Commuting to UWM doesn’t mean missing out! Whether you’re walking from a nearby apartment, taking the bus, or driving in from the suburbs, your journey to UWM is uniquely yours. We know balancing classes with family, work, and transportation takes effort. That’s why we’ve gathered the ultimate guide with tips and resources to help you and your family make the most of your time on and off campus.
Tips for Commuter Students
Plan Your Commute
With a little planning ahead, getting to campus doesn’t need to be a hassle! Check out all of the various options for parking and transportation, like free MCTS bus passes, discounted Bublr Bike memberships, and parking permits for on-campus lots or the free U-PARK lot, by visiting Transportation Services.
Prepare for Your Time On Campus
Because running back home for a forgotten item isn’t always an option, we recommend packing a “commuter kit” to make sure you are ready for whatever the day throws at you! Some items you may want to pack include a lunch and snacks, chargers, a reusable water bottle, and extra clothing.
Find Your Home Away from Home
You don’t need residence hall access to find a comfortable place to relax, study, or hang out. Campus and the surrounding areas are filled with welcoming pockets designed with commuting students in mind. While on campus, we recommend checking out the Off-Campus Resource Center, the Student Union, and the Library!
Get Involved on Campus
Join a student org, find a job on campus, or attend one of UWM’s many events! Staying on campus after your last class wraps up is one of the fastest ways to build your community and make UWM feel like home.
Take Advantage of Commuter Amenities
The Off-Campus Resource Center is here to make your experience as a commuter easy! Stop by our office to unwind between classes, use our public microwave and fridge to store and prep your lunch, or grab a free cup of coffee or tea. Beyond a place to relax, we provide free commuter amenities, housing resources, and dedicated support to help you navigate off-campus living.
UWM is Here to Help
UWM provides comprehensive support networks to ensure your academic, physical, and emotional well-being. The Student Success Center can help you keep your academics on track through personalized tutoring and peer mentoring. For healthcare and mental health support, the Student Health and Wellness Center offers medical care and professional counseling services. If you need academic or campus accommodations, the Accessibility Resource Center ensures equal access across all university programs. Finally, if you encounter an unexpected crisis or need help navigating campus policies, the Dean of Students Office serves as a primary advocate and supportive first stop.
Tips for Commuter Student Families
At UWM, we know that family support is paramount to student success. As your commuter student transitions into the Panther Community, your role as a mentor and supporter is more important than ever. By supporting their growth and independence, you help them stay connected to both home and campus life. Check out some tips below for how to help your student succeed!
Encourage Campus Engagement
Research shows that students who stay active on campus are more likely to thrive academically and reach graduation. Encourage your student to fully immerse themselves in the UWM community—whether that’s finding a job on campus, joining one of our 300+ student orgs, or attending one of the many events held each year!
Navigate New Boundaries
Entering college is a major life shift for the whole family, especially for those who are commuting from home. We recommend sitting down together to establish a new routine. Discussing updated expectations for chores, curfews, and communication early on helps ensure a smooth transition for both your student and your household.
Foster Independence
You can foster your student’s growth by encouraging them to take ownership of their academic and personal life. When challenges arise, whether with a landlord, a professor, or a roommate, support them in finding their own solutions and learning to advocate for themselves.
Embrace Growth
College is a time of significant personal change. As your student explores new ideas inside and outside of the classroom at UWM, their perspectives may shift. By accepting these changes and supporting their decisions, you help them build the confidence they need to succeed.
Acknowledge the Transition
For many UWM commuters, the first day of college can feel like just another day because they are still sleeping in the same bed. However, they are entering a demanding new environment filled with new people and expectations. Recognizing and celebrating this milestone will help them feel proud of this new chapter in their life.
Know Our Resources
You are often the first to notice when your student is struggling, and UWM provides several ways for you to help. If you are concerned about your student’s mental health, Student Health and Wellness (SHAW) offers clinical consultations for families. You can call 414-229-7429 (option 2) to speak with the therapist on call. For concerns regarding life emergencies, basic needs, or campus navigation, the Dean of Students Office
is available to provide advocacy and support. Additionally, if you observe worrisome behavior, you can use the Report It tool to alert professional staff so they can reach out to your student directly.
is available to provide advocacy and support. Additionally, if you observe worrisome behavior, you can use the Report It tool to alert professional staff so they can reach out to your student directly.