Driving vs. Transiting vs. Living on Campus: The Pros and Cons

The fall semester is upon us, and for many Corpus students, that means transitioning from virtual learning to in-person learning. No longer can you simply wake up, brush your teeth, and log into your Zoom class. This semester will actually require you to show up to class in more than pajama pants. (Well, technically you could). With this transition back to in-person learning, there are a few questions that you might have unanswered. How should I get to school? Should I transit? Should I drive? Or should I live on campus? After two years of studying at the greater UBC campus, I’ve concluded that there are pros and cons to each option.

The Pros and Cons of Driving

By driving to class, you will have greater freedom in your college experience while still living at home or off-campus. You can stay after class to hang out with your friends and engage in extracurricular activities, such as intramural events and late-night studying, without having to worry about transit schedules. However, the price of a car can be expensive, along with the additional fees of maintenance, gas, parking, and insurance. There is no free parking for students on the Corpus Christi-St. Mark's College campus, and parking at UBC costs at least several hundred dollars per term . Nonetheless, you will save on commute time, as you are in full control of your own transportation. For instance, an average commute via bus and Skytrain from Richmond to UBC takes roughly an hour and fifteen minutes. The average drive takes around half an hour. For students who value efficiency and the ability to engage in more extracurricular activities, driving to school can be a pricey, albeit efficient mode of transportation.

In addition, more and more students are delaying getting their driver’s licenses, as they rely on public transportation. Although you can rely on public transportation as a means of getting around, getting a driver’s license is important, as driving is a key skill to have as an adult. Plus, driving is fun—you can drive your friends around!

The Pros and Cons of Transiting

There is nothing more satisfying than taking a nap on the bus, only to wake up from the final screech at the UBC Bus Loop. While transiting to class offers the flexibility of being able to catch up on sleep and to study on the bus, having a long daily commute can also be stressful and tiring. You might also miss out on various extracurricular activities, as you might not be able to stay for long after class if you have a bus to catch. An important tip if you are transiting to school is to schedule your classes packed together and on specific days, in order to save on commute time. Though taking transit might be more tiring than driving to school or living on campus, it does offer the benefit of frugality, as your transit fees are subsidized by the UBC U-Pass.

Taking transit is the most cost-efficient mode of transportation for college students.

The Pros and Cons of Living on Campus

Another popular option is simply living on campus. Corpus Christi and St. Mark’s College students have the option of living at St. Andrew’s Hall, a residence directly across from the Vancouver School of Theology, or the Carey Centre, which is just across the street from our main campus building. Living on campus allows for greater flexibility and independence, as you are responsible for your own needs and lifestyle. Since you do not have to commute each morning, you have more time in your day to study, exercise, or to simply relax. Though living on campus can be expensive, it offers both convenience and the typical collegiate lifestyle, as you can engage in more extracurricular activities and get to know your roommates. Personally, I would recommend living on campus and experiencing dorm life for at least one year during your time at college.

So what’s it going to be? Are you going to drive, transit, or live on campus? Though the choices and the opportunities which come with each option are vast, I can assure you that you will enjoy your time at Corpus Christi College regardless of your living situation. The memories from your time here won’t necessarily be from the time spent in the car, on the bus, or in your dorm room. The memories that will last will come from your experiences with your friends, instructors, and your fellow classmates. Still, each option has its own pros and cons—pros and cons which you might want to consider when planning for this school year or the next.

This post was written by Derrick Mow. Derrick is a former student at Corpus Christi College who studied courses in Screenwriting, Film Production, Literature and the Visual Arts. He is now in his third year of undergraduate studies at University of British Columbia, where he is completing his Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and minor in Philosophy.