Commuters Are Cyclones Too: Uncovering Commuter Resources on Campus

Being a commuter student in college is no easy feat. As you get caught up in life off-campus, even being at a full-time student status can feel isolating, amplifying a disconnect between traveling students and campus life. 

In the spring of 2025, Centenary University (CU) had reported having 788 undergrad students enrolled, with 374 of them being commuters, which equates to a whopping 47% of the campus population. Because of this, CU is actively working to bridge the gap for commuters, reminding them that they are part of the Cyclone family! Here is a compiled list of some of the commuter-focused resources CU has.

The Commuter Lounge

Opened in 2023, the CU Commuter Lounge is perhaps the most well-known resource on campus. Located on the second floor of Lackland across from the President’s Boardroom, commuters can come to the lounge to store their belongings in the lockers, use the kitchen/fridge, grab a snack, or watch an episode of their favorite show on the giant tv. There are also couches and a cubicle for students. It is always restocked with coffee and snacks and is cleaned frequently to maintain a healthy and warm environment. 

If you’re feeling artsy or need a bigger space to study, the lounge has dry-erase walls that can be written on in dry erase markers! While the lounge is used a decent amount, there is always space available for commuters in need of a place to recharge. After speaking with Alexis d’Ambly, senior writing major, she says that the commuter lounge is “..a great space, never crowded.”

“I often walk to school, and I'm on campus all day, so the commuter lounge is a great place to keep my food. I also get to have lunch and work on homework between classes with my brother and other commuters twice a week,” said d’Ambly. “I've met so many great people of different majors I wouldn't have met otherwise.”

A similar sentiment was expressed by Alexander Clauson, a freshman elementary education major. “I appreciate the fact that there is a refrigerator and a microwave for storing/cooking food. I like not having to worry about keeping all of my belongings on me,” he said. “No one is rude or mean. It's mostly a good place to get away from the chaos.” 

The Cafeteria

Did you know that commuters can use the cafeteria and bring their own food? Simply grab your lunch, sign in by the entrance of the dining hall and grab a seat with your friends! Another fun perk: for just $10 you get a “meal swipe” which entails all the food at the dining hall, drinks, and even some rich coffee. It’s a great place to stop and get a well-rounded meal if you forget your own at home.

Commuter and Transfer Week

It’s time to celebrate commuters! From 11/10-11/14, Centenary hosts a plethora of events dedicated to commuters and transfer students. The events for the week are as follows:

Coffee & Donuts - 11/10

Coloring & Relax - 11/11

Breakfast Social - 11/12

Therapy Dogs - 11/13

Basketball & Hot Cocoa 11/14

These events are open to everyone, but it is heavily recommended that commuters and transfer students come to foster bonds with one another in the community! A majority of the week is designed to encourage rest and socialization, which can help break up the tension that November brings as the end of the semester nears. As a commuter himself, staff writer Victor Rivera feels “Centenary is awesome for commuters,” and events such as these are a major reason why. 

Annual Meet and Greet

On September 12, Centenary held the annual Commuter Meet and Greet event. Here, students enjoyed a Pizza Social where they had the chance to meet their commuter First-Year Leaders. These mentors are commuters who are dedicated to helping incoming commuters navigate campus and inform them of commuter-based events. The goal of this gathering is to introduce commuters to their first line of contact with people who understand a crucial part of the upcoming college experience they’ll have. Don’t worry if you missed it; there’s always next year!

Diana Alzate, the director of First-Year Experience, encourages commuters to join clubs and organizations to make the most of their college experience. 

“There’s sometimes a misconception that events are ‘only for residents,’ but that couldn’t be further from the truth,” said Alzate. “We are one Centenary community—and their [commuters’] involvement makes it stronger.”

While commuters don’t live on campus, it’s important to remember that they are students at Centenary and are always welcome to all campus resources. If you have some time in between your classes, try checking out the Commuter Lounge and connecting with your fellow commuters!