Commuter Students

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Make Campus Your Home Away from Home

Top 10 Tips for Commuters

We asked commuter students what they wish they would have known day one at SIU! Here's their top 10 tips.

  1. Make campus your home away from home. Find spots you can study or relax between classes - such as the Student Center, Morris Library, beautiful outdoor spaces, or cozy nooks in the academic buildings.
  2.  As a student, you have access to campus resources including (but not limited to)
    1. Student Health Services
    2. Student Recreation Center
    3. Saluki Express
    4. Center for Learning Support Services
    5. Counseling and Psychological Services, and the
    6. Dawg Lounge.
  3. Don't forget to eat. The Student Center has dining options, and you can pay for an individual meal or a Block 20 dining plan at Trueblood and Lentz Halls. There are also great local restaurants near campus.
  4. Have fun! Student Programming Council (SPC) puts on events throughout the year and students can attend all Saluki Athletics events for free. Many of these events are listed on the Saluki Superfan app - where you can also earn points and win prizes.
  5. Plan ahead. Get your parking decal early, review parking maps, and plan your day. You may find it easier to park in the morning and walk (or bike) between classes throughout the day.
  6. Know the parking rules. Commuter students are typically eligible for a red or yellow parking decal. There are some places you should never park (visitor spaces, reserved or restricted spaces) and some places you can park at certain times of day.
  7. Check out alternative transit options, such as the Saluki Express, community transit buses, and Veo scooters.
  8. Find your community. Introduce yourself to classmates, join a Registered Student Organization (RSO), or participate in campus events. The Office of Student Engagement can help you find ways to develop as a leader and make the most of your student experience.
  9. Seek help when you need it. If you're not sure who to ask, reach out to Saluki Cares.
  10. Stay safe on campus, especially if you have evening classes or activities. Staying Safe On Campus has great resources, including theft and identity theft prevention, night safety transit, safe walk, and storm preparedness.
On Fridays, we wear maroon - but we encourage you to show your Saluki Pride wherever you go! Go Dawgs!