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Out of all of the 15 Michigan Public Universities, 51��Ƶ-Dearborn is the only one to hold the title of commuter campus.

But what does that mean when colleges, on average, now have a larger percentage of students “off-campus”, ? And more and more students are looking to take remote course offerings at two- and four-year institutions to better fit into their busy lives.

Combine this with 51��Ƶ-Dearborn’s active student body — it’s one of the few college campuses where enrollment is projected to increase this fall —  who have the opportunity to participate in more than 250 student organizations.

So what’s life like for students at Michigan’s only public four-year commuter campus? It’s different for everyone — some people live in their childhood homes with family; others moved to Dearborn after living states or continents away. In this summer series, graduate student Rudra Mehta goes right to the source, the 51��Ƶ-Dearborn students, to hear their stories of what life is like outside of the classroom and into their homes.

Adriana Lantgios, Actuarial Mathematics major, sophomore

Her hometown:

“I am from Jacksonville, Florida. I now live at the Union at Dearborn, right across from campus.”

Favorite thing about her apartment: 

“I have fairy lights across the walls and plants lined up in the window — those are from my parents’ home. I’m working on my green thumb. This is my home away from home, so I want to have a space that feels welcoming.”

What’s it like living away from home:

“Moving out was a significant adjustment for me. Luckily, my parents moved to Gladwin (Mich.), which is a little more than a two-hour drive. So they are not a plane ride away any more.

I was nervous because I had only lived with my family. I have heard many roommate horror stories and I was scared. But I ended up being best friends with all my roommates, including an exchange student from France. I initially felt Camille and I would struggle to communicate, but it was really great learning getting to know her and learning how people do things in different countries — for example, people in other parts of the world drink water without ice and at room temperature. We also met each other’s families and took short trips together. My roommates are amazing.”

Perks of living near campus:

“There are plenty of events happening on and around campus that keep me busy with the student community. And Downtown Dearborn is just three minutes from campus. There’s a lot going on there too. With downtown so close, there are many opportunities for work — I’m a server at BD’s Mongolian Grill. Even though I am a student who moved here for college, I also feel very much part of the city around me.”

Thought on attending a commuter campus:

“I know students who drive to campus every day, including people in my family who have studied here. In that sense, it’s a commuter campus. But that label certainly doesn't limit anyone’s opportunities to get involved and have an amazing college experience.”

A few favorite places:

“I like to visit the Ford Estate and feel like a hiker. The Rouge River Trail is always a delight to walk on, and I was recently introduced to a new spot: the parking structure off the side of the Administration Building. The view from up top is beautiful.”

Compiled by Rudra Mehta.