Commuting can go both ways—it has its perks, but mostly it presents some unique challenges.

First, you have to get to and from campus. Then you need to study for classes (making it that much harder to study with other students in class). Then you need to figure out how to feel like you’re part of campus.

Things like seeing a professor during office hours aren’t always so simple. Getting involved in clubs, activities, and organizations need to be planned. On top of that, a lot of commuters have other responsibilities—a job, children, or other people to take care of at home. College becomes more like a place to visit than a home away from home.

Unlike students who live on campus, commuters need to go that extra mile to get involved and feel connected to campus life. That’s why if it’s at all possible, try to find a way to live on campus. Talk to an advisor in the financial aid office and see if you can find a way to make it work. You don’t even need to live on campus every day and night.

If grant money or scholarships are not available, and a student loan is out of the question, consider becoming a resident assistant (free room and board). Talk to whoever handles RAs in the residence life office. If that’s not an option, find out if there are any jobs on campus that can help with expenses.