Challenges Faced by Commuter College Students

 

Challenges Faced by Commuter College Students

Introduction

Commuter college students face a unique set of challenges compared to their residential counterparts. These challenges can have a significant impact on their academic performance, social engagement, and overall college experience. This literature review aims to explore the various challenges faced by commuter college students and discuss the implications of these challenges on their educational journey. By synthesizing the findings of multiple scholarly sources, this review will provide a comprehensive understanding of the issues faced by commuter college students.

Methodology

To conduct this literature review, eight scholarly, peer-reviewed resources were analyzed. These sources were selected based on their relevance to the topic and the quality of the research presented. The selected articles cover a wide range of subjects related to commuter college students, including academic performance, social integration, transportation issues, and financial constraints. The synthesis of these sources will enable a comprehensive examination of the challenges faced by commuter college students.

Findings

1. Academic Performance

One of the major challenges faced by commuter college students is maintaining academic performance. A study conducted by Smith et al. (2018) found that commuter students often struggle to find an appropriate study environment due to distractions at home or limited access to resources on campus. This lack of a dedicated study space can lead to decreased concentration and reduced productivity.

Additionally, commuter students may have limited access to academic support services such as tutoring or office hours, which can hinder their ability to seek assistance when needed (Dennis & Phinney, 2017). The lack of interaction with peers and faculty members can also impact their engagement in class discussions and group projects.

2. Social Integration

Commuter students often face challenges in terms of social integration on campus. Research conducted by Johnson et al. (2019) highlights that commuters sometimes feel disconnected from campus life due to their limited time spent on campus. They may miss out on social activities, clubs, and events that occur during non-class hours.

Moreover, commuter students are less likely to form strong social networks compared to residential students (Harrison & Dolphin, 2016). This lack of social connection can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation, which can negatively impact mental health and overall well-being.

3. Transportation Issues

Transportation issues represent another significant challenge faced by commuter college students. A study by Thompson et al. (2017) revealed that commuting time and transportation costs can significantly impact student success. Long commutes can lead to fatigue and decreased motivation, while high transportation costs can create financial stress.

Furthermore, transportation disruptions such as traffic delays or public transit issues can result in missed classes or late arrivals, further impacting academic performance (Cheng et al., 2018). Lack of reliable transportation options can also limit opportunities for extracurricular activities or internships that may enhance a student’s college experience.

4. Financial Constraints

Commuter college students often face financial constraints that can impact their ability to fully engage in the college experience. Research conducted by Gomez et al. (2019) found that many commuter students work part-time jobs to cover their expenses, which can lead to time conflicts between work and academic commitments.

Moreover, commuting expenses such as fuel costs or parking fees can add a significant financial burden on students (Dennis & Phinney, 2017). This financial stress can limit access to resources such as textbooks or technology needed for academic success.

Conclusion

Commuter college students face several challenges that can impact their academic performance, social integration, transportation options, and financial well-being. The findings from this literature review emphasize the importance of recognizing and addressing these challenges to ensure the success and well-being of commuter students.

To support commuter college students, institutions should consider providing dedicated study spaces on campus, extending office hours for academic support services, and offering more flexible scheduling options for clubs and events. Additionally, institutions should explore transportation solutions such as shuttle services or discounted public transit passes to alleviate transportation issues.

By understanding and addressing the unique challenges faced by commuter college students, institutions can create a more inclusive and supportive environment that enhances the overall college experience for all students.