Scholarship Applications Now Being Accepted

Applications for Worcester State University’s donor-funded scholarships are now being accepted. Get auto-matched to all eligible scholarships for the 2023-24 academic year with one application. Get started…

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Commuter Services

Commuter Services


Join the commuter community at Worcester State.
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Commuter Services
Student Center
2nd Floor
C-214A
508-929-8545
Linzy Martinez
Assistant Director
lmartinez6@worcester.edu

Thrive in college as a commuter student.

Whether you live at home, rent an off-campus apartment with friends, or fit college classes into your busy work-and-family schedule, you are a valued member of the Worcester State University student body. You belong to the Worcester State family, and we want the campus to be your home away from home. In the Commuter Services Office, we are committed to keeping you connected to Worcester State—helping you stay informed about upcoming activities and events and facilitating connections with professors and staff members.

What does the Commuter Services Office do?

We have many services and programs, all of which are created to give you opportunities to engage with Worcester State in whatever way you feel most comfortable.

Meet other commuter students
Plan events for commuter students
Study—& relax—in the Student Center between classes
Engage with the Worcester State campus community
Seek assistance from professors & staff members
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Enjoy the Student Center!
When you have downtime between classes, you can hang out and meet with friends in the Student Center’s Living Room on the 2nd floor of the building. The lounge is fully equipped with couches and tables, flat-screen televisions with cable service, ping pong and billiards tables, refrigerator, microwave, charging station, and more.
See all the Student Center offerings

Commuter Activities Board (CAB) & Commuter Events

Our Commuter Activities Board (CAB) exists to encourage you and other commuting students to become involved in campus life. CAB plans student trips, pool tournaments, monthly breakfasts, socials, family-friendly events, and other programs throughout the school year. The board is open to all commuters. We invite you to join us and share your ideas. Join us for weekly CAB meetings; for more information, email CAB at cab@worcester.edu.

Commuter socials
These gatherings an opportunity for you to meet other commuter students and speak with members of the Worcester State administration.

Novelty events
These events include everything from getting your picture on a mug to caricatures.

Commuter coffee stops
Get free coffee!

Commuter Appreciation Week
This bi-annual event is a week of programs for commuters.

 

Get the most updated information on commuter events from:

  • OSILD Weekly email newsletter
  • The Office of Student Involvement and Leadership Development Instagram (@wsu_osild)
  • Commuter Activities Board Instagram (@cab_wsu)
  • Commuter Activities Board Twitter (@cab_wsu)
Worcester State–your home away from home.
Worcester State–your home away from home.
Worcester State–your home away from home.
Worcester State–your home away from home.
Worcester State–your home away from home.
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Living Off Campus

We know that being a commuter student can mean balancing many different responsibilities. Below you will find resources that will help you as you begin as a commuter at Worcester State.

If you are living off-campus and on your own for the first time, consider the following when reviewing your expenses for the year:

  • Rent
  • Utilities
  • Transportation to and from campus
  • Groceries
  • General living expenses (laundry, funds for social activities, etc).

Always have a contact for your landlord and know what to do and/or who to contact in an emergency.

  • If you own a rental property that you would like to rent to Worcester State students, or are a commuter student interested in renting in the area around Worcester State, please contact Commuter Services. We can also provide you with tips on renting, working with a landlord, and finding a roommate.

  • Visit “In My Area” to find out which service providers are in your area:

    • Internet
    • Utilities
    • Cable TV

Transportation

There are a variety of costs to consider when choosing to commute to campus. When reviewing your finances as they relate to your education, please keep the following in mind:

  • You will need a driver’s license if you do not already have one. More information about Massachusetts licenses can be found at the Registry of Motor Vehicles.
  • If you are driving your own car, you will likely encounter additional gas, insurance, and car maintenance expenses.
  • Do you need to purchase a car? Are you going to buy a car or lease?
  • If you choose to utilize public transportation, consider the number of times you will be traveling back and forth to campus for classes, meetings, and events and review the updated bus fare information. If you take the bus, have additional funds in your budget in the event a bus is running late and you need to take a cab.
  • Will you be bringing food to campus for meals or purchasing food at one of the campus dining locations?

In some cases, funds awarded through loans or scholarships can be used to cover transportation costs. We encourage you to contact Financial Aid to see if you can use your awarded funds for transportation.

  • Commuters receive a free parking pass for the academic year that will be mailed to you before classes begin. Find more information about parking on campus.

  • The Worcester Regional Transit Authority is a regional transit system that services the City of Worcester and surrounding area. The WRTA offers reliable, comfortable, and safe transportation for traveling to school, work, shopping, appointments, and leisure activities. There are 2 bus stops located on Chandler Street (Route 3 and Route 6), right in front of campus. Visit the WRTA site for more information about bus routes.

    Unlimited Semester UPASS

    Students are eligible to purchase the UPASS for $125, which allows for unlimited rides each semester. The UPASS can be purchased on campus with University Police or at Union Station.

  • Ride share services including Uber and Lyft are available in the Worcester area.

    • Estimate the cost of an Uber from your location.
    • Estimate the cost of a Lyft from your location.

    Students inquiring about carpooling with other students are encouraged to check out the Worcester State University class Facebook pages.

    • Buses: Both Peter Pan and Greyhound offer inter-city bus service.
    • Commuter Rail: The MBTA Commuter Rail at Union Station provides daily and affordable service between Worcester and Boston.
    • Trains: Amtrak services the city of Worcester from Union Station to over 500 cities nationwide.
    • Taxi Services: Two taxi services provide transportation in the Worcester area:
      • Yellow Cab (508-754-3211)
      • Red Cab (508-792-9999 or 508-756-9000)

Commuter Tips & Tricks

Use these tips and tricks to make the most out of your experience as a commuter student at Worcester State.

Keep extra pens, school supplies, & textbooks in your car for long class days
Have extra clothes & shoes to utilize the gym
Stay on campus when your classes are over to attend events & meet other students
Be prepared for bad weather - keep items like a spare pair of gloves & a snowbrush in your car

For Guardians of New Commuters

We are happy to answer any questions that guardians, parents and family members may have about their student’s life as a commuter. Questions can be directed to Commuter Services.

Topics to discuss with your student:

  • Transportation to and from campus
  • Costs of commuting and/or living off campus
  • Time management as it relates to having time to commute to campus and walk to class
  • New expectations between members of the household (Are curfews changing? Is your student being dropped off at campus? etc.)
  • Eating on campus versus making meals at home to bring to school

Related Links

Academic Resources
Ella M. Whitney Award Nomination Form
Additional Learning Opportunities
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Parking
Student Involvement Calendar
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Synergy: Student Leader Handbook
Faces of Leadership Blog
Contact Us
Commuter Services
Student Center
2nd Floor
C-214A
508-929-8545
Linzy Martinez
Assistant Director
lmartinez6@worcester.edu
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