A Day in the Life of a UIC Business Commuter Student

For many, entering college as a commuter student is a big adjustment. “Will it be easy to make friends?” “How will I know what’s happening on campus?” These are just a few questions that may come to mind. UIC fosters an environment where commuters feel connected to campus life and their studies. Saskia Simorangkir, sophomore marketing major, is one of those students. Her vlog, “A Day in the Life of a UIC Business Student,” takes viewers on a journey through her typical routine. As a bonus, she offers advice to those looking to maximize their time on campus and turn their commute into a productive experience. Continue reading for more helpful tips from Saskia.

As a commuter student, how does UIC fit your needs?

There are many transportation options surrounding UIC. I take the bus and CTA Blue Line to the UIC-Halsted station. I could also take the Metra to Union Station and, from there, walk to campus or catch another bus or CTA train.

UIC offers a U-Pass (Universal Access Transit Pass) which allows unlimited travel on CTA buses and trains, and you only pay a semester fee. For commuter students, I recommend the U-Pass since it saved me a lot of money compared to riding the Metra.

UIC has a Commuter Student Resource Center on campus as well. This helps students like me feel at home. They have a lounge space with a TV, study space, and lockers. Commuting allows me to save money and I’m glad that UIC takes extra care of students who live off campus.

What was the inspiration behind “A Day in the Life?”

As a Business Ambassador, my role is to represent UIC in a positive way. One day, I received an email about filming “A Day in the Life” for an upcoming event. I have always loved creating videos, so I found that it would be interesting to create a vlog of my usual day at UIC.

The idea that UIC is a “commuter school” has given many, including myself, the wrong impression about student life. My first thought was that there wouldn’t be any student involvement around campus; but I was definitely wrong. I’ve gained many friends and met amazing people during my first semester. Commuting one and a half hours away from campus, I’m able to recognize areas and places better too.

Of course, there’s the downside of it being tiring and time consuming. The vlog is also a direct visualization of what life as a commuter student really looks like.

How do you stay productive during your commute to UIC?

Since my commute is one and a half hours long, I take advantage of it by studying or preparing for upcoming quizzes/exams. I do my homework the night before, and revise/study it while commuting. This helps me stay on top of my classes and save time. Another thing I do is create my own lectures. While doing homework at home, I record myself explaining it and then listen to it on the train.

If I don’t have any upcoming assignments or quizzes, I love to do something that is not school related. I listen to music or a podcast and look out the window. Fun fact: I love paying attention to advertisements. I’m part of the marketing committee for Alpha Kappa Psi and UIC’s Student Activities Board, so sometimes I take inspiration from advertisements and billboards that I see on my way to campus.

Where should all UIC students dine on campus at least once? Why?

In the Behavioral Science Building, there’s this supermarket/bakery that I love. Not a lot of people know about it, so I recommend checking it out. They have a lot of options for pastries and bread.

What do you enjoy most about being on campus?

Meeting my friends! A lot of them commute as well, so we often hang out when all of us are on campus.

We go around the buildings to find new spots. My favorite FAVORITE spot are the red chairs on the field across from ARC (Academic Residential Center). It has a city view and the WIFI still connects, so I can do my work while looking at the beautiful landscape. It’s also nice for a picnic or a little get-together. Since it’s a very popular spot, there’s usually no empty chairs. So, I would sprint at the glance of someone leaving.

As we approach winter, I go to what we call “study tables.” This is an area on the second floor of the library. It’s also my fraternity’s go-to spot. After class, we hang out there.

What do you do in between classes?

I often go to study tables in the library when there’s an assignment given after class. On a good day with no homework or upcoming quizzes, I like to explore places near UIC. I often take the Blue Line to one of my favorite places, Damen, and go on adventures to find the best coffee shop. I also love going to Little Italy. Again, there’s so much to do because of UIC’s location. I love it!

What is your favorite part of the day?

Aside from meeting friends, walking back to the CTA train to go home is one of those little moments that make my day. It’s truly beautiful to see the city lights slowly brightening against the dark blue sky as the sun goes down.

Commuting can be tiresome. There are days when my schedule is packed and living far away only makes it more difficult. Sometimes, things just don’t work out as planned. However, the little moments truly add up. Looking at the city lights set me back to the present. As an international student, that reminds me of how amazing it is to be here after coming a long way from Indonesia.

Students can find more resources by visiting the UIC Commuter and Off-Campus Life website.