Bridging the gap: how Augusta University commuters stay connected to campus life

By Daniela Harris | Staff Writer

For Augusta University commuters, getting involved in campus life can be tough. Long drives and traffic worries often create a divide between commuters and on-campus students, making it hard to participate in events. However, many students are determined to stay engaged and find ways to be part of the Augusta University campus community. 

One of the biggest challenges for commuters is attending campus events. It can be tough to leave and return for an event that lasts only an hour, making participation feel inconvenient. While many commuters want to get involved, the logistics of commuting can make it difficult to engage fully in these opportunities. 

“I find it difficult because I can’t really just go home fast and attend an event, I would have to stay on campus for however long until that event.” said Daija Williams, a sophomore at Augusta University. 

Beyond events, commuters often face challenges just getting to class on time. Traffic, long commutes and parking issues can make it tough to arrive on campus, even with good planning. These obstacles can add extra stress to an already busy schedule for commuting students. 

“The hardest thing about commuting to class is the bad traffic,” said Briceson Pierce, a freshman at Augusta University. 

“I would say the hardest part is trying to make it on time to class. My house is roughly 30 minutes away, so I leave at least 40 minutes before class,” said Williams. 

Despite the challenges, commuters can still find ways to connect with campus life. Engaging with classmates, attending events when they can and joining clubs are great strategies for building connections. With these efforts, commuters can feel just as connected as their on-campus peers. 

“If I can, I try to attend on-campus events in between classes or after my classes are over. I also joined clubs,” said Pierce. 

By being intentional about staying up-to-date with campus announcements, commuters can maintain a strong connection to campus life. This can involve regularly checking the university's website, following social media channels and signing up for newsletters.  

“Whenever I see an event on campus I just stop by to see what’s going on. I check my email regularly and have attended many events which have led me to make friends.” said Williams. 

Staying informed about events, meetings, and opportunities allows commuters to engage with the campus community, even if they can’t be there all the time. This proactive approach helps them feel included and part of the larger university experience. 

“If you apply yourself I can be done,” said Williams. 

While commuting to Augusta University presents its fair share of challenges, many students are finding ways to stay connected and engaged with campus life. By making an effort to stay informed and involved, they can bridge the gap between themselves and on-campus students and enjoy a fulfilling experience within the Augusta University community. 

Contact Daniela Harris at dharris12@augusta.edu

Photo: Augusta University students walking to an event on campus.