Written By: Lindsey Thompson
Commuting is HARD work. The little spare time you have when you’re not busy studying, dancing, or working, you spend on transit. It can get hard to balance life because of this extra added burden, but there are a few things you can do to make your life a little bit easier. Below is a list of tips and tricks to make the most out of your time here at school as a commuter.
1. Have two bags
It’s nice to keep your academic books separate from your sweaty dance clothes. Not only this, but it makes organization and carrying things much easier. Which brings me to my next point:
2. Get a locker! (In the change room)
If you’re like me, you’ve got dance clothes, regular clothes, books, lunch, and probably a dinner, too, not to mention whatever personal items you like to take with you. All of this can be really hard on your back and shoulders, but having a locker can solve this issue! Storing the bag that you don’t currently need and whatever other items you don’t have to have on-hand in your locker will help to lighten your load.
3. Make use of the change room.
Regular people sweat a little during the day; dancers sweat a lot. From ballet, to modern, to rehearsal, to whatever else you might be doing, chances are you’re covered in quite a bit of sweat (and dirt, probably, if you do things like roll around on the floor during your dancing). Luckily, there are showers here for you to use so you can wash off all the gunk that builds up. You can keep a towel along with shampoo and conditioner for yourself to use post-class, too, and really make it feel like home. Just make sure to hang your towel outside your locker when you’re done so it dries properly!
4. Got lots of time between classes?
Who doesn’t! There are tons of things that you can do during your down time here. You can choose to be productive and study at Scott Library, the Martin Family Lounge, Winters College, or whichever place suits your fancy; or maybe you’d like to be productive in your health and squeeze in a work out (membership at Tait is only $15 for the year as a student!). Don’t feel like doing work? Check out some campus events — there’s always something happening! And last but not least — take a nap! There are bound to be days when you’re too tired to do anything else, and we’ve got mats in the change room for a reason!
I hope this helps you to make the most out of your day! Happy commuting!