Hosting events on campus can keep students entertained throughout a long day or help them with their careers post-graduation. Often, students living off campus don’t have as much knowledge of these events or the time to attend. It’s easy for students living on campus to walk to events, especially when the events are short. However, a quick event isn’t worth traveling for commuters who can live up to 30 minutes away.
I’m a commuter student, and I can name two events I have attended since junior year. By the time other events have gone on, I’m already at home, at work, in a class or simply do not want to get back in the car and drive to an event I wasn’t even sure I’d benefit from.
With that being said, here are four ways I believe we can help make campus events more accessible and inviting for commuting students.
Shorter events
Commuter students might appreciate having an entertaining event to stumble across in between their classes. These events can involve quick, niche games with prizes or a “speed-dating” session to meet other students. Events with quick turnaround times can present less pressure for students to stay late. It can be a fun pick-me-up for some.
Story continues below advertisement
Event bundles
Don’t be afraid to stack multiple events on top of each other for a day! Make the drive to campus worth it for commuters. Combine events such as a career workshop, provide food for hungry students and later make it a social event with s’mores, movies, or music.
Get commuter students involved
It’s important to know exactly what will get commuters to return to campus or stay on campus if the schedule works for them. Simply ask them to fill out a quick survey about the events they would be interested in and what time best fits their schedule. This can be very beneficial and ensure they know more about upcoming events.
Commutor-specific events
Typically, commuters live in apartment complexes, making it difficult to maintain regular car washing unless they pay a quick $20 for a mediocre wash. Commuters are busy and going out of the way for a car wash can seem too time-consuming. Instead, let the students go to class and, in between, get a cheap wash somewhere on campus. It could be a fundraiser or for one of FGCU’s many clubs. It’s quick, it’s fun and it will easily attract commuting students.