication to managing a demanding work schedule, 15 academic credits and the pursuit of education despite these hurdles, displays the unique resilience and determination needed for the commuting student experience at VCU.

My story mirrors the experiences of many others who are often overlooked. Each student’s journey is unique and ever-changing.

As a transfer student from community college, I have been fortunate enough to witness various sacrifices made by individuals from diverse backgrounds, all striving for a better educational future. 

I’ve encountered a spectrum of circumstances, from those facing economic disadvantages, aiming to secure their futures through academic achievements and parents returning to school to make up for their past mistakes. 

One thing remains evident: determination and overcoming obstacles define these individuals. 

The stakes are higher when survival is at stake and campus living is not an option. 

Balancing work commitments, unpaid internships and family obligations on top of the excruciating daily drive are the challenges that make commuters like myself remarkable.

Despite the added burdens placed on commuters, VCU stands out as one of the few universities recognizing and valuing their dedication.

They provide partnerships with numerous community colleges across Virginia, like Brightpoint and J. Sargeant Reynolds, to offer transferable degrees directly to VCU. This ultimately facilitates most commuting students’ academic progress and alleviates the financial challenges faced that come with their lifestyle.

Also, even commuters who chose to enroll at VCU for all four years may find that VCU is an affordable alternative to other universities when living in the greater Richmond area. 

Richmond provides access to buses that carry routes through the independent cities of Petersburg and Colonial Heights and even extend to Goochland and Dinwiddie, which can be an alternative means of transportation. 

For students 18 years and older, Richmond also provides rental cars via ZIP car for up to 14 days at a time with a $73.25 daily fee for when your personal car becomes unreliable in worst-case scenarios. 

With these options, one can see how VCU makes an effort to accommodate commuting students through its special awareness in recent times of the challenges brought by the pandemic. 

However, several major programs still lack the resources to offer some students more asynchronous class options in order to meet their demanding schedules. 

Asynchronous classes help promote a healthier lifestyle, as the commuter life can be very demanding on the body at times. 

Also, the financial burden of city parking, coupled with the necessity of paying $250 per semester for a secure parking spot in a 19 hour parking deck to safeguard against car thefts, underscores the need for VCU to prioritize accommodations for commuting students. 

This way the school can begin the process of ensuring their sacrifices are recognized and rewarded appropriately.

The commuter’s tale is not just one of enduring physical distances, but a complicated dance with time, resources and personal aspirations.