Washington & Jefferson College

Amanda Swisher

W&J: A Commuter’s Perspective

I’m not your typical W&J student who shares a shower with ten and who locks herself out of her dorm room once a week. I am a commuter.

Since W&J is a residential college, students are only allowed to commute if they live with parents or guardians whose home is within 15 miles of the campus. Although living off campus makes it difficult to make friends, the Office of Student Life does host a commuter reception at the beginning of every school year to try to help commuters meet each other.

There are only 82 students who currently commute to W&J. Although the commuters make up such a small percentage of the student population, we are hardworking people. Every commuter I know has a job. As for me, I go to school full time and work two jobs. It is tough, but I thrive under pressure, so I prefer to stay busy.

I don’t mind living with my parents — seriously, it’s not that bad! — but sometimes it would be nice to have more independence. Also, commuting can be stressful. I always worry about being late for class due to traffic or an accident. Once, my car broke down on the way to a final. Then there was the time that I drove to school in a snowstorm, only to find out that my professor had cancelled class!

Although there are some drawbacks to commuting, the amount of money that I save on room and board definitely makes up for the negatives.


Amanda Swisher
W&J Class of 2010