What you need to know as a commuter

Being a commuter in college can be challenging. Commutes to school may feel long; you may feel out of the loop on campus events; you struggle to find a community; you have a hard time finding time to do homework in between classes and driving to school. We hear you! And we are here to help!

In this blog you will find ways you can get connected, stay informed, find places to eat, use campus facilities and make friends as a commuter at Charleston Southern University, written by a current CSU commuter who has made the most of his time on campus.

You can stay informed with anything CSU with these two accounts:
@Charlestonsouthern
@studentlife_csu

Food options:

• All commuters have a Commuter Meal plan that comes with $75 in dining dollars to use at various locations listed below on campus and 25 Dining Hall meal swipes.
• You can view more meal plan options here.
• Places to eat on campus:
  • Dining Hall: CSU’s main eating option is open for every meal of the day.
  • Buc Stop: On the second floor of the Student Center, you can grab a bite and hang out with your friends.
  • Galley Markets: these are mini convenient stores on campus. One is located between the Russell Halls and the other in Wingo Hall.
  • Java City Coffee: Located in front of Rivers Library, pick up your favorite cup of coffee.
  • Chick-fil-A: Next to the Dining Hall, you will find CSU’s express Chick-fil-A.

You can hang out at any of these locations on campus:

• Around the pond: The Reflection Pond offers scenic views and a quiet place to study and do homework.
• The Cove: Located upstairs in the Student Center, student clubs and various events often meet here.
• Costin Plaza & the Intramural Field: A newer addition to CSU’s campus, Costin Plaza includes fire pits and a grill. The intramural field has basketball/pickleball courts, volleyball courts, and an artificial turf football/soccer field.
• Brewer Center: The Brewer Center includes a recreation room, a video game room, an indoor basketball court and a gym and is free to all CSU students. 
• Rivers Library: If you need a place to work on homework in between classes, this is the place. As a commuter you can use your time wisely in between classes by heading over to the library and getting some homework done.
• Morley Swimming Pool: Right next to Costin plaza is the Morley swimming pool, which is free for all CSU students.

Ways to get connected through CSU’s extracurricular activities:

• Intramural: From flag football to pickle ball leagues, intramural sports has a lot to offer and will get you involved with other students.
• Clubs: CSU offers many different clubs on campus, you can learn more about these clubs by visiting the tables around the pond outside of Lightsey Chapel after Wednesday Chapel services. 
• Arts: The Horton School of Performing Arts offers choir ensembles, music ensembles, and theatre productions. They welcome everyone regardless of experience! The art department hosts an art gallery on the lower level of Rivers Library.
• Events: CSU Sweet 16 offers events to students around Charleston throughout the academic year. Some events include an off campus formal dance, a top golf takeover night, and a silent disco. Other weekly events include Wednesday Chapel Services at 11 a.m., and Elevate in Lightsey Chapel on Thursday at 8 p.m.

Tips for the road:

• If you have reading assignments for a class, see if you can download an audio book and listen during your commute. 
• Charleston traffic is unpredictable. Before leaving for campus, check to see if there are any accidents along your commute route and plan accordingly. 
• Charleston Southern University has a very welcoming environment that is accessible to everyone, including commuters!

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