Commuting to college comes with unique challenges, but a little planning can make all the difference. One Rowan University student shares practical advice on parking, scheduling, getting involved and balancing campus life to help fellow commuters make the most of their college experience.
As a freshman commuter, I understand the feeling you get the first day of classes. There’s a lot of wondering where to park and where to go after your class. The following are things I wish I knew before attending Rowan University.
1. Take morning classes
There are fewer students who take an 8 a.m. compared to a 12:30. If you are a morning person, take early classes to ensure easy parking.
2. Leave your house early
It’s better to be safe than sorry. Pro-tip: For the first week in a new semester, leave extra early because traffic tends to be high.
3. Know Rowan’s class times schedule
To avoid traffic in the parking lots, arrive before the time classes end. For example, if you have an 11:00, arrive on campus at 10:30 to miss the traffic of students leaving at 10:45.
4. Schedule a break between classes
Give your brain a rest and take some time between your classes to sit at the lounges or grab food with a friend
5. Bring your laptop
You may need it in a class, but it’s also a lifesaver if you’re bored between classes.
6. Schedule time for your friends
Maintain your relationships with friends or classmates by inviting them to lunch with you or grab coffee.
7. Eat on campus
Feel free to bring food with you; however, all eateries on campus accept Rowan Bucks and debit/credit cards, along with cash. Pro-tip: I recommend the Green Zebra salad bar in the Student Center food court.
8. Keep a map of campus
This comes in handy with parking. If a lot is full and you need to look for another one, look at the map. This also ensures you know where commuter lots are, so you don’t park in an employee lot.
9. Try your best to be involved
Join a club that suits your schedule or participate in activities during Homecoming week such as the Color Run.
10. Have a good attitude
Sounds cheesy, but it’s true. Commuters can have just as much fun as residents. Luckily, Rowan University is a commuter-friendly college where you’ll be welcomed with open arms.
By: Alisha Donnell, Freshman public relations major
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About Rowan
Since its founding in 1923, Rowan University has evolved from a teacher preparation college to a public research institution ranked among the top 100 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. Rowan University offers bachelor’s through doctoral degrees and professional certificates in person and online to nearly 25,000 students through its main campus in Glassboro and its eight other locations in southern New Jersey. Rowan focuses on practical research at the intersection of health care, engineering, science and business, while ensuring excellence in undergraduate education. The University has earned national recognition for innovation; commitment to high-quality, affordable education; and the development of public-private partnerships. A Carnegie-classified R2 (high research activity) institution, Rowan is the fastest-growing public research university in the Northeast and among the nation’s top 10 fastest-growing, as reported by The Chronicle of Higher Education. In 2025, Rowan opened New Jersey’s only veterinary school and is one of only two universities in the nation to offer M.D., D.O., and D.V.M. medical degrees.