Commuter Tips

Commuter student smiling on campus wearing WSU shirt.

You Belong Here—No Matter the Distance

Being a commuter student takes a great deal of drive, determination, and self-discipline. You have to be fully committed to managing your commute, keeping up with your classes, staying on top of your studying, and navigating everything else life throws your way. But commuting also comes with unique advantages. You get to stay connected to your home community, save money, and develop strong time management and organizational skills. It can give you a healthy separation between school and personal life. It’s a rewarding experience that builds independence and prepares you for life beyond college.

  • Smiling student holding a Westfield State University flag in front of the campus globe.
  • A group of five ,ale and female Westfield State students smile at the camera during the FlightFest carnival on the campus green
  • Two students chatting on the campus green on a sunny day.
  • Three students sitting outside on a sunny day, working on laptops.

Attending Westfield State as a commuter student means starting each day with purpose and planning. Succeeding as a commuter student means getting involved and helping shape the University. Remember—campus involvement isn’t defined by a residence hall room!

Emily C.
Class of 2024

Here Are Some Helpful Tips and Tricks That Our 2024 Graduate Emily Has for Commuters!

1. GET INVOLVED!

Being involved in what happens on campus is a huge part of the Westfield State experience. Clubs are always looking to recruit new members, intramural sports are always looking for teams, and there are a ton of events to attend or service opportunities to participate in on campus. Your options are limitless! For information about getting involved, check out The Nestwork.

2. Stay informed!

You can receive a text message, email, or phone call when there are emergencies at Westfield State, including school closings due to inclement weather and public safety notifications. To sign up for Emergency Notification Services, visit your myWestfield account.

3. Plan ahead!

Parking can be at a premium during peak class hours (9:00–2:00), so consider arriving early. Commuters can park in any of the following lots on the campus map:
a. Commuter Lot (#4)
b. Behind the Dower Center (#23)
c. Dower Center (#23)
d. Woodward Center (#2)
e. South Lot (#24)

There are shuttles from South Lot if you find that you have to park there!

4. Commuter students may purchase any meal plan from Dining Services

University Dining offers 3 plans designed to fit the needs of commuting students. For information about all dining plans check out the Dining Services website.

5. Prefer to bring a meal from home?

You can heat it up in the microwave located in the Wilson Cafe! It’s a convenient spot to prep your food, grab a seat, and recharge between classes.

6. Use Owl Bucks On and Off Campus with Your Student ID

You can add Owl Bucks to your Westfield State student ID to make purchases on and off campus. Owl Bucks can be used at all Dining Service facilities, as well as the Bookstore. You can even use it off campus at select locations listed here on the Owl Bucks website.

7. Skip the lines at the Drive Thru – Dunkin’ is right here on campus!

Grab your favorite coffee, breakfast sandwich, or snack between classes without ever leaving campus.

8. Need to print something for class?

Each student gets 200 pages of printing each semester, and there are tons of printers on campus in each building.  Send anything that needs printing to the “Papercut” and print from anywhere on campus!

9. Looking for a place to study?

Check out all the study spaces on campus to find your place. And always know that the Ely Library is a great spot!

10. Need something to do between classes?

Head over to the Ely Campus Center main lounge to play some air hockey, foosball, and Pac-Man!