Commuting 101 New

Hello my name is Melissa and I'm an academic coach here at the Russell Conwell Center. And I'm also a fellow commuter, so I know the struggle. I've been commuting now for about 3 years, but don't worry it gets easier. Throughout my years here at Temple I've learned a couple tips and tricks for commuting and how to make it the best possible. Make use of public places like the RCC center, Tech Center, Library and Tuttleman Learning Center where they have computers and printers for you to do your homework, so you don't have to carry your heavy laptop around all day long. Using Google docs, emails and have a USB port so you can save all your documents. Make use of all the outlets around campus in the places I mentioned before or even in these hidden places, like this. Makes use of the big comfy chairs like these ones through out the Tech center, library, and buildings where your classes are like in here. You can have lunch, take a nap, just hang out, in between classes. Know how long it takes you to get to your train or car from places you usually are on campus so you're not late and you're not in a hurry. Make use of the lockers at the gyms on campus like the IBC or TUFF. If you have a presentation or an event with a student org and you have to dress up all nice and you don't wanna wear your outfit around all day, you can put it in a bag and leave it in one of the lockers there and you can wear your regular clothes throughout the day. Be aware of the plans that best fit your pocket. You can buy monthly passes, bi-weekly passes, you can even by 10 day trip passes depending on how often you're on campus. Don't over pay SEPTA. You can get tickets and tokens in many places around campus to go around the city. You can go to the SAC and get tokens to take the subway or the busses. If you're a regional rail rider you can go to the ticket booth which is right over here, to get monthly passes, day passes, or even just station trips. Make use of helpful apps like "Embark Philly", to learn your way around the city and helpful websites like "baldwin.ph" that allows you to put where you are and the station you need to get to. And allows you to see if the train is running late or is on time. And also the SEPTA website to see full schedules. Make sure to always check the weather.Be prepared for whatever the day has in store for you. Because unlike some of your friends you can't just run back to your dorm to get an umbrella or a jacket. Be prepared. Don't waste that golden half an hour or so you are given during your commute. Do some homework, get in some last minute studying, or even take a nap or eat a snack. I hope these tips were helpful, good luck commuting and good luck at Temple.