Jennivieve Valin is a third-year nursing student committed to sharpening her clinical skills and providing compassionate, patient-centered care. Beyond her studies, she is deeply passionate about the arts, friends and family and all things feline-focused.
It’s a fact: some post-secondary students feel that longer commute times to and from school can discourage them from attending class. There’s even a Canadian study that explains just that!
I, like many students, certainly share that sentiment.
With a two-hour commute to campus, I sometimes find myself wondering if going to my classes is worth it. All that time on the road can also be quite overstimulating for me – passengers hold loud conversations, others push and shove and the constant jostling of the bus only adds to my distress. Not to mention the dreadfully long periods of sitting or standing in awkward positions. Commuting can be tough.
Despite these challenges, I still believe that it doesn't have to be so difficult. My solution? Being mindful of our commuting habits and behaviours!
Tips for a peaceful commute
Here are my top tips to help optimize your commuting experience.
Plan your trip ahead
Planning how to get to your destination is perhaps the most crucial tip. York offers many transportation services, ranging from shuttle services, Car Share programs, and student discounts on services like the GO and TTC (both of which I use).
Pro tip: I highly recommend the Transit app, where you can check bus and train schedules or how crowded spaces might be for riders. It’s perfect if I’m trying to avoid getting really overstimulated.
Bring mindful entertainment
While it can be tempting to watch a suspenseful documentary or movie, consider what your day ahead is going to be like. Opting for more tranquil entertainment, like calming instrumental music or even a meditation app, can be a helpful way to keep the mind relaxed and prepared for the day. Different approaches work for everyone – find what relaxes you best!
Did you know that York University has two subway stations? It was even the first university in Canada to be designated as the “Best University for Commuters” in 2023.
Watch your posture and stretch
Commuting often requires staying in one position for long periods of time. The YFS Wellness Centre’s Serenity room offers a quiet space for students to study, lounge and unwind, and it’s perfect for a light stretch or two. York Recreation also offers group yoga classes, for those who enjoy stretching with friends.
Have something healthy to eat
Sometimes our patience runs out because our food does! Having healthy snacks on hand can keep your mood elevated. The Student Counselling, Health and Well-being office offers the Open Fridge Resource, where students can take free snacks like crackers, cheese strings, juice and fruits for those busy days on the go.
Embracing these mindful commuting practices can help make your trip to and from campus less of a struggle and more of a part of the university experience, turning each trip into a moment of calm, preparation and self-care. Safe travels!