The Commuter Conundrum

Commuter Students Face Challenges in Campus Engagement at Fitchburg State
Fitchburg State University offers a wide range of events, clubs, and activities aimed at fostering a sense of community on campus. However, some suggest that commuter students are less likely to participate in extracurricular activities than those living on campus. Understanding the reasons behind this trend may help the university develop strategies to enhance commuter engagement.
One major barrier is the lack of immediate access to club meetings and events for commuter students compared to their residential peers. While on-campus students can walk to any location within five minutes, commuters face daily travel times ranging from 15 minutes to over an hour.
“I think that no matter how hard Fitchburg State tries to incorporate commuters into social events, it simply won’t come as naturally as it does to those who live on campus,” said Yeva Medvedeva, a sophomore at Fitchburg State.
Many commuter students opt to leave campus immediately after class to tend to jobs, family responsibilities, or simply to avoid coming home late. With tighter schedules, there is often little flexibility to stay for club meetings or other activities.
“As a commuter, I would just go to school for the minimum I had to and leave as soon as possible,” said Douglas Rau, a Fitchburg State graduate. “I didn’t really talk to anyone, and no one really talked to me, so I didn’t have much interest in the events.”
Douglas added, “I suppose if I lived in a tiny little room with nothing to do, I would have been more coerced into going to events.”
Living on campus offers more organic opportunities for social interaction, such as late-night study sessions, impromptu get-togethers, or even casual encounters in the dining hall. These experiences foster friendships and encourage participation in activities, helping students feel more connected to campus life.
Commuter students, by contrast, often find it difficult to forge the same connections, as their time on campus is more limited. This can lead to feelings of social isolation or disconnection from the broader student body. Without frequent exposure to campus events, many commuters may not even be aware of upcoming activities, making it less likely they will participate.
“Why should I waste my limited time going to an event that doesn’t help me financially or academically?” said Alex Pichardo, a junior at Fitchburg State. “As a full-time student, I try to focus on passing my classes and getting school over with.”
Some students view extracurricular activities as nonessential to their goals, prioritizing financial stability and academic success over social engagement.