My name is Madison Ashley. I am a Biology- Healthcare major. I was a Clarkson School Student from 2024-2025. I am from Norwood, NY which is about 15 minutes from Clarkson. Feel free to reach out to me through the ambassador page on the Clarkson website!
When I first decided to attend the Clarkson School in April of 2024 the biggest question I had was what the commuter experience would be like. I live in Norwood NY, only 10-15 minutes from campus, so commuting to campus was the smartest choice for me. Most people picture college as living on campus, walking everywhere, and being with friends all of the time.
While that is a great experience, commuting has given me great opportunities and experiences as well! Being a commuter has allowed me to take advantage of everything The Clarkson School has to offer while also being able to stay connected to my home life and high school senior activities.
One of the biggest misconceptions about commuting is that it means being disconnected from campus. Due to my short commute I am still on campus most of the day. Between classes I study, eat, and spend time with friends the same way that students who live on campus do. The only difference is that I get to drive home at the end of the day and sleep in the comfort of my own home. This small difference allows me to recharge and keep a routine that works for me.
At the Clarkson School, the class size is much smaller than a regular undergraduate class. We have about 40-50 students in each class which makes it very easy to connect and make friends. As a Clarkson School student, you get to arrive at campus a week earlier than the rest of campus. We participated in team building activities and icebreakers which left me feeling close with the whole class. You also meet weekly during your first year seminar class exclusive to The Clarkson School so you don’t lose those bonds. It is easy to find friends during orientation, lecture halls, study groups and more!
One thing that helped me feel connected was staying on campus between classes instead of going home. The small interactions that you have throughout the day add up and build meaningful connections. Over time, the campus starts to feel familiar and comfortable even if you don’t live there full time.
A huge benefit of commuting is being able to participate in high school activities and sports. Since I live so close to home, I was able to play soccer for my high school for my first semester. It was important to me to finish out my soccer career with Norwood-Norfolk and I still got to continue my friendships with my teammates and friends in high school.
I also got to attend all of the senior events as well. I went to senior sunrise, senior bowling, prom, senior beach day, and more. My high school made sure I didn’t feel left out and invited me to everything! Attending the Clarkson School didn’t take away from any of my senior year experiences, instead it added another layer by giving me the college experience at the same time.
Another part of commuting that I really enjoyed compared to most college students is having access to a car. Lots of students on campus don’t have this privilege. Having a car means less snowy walks in the winter and being able to get to class quicker. I also appreciate having the choice to eat in town. Sometimes it’s nice to be able to grab a bite to eat or coffee in town. Another great way to make friends is to offer a ride!
Balancing college classes and responsibilities may sound overwhelming at first but commuting actually makes it more manageable. Living at home gives you extra structure and support that you wouldn’t normally have when living alone. I still have a familiar environment to come home to on long days. I also get home cooked meals that most college students envy. The balance between independence and support has been one of the most rewarding parts of my experience commuting at The Clarkson School.
Commuting has also helped me develop important life skills. Driving myself to campus every day has taught me time management, responsibility, and planning ahead. I’ve learned how to schedule my day, account for travel time (and snow), and manage my workload. These are skills that will be essential after college and I feel more prepared because of this experience.
Financially commuting was the smartest option for me. Living at home has reduced my college expenses by a lot. I no longer have to pay for housing and dining expenses like most college students would. This makes The Clarkson School more accessible for students who live nearby. Commuting is a great option for students who live close by and want to pursue college without the full cost of living on campus.
Overall my experience as a commuter at The Clarkson School has been very positive. I have been able to challenge myself academically, build friendships, stay involved in sports and senior traditions, and maintain a good balance between school and home life. Commuting has helped me attend college in a way that fits my goals and lifestyle. For students who live nearby and are considering The Clarkson School, commuting is definitely something you should consider. You don’t have to give up friendships or meaningful relationships and experiences just because you don’t live on campus. You can still get the full Clarkson experience as a commuter!
