Tips for Commuting to Campus
Students who will commute to campus will want to complete a few tasks before the academic year begins. Please encourage your student to do the following:
All commuting student vehicles are required to have a hangtag displayed on the rearview mirror facing frontwards. Commuter student permits allow parking in designated commuter lots. They are not valid for overnight parking. All full-time commuter students must purchase a permit through the parking permit portal.
Before the semester starts, students should practice timing their driving route to campus based on their class schedules. Students should add an extra 15 minutes for the first week of classes due to high volumes of traffic and occasional congestion on campus.
- Commuter Plan A — 25 Meal Swipes for $250
- Commuter Plan B — 50 Meal Swipes for $450
Commuter Meal Plans can be purchased as needed in blocks of 25 or 50 throughout the academic year. Commuter Plan Meal Swipes can be used in the Caf. Commuter Plan Meal Swipes expire at the end of the academic year. Birdie Bucks can be added to commuter student ID anytime via the GET App. Birdie Bucks are accepted at all dining locations on campus, including Starbucks.
Encourage your student to get an oil change, tune-up, and tire rotation before classes start to ensure their car is in working order. If your student doesn’t already receive roadside assistance, have them look into options in case of flat tires and uncharged batteries. Always have an ice scraper, extra wiper fluid, and other vehicle essentials in the trunk in case of emergencies. Have your student look into rewards programs at local gas stations to find ways to save money on commuting costs.
Encourage your student to get involved in as much as they can on campus by attending Kick-Off Days, joining clubs and organizations, and searching for on-campus events through the online calendar. Students can stay on campus in between classes to become familiar with important resources and spaces on campus, such as the Semler Fitness Center, Hedberg Library, and the Campbell Student Union.