Common Questions of Commuter Students

Who is a "commuter" student?
A "commuter" is defined as a student who does not live on university-owned property. Students NOT considered commuters include those that live in the residence halls, fraternities, sororities, University Terrace, or University Village.

Where do commuters usually live?
At URI, we typically have two kinds of commuters: those who live "down the line" and those who live "at home." "Down the line" students rent summer homes and apartments during the months of September through May. The most popular locations to rent such homes include Bonnet Shores, Eastward Look, Narragansett Pier and Scarborough Beach. "At home" students are students who live with their families or live off-campus year-round. Some students commute from as far as Coventry, Warwick, and Providence.

Are there more commuter students at URI than students who live on-campus?
On average, there are usually about 6,000 undergraduate students who commute daily to classes out of 11,000 total undergraduates. This percentage means that an average of 5,000 students live on-campus. Usually freshmen and sophomores will either live at home or live on-campus; juniors and seniors tend to leave campus grounds and move "down the line" for their final years at URI.

How is a commuter student different from a residential student?
Commuters students face many unique challenges while attending college. Commuters have to wait around campus in between classes and work instead of returning home. Commuters may have very limited time on campus during the day because of driving time, schedules, and work. Sometimes, if a commuter does not have class or work, he or she may not even come to campus. Commuters may have family and work responsibilities on top of classes.

Where can I park on campus as a commuter student?
First, you need to obtain a URI commuter student parking sticker through the Parking Services Office, located at the Visitor’s Center on 45 Upper College Road. You will need to bring your drivers license, student ID, and car registration. The parking fee for commuters is $100 and $175 for resident students.

University parking maps and information on parking regulations are available at the Parking Services Office and online at http://www.uri.edu/parking.

Where and what is the Commuter Lounge?
The Commuter Lounge, Memorial Union Room 310, features a casual atmosphere where students can relax or eat lunch away from the hurried pace of the Ram's Den. A microwave and refrigerator are available as well as a resource shelf of university-sponsored pamphlets and brochures. A TV/VCR is also available. A computer lab is located across the hall from the lounge. The Commuter Lounge is open 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Where can I eat on campus?
There are many options for dining for commuters on campus. In the Memorial Union you'll find the Ram's Den (cafeteria style), the America's Cup Room (restaurant style), Ronzio's Pizza, and RAM Escape (coffee and pastries). You'll find a variety of restaurants and stores in the Kingston Emporium, a quick walk to the top of campus by Upper College Road and Fortin Road. Also, special dining plans for commuter students are available through Dining Services. For more information, contact 874-2055. And, if you're bringing your own food, a microwave and refrigerator are available in the Commuter Lounge.

I need to use a computer. Where do I go?
Several computer labs are available on campus, including facilities in the Memorial Union, Chafee, Tyler, Quinn, and the Library. Call the IITS (Instructional Information and Technology Services) Help Desk at 874-2301 for more information.

I need to get my e-mail address.
A free campus e-mail account is available to all students. To get your e-mail account (and instructions on how to use the e-mail system), go to the IITS Dispatch Desk, Tyler Hall, first floor. Bring an ID.

I'm not feeling well. What do I do?
Health Services, located on Butterfield Road, is available for all your medical needs. Whether you need cold medication, a physical, a gynecologist, a nutritionist, STD testing, or a referral, Health Services has a variety of services available. Please call 874-2246 for more information.

Other safety tips:

• Try to park as close as possible to the building you will be in.
• Use the buddy system when walking at night.
• Consider carpools so you won't have to walk alone at night.
• Be familiar with frequently-used routes.
• Don't overload yourself with packages or books.
• Stay in well-lit areas.
• Don't leave anything valuable in your car. If you must keep possessions in your car, place them out of sight (for example, in the trunk).
• Let friends or family know your schedule so that if you are late, someone will look for you.
• Consider carrying pepper spray or a personal alarm.
• A cellular phone can come in handy in case of emergencies or late nights.

What do I do if my vehicle breaks down, or if I'm stranded on campus because of bad weather?
Try to make arrangements with a friend or two in a dormitory, fraternity, sorority, or nearby home so that you can stay with him or her in an emergency.

If your car breaks down while on your way home, pull to the side of the road and out of the way of traffic. Turn on your hazard lights and raise the hood so others will know you have broken down. Try to avoid walking to a phone. If another driver stops to help you, ask him or her to contact the police or call for assistance. Lock yourself in the car, and do not get out of your car for anyone other than the police or a service truck. Also, be familiar with emergency roadside assistance programs offered by your insurance company or auto manufacturer.

What are some things I should keep in my vehicle?
Jumper cables, a bucket of sand (in case you get stuck), a shovel (for the snow you get stuck in), an ice scraper, de-icer, a box of tools, a flashlight, flares, blankets, antifreeze, windshield wiper fluid, spare eating utensils, a change of clothes (in case you get stuck on-campus).

Where can I get carpool information, bus schedules, or train schedules?
You may get bus and train schedules from the Memorial Union Information Desk, located on the second floor. Bus schedules and carpool information are also available at the Commuter Housing Office.

What recreational services are available on campus?
A variety of recreational facilities are available on campus (you pay for these services as a part of your student fees). The URI Athletic Complex includes pool facilities, aerobics classes, a weight room, and more. Call 874-4343 for the Rec Services Hotline, or stop by Mackal Field House for more information.

The weather outside looks frightful... how do I know if classes have been canceled?
Snow storm and emergency campus closing information is available by calling 874-1000 or 874-SNOW (7669).

Where can I find out about campus policies for students?
The URI Student Handbook covers all student policies. Copies of the handbook are available in the Commuter Housing Office.

I'm interested in student organizations.
For a list of all recognized student organizations (as well as information on how to start your own organization), go to the Student Senate Office, Memorial Union Room 210.

Other helpful information...
Looking for an on-campus or off-campus job?
Career Services, Roosevelt Hall, 874-2311

Not sure you're in the right major?
University College, Roosevelt Hall, 874-2993

Have questions about financial aid and student loans?
Financial Aid Office, Green Hall, 874-9500

Interested in diversity programs?
Multicultural Center, 874-2851

Interested in moving on-campus?
Department of Housing and Residential Life, Roger Williams, 874-5374

Have questions about your student bill?
Office of the Bursar, Green Hall, 874-9500

Have questions about your student schedule?
Office of the Registrar, Green Hall, 874-9500

Not sure where to go for help? The Commuter Housing Office is glad to refer to you additional campus services.

Become a Commuter Student Advocate

• There are many ways in which you can become involved in commuter student issues.
• Serve as the commuter student representative on the Student Senate
• Join the Commuter Association, a student-run organization that plans social activities for commuter students
• Join the Commuter Housing Office staff as an intern or volunteer
• Become a Student Officer for Narragansett Area Relations (SONARS), a student group where members act as liaisons between URI down-the-line students and Narragansett Residents.
• Notify the Commuter Housing Office about any needs or concerns you have as a commuter student

What you should remember...

• Commuters are diverse.
• The Commuter Lounge, Commuter Housing Office, and a computer lab are located on the third floor of the Memorial Union.
• At URI, commuters are the mobile majority.

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