Commuting throughout graduate studies

[ObsessLP]

Hi everyone!

I was wondering if anyone has had experience commuting throughout graduate studies. My top school is an hour away and a pretty easy drive, and although I have driven that far for work in the past, I just wonder if this is a realistic plan for graduate school. My top schools are full-time and on-campus for the first three semesters, and then I can opt to do my externship semesters closer to where I live.

I would appreciate any insight/tips on doing this. I am buying a house this month and definitely could not afford to pay rent on top of that! Is anyone else going to have to commute throughout graduate studies? I can't be the only one... 

[hisaysty]

If you have to do it, you have to do it! People will tell you you're crazy for commuting that much; but honestly, you will get used to it. It isn't forever, and you will have breaks for holidays/spring breaks/etc. I would make sure you are able to spend a good deal of time on campus, though (don't just show up for class and go home). Be a part of the community, go to study sessions and enjoy the experience! But an hour isn't so bad. I know people who commute far longer for work, and that's 50 weeks a year.

[JcSLP]

Hi! I'm in grad school right now, and In my program there's probably 5-6 people that commute an hour. I myself am moving at the end of the semester and will be doing a 40-ish minute commute. I think it's definitely doable, although in our program we go off-campus for placements and at-least one semester on campus, so a lot of people get placements closer to where they are living when they go off campus (still commuting back for class, though.) Most of the people that commute will still come to campus for a lot of the day to do work too.

[ObsessLP]

1 hour ago, hisaysty said:

If you have to do it, you have to do it! People will tell you you're crazy for commuting that much; but honestly, you will get used to it. It isn't forever, and you will have breaks for holidays/spring breaks/etc. I would make sure you are able to spend a good deal of time on campus, though (don't just show up for class and go home). Be a part of the community, go to study sessions and enjoy the experience! But an hour isn't so bad. I know people who commute far longer for work, and that's 50 weeks a year.

Thank you for the tips! Part of my worry was not being able to be part of the community. When I've gone to open houses, it seemed like the grad students worked together a lot and often studied together at night. I would love to do it all and not lose my mind. It is very encouraging to hear that there are people who are able to commute all throughout!

[ObsessLP]

1 hour ago, JcSLP said:

Hi! I'm in grad school right now, and In my program there's probably 5-6 people that commute an hour. I myself am moving at the end of the semester and will be doing a 40-ish minute commute. I think it's definitely doable, although in our program we go off-campus for placements and at-least one semester on campus, so a lot of people get placements closer to where they are living when they go off campus (still commuting back for class, though.) Most of the people that commute will still come to campus for a lot of the day to do work too.

This is so encouraging! I really appreciate your input. Do those people who commute seem to be able to cope well with the workload? Good luck with your move!

[whitmanifesto]

I've been doing a 45 minute commute for 3 years now. It doesn't interfere with my schooling, bu it's very tiring because I work on the campus as well. I also feel less connected to my cohort but that's ok. I go what I needed from the program despite he commute. Just do what makes financial sense.

[Auuudriana]

I've commuted about 40 min-1 hour for my whole graduate program so far. It hasn't seemed to affect my academics nor my social life negatively in any way.

[SLPinTraining2019]

It's definitely doable, albeit not my first choice. My advice would be to make sure (absolutely sure) your car is super reliable, especially if you're going to school in a location where it snows. As for the social aspect, if you put in a little extra effort, I'm sure you could remain close with your cohort. Try to meet up with them on weekends to hang out or study together, or maybe hang around campus after you're done for the day. Commutes get easier with time because you get so used to them. Sooner or later you'll be so used to the drive you could do it with your eyes closed! Best of luck

[MarSLP2019]

I'm in grad school now and have a friend who commutes roughly 40 minutes. She's not really willing to hang out on weekends or study with people during the weekends, but definitely makes the most of being at school everyday during the week.