Commuter life offers a variety of opportunities to all commuter students; everything that the resident students are offered. We offer social activities, events, concerts, games, trips, etc. Commuter students are encouraged to get involved with all that SHU offers because it’s an integral part of your college experience. By getting involved, you’ll meet other students and expand your horizons outside the classroom. 

Below you will find some of the most important topics we want you to familiarize yourself with as a commuter student at SHU.  

Involvement Opportunities

Every student is encouraged to participate in all clubs & organizations, Greek Life, Club Sports, DI Athletics, Intramurals and events on campus. Be sure to check your SHU email on a daily basis so you can attend activities, sporting events and club meetings.  

All of the clubs & organizations that are offered through Student Involvement are available to all undergraduate students, regardless of whether they are a commuter or residential student. We encourage all students to get involved in a club, fraternity/sorority, club sport, intramural team, etc. 

Dining on Campus

First-year, sophomore & new transfer commuter students will be billed the Jefferson Meal Plan so that you can enjoy all that our dining services offers and give you the chance to eat and socialize with your classmates while on campus. SHU has 10 dining facilities spanning across our Park Avenue Campus, West Campus and Center for Healthcare Education.You can even use our Boost Mobile Ordering Service to pick up your meal or favorite beverage. Money can always be added to your SHU ID card (cash/credit) by going to the PHIL machine located next to the Bank of America ATM, or by doing it through Blackboard Transact. 

Areas to Study or Relax

The best place to study on campus is the Ryan Matura Library. Many students find it quiet and useful for their studies. Hawley Lounge becomes the hub for relaxing, doing work and hanging out between classes. All students on campus, especially commuters, find their home in Hawley. There are couches, tables, chairs, outlets for your computer or phone, pool tables, TV’s, games, lockers and many offices to assist you with any questions. Since commuter students don't have a room on campus to go back and forth to, we offer lockers that are located in Hawley Lounge to store your belongings during the day. Be sure to stop by the Campus Concierge to pay a small deposit and receive your locker key. When you return your key at the end of the semester, your deposit will be returned to you. 

Parking

Students are welcome to park anywhere on campus during the academic year, except for designated lots for specific residential halls or faculty/staff lots. Each commuter student has the opportunity to purchase a Commuter Parking Decal for a small cost. All information regarding parking and registering for a decal can be found on the Public Safety website. Once this process is completed, the cost for the decal will be billed to your SHU account.

SHU Email

Remember to check your email every day. Professors, advisors, campus staff/officials will contact you with important information or ask questions that need a response back from you. Also, various event announcements will be communicated with students through email. 

Student Experience

Stay on campus to study, eat meals, or hang out with friends. It’s a great way to meet people and get connected. Your college experience is all what you make of it. There is so much fun and education to be had outside of the classroom. Some of our favorite campus events include the Just SHU It Involvement Fair, President’s Gala and Family Weekend.  

Coming into SHU, I was really reserved and quiet which made me nervous to put myself out there. The Multicultural Center was the first place I got involved because I was able to be myself and connect with people I felt comfortable with. This led me to La Hispanidad because, as a Hispanic student, I wanted to highlight the growing Hispanic community at SHU. This helped me to come out of my shell and become an Orientation Leader and FYE Assistant. The connections I have made so far make being an involved student worthwhile.

Contact the Assistant Director of Student Union