Every student tries to get the best location on or around campus to not have to worry about transportation. Ever since I was 12 years old, I remember learning about public transportation and how handy it can be. I also learned how to navigate a physical map, or Google Maps, which have been very helpful to move around nowadays, since I'm a college athlete and I do not own a car.
I am sure that many other college athletes may be in a similar situation. When looking up a college and deciding where to go, considering your interest in athletics, it is always important to keep transportation in mind. This is because, as student-athletes, we have to be in a vast majority of places every single day, whether it is for 2aDays during preseason, for practice during season, classes, meeting up with friends, getting to the bus for travel games, and more.
Related: Five Tips to Navigate Life as a Student-Athlete
As a college athlete that does not own a car or even a bicycle, I have found various different ways to get around campus or where I need to be throughout the day. I took some steps into figuring these out without having to take an in-person tour:
What Do the University and Public Transportation Companies Offer?
1. Research your University or College campus: Find where buildings are located on a map and see walking distances and if available, cycling distances
2. Look for what services the University or College offers: Is it a bus shuttle service? Are there bicycles around campus for students to use for free or rent? Does it not offer anything? Don't panic
3. If the University or College has a deal with a separate public transport company, research how it works: In my case, Penn State has a contract with the CATA Bus company to offer rides and affordable bus passes for students. Many off-campus housing options have a deal with the bus company in which the bus pass is included in our rent!
4. After researching and figuring out what your University or College offers, don't be afraid to try these out! Get out of your comfort zone and take risks. Get on the bus, get lost, see where it stops and where it doesn't. Ask questions if you need an answer that you were unable to find online!
Related: 3 Main Factors to Consider When Choosing a College
Make Friends!
In addition to researching and getting out there to figure out your carless situation, it is even better to meet friends who are willing to give us rides! As athletes, we tend to bond with our teammates and create connections that will allow us to pop the question: “Hey do you think I could get a ride from you tonight?” or, “Do you think you could give me a ride to tonight's practice/game?”
Related: 5 Ways to Maintain a Social Life as a College Athlete
Don't ever be afraid to not know the answers to all of your questions when it comes to transportation and getting around your campus. It happens to all of us at some point in time. Just don't be afraid to ask those questions!
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* Originally published on February 22, 2022, by Lilia Farach
