Even if your child is planning to live at home and commute to a local college, he or she should still plan a college visit. You may feel that your child knows the school because your family lives nearby, but the student perspective of campus is completely different from that of a community resident. Remember that if your child goes away to school and lives in off-campus student housing, he or she is considered a commuter student.

Here are Ten Questions Commuter Students Should Ask on a College Visit.

  1. Is there an office of commuter services and/or a commuter student adviser? What services do they provide?
  2. Are there lounges for commuters? Where do commuter students study and hang out between classes?
  3. How do commuters get involved in campus student life? Are there programs and events specifically for commuter students?
  4. In emergencies, can commuters spend the night in the dorms?
  5. Is there a meal plan available for commuter students? How much does it cost, and how does it work?
  6. What is parking like on campus? What are the fees?
  7. How do I find out about public transportation? Are there any public transportation discounts for commuters?
  8. What percentage of the student body commutes? Do most commuters live at home or in off-campus housing?
  9. How do I find out about class cancellations due to bad weather?
  10. How well do commuter and resident students get along with each other?