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Commuter Student Life

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Campus Activities extends a warm welcome to all our commuter students — both new and returning — to St. John’s University. We understand that commuting can sometimes make it challenging to feel connected to Campus Life. That's why we’re here to offer you a range of educational, social, developmental, and informative programs designed to help you not only feel connected but also discover exciting involvement opportunities and learn more about the various campus programs available to you.

Our team is dedicated to ensuring that every commuter student at St. John’s University has a fulfilling and enriching college experience. We believe that your academic journey should be one packed with fun, learning, and memorable moments. We’ve put together an array of programs that will cater to your interests and help you build lasting relationships.

So, whether it’s exploring new hobbies, attending informative workshops, or participating in fun events, Campus Activities has got you covered.

We’re excited to have you here and can’t wait to see you at one of our upcoming events!

Our goals are to:

  • Ensure that the needs of commuter students are acknowledged and addressed.
  • Facilitate the integration of commuter students into university life and student activities.
  • Sponsor various events for commuter students throughout the academic year.
  • Identify and encourage the academic achievement and leadership development of commuter students.

We encourage students to get involved and consider joining Student Programming Board, one of the three programming boards recognized by Student Government Inc and directly advised by Campus Activities. SPB’s primary interest is to advocate and fulfill the needs of connecting students while building a community on campus.

For more information on commuter resources and programs, contact the Campus Activities at [email protected]. 

Transitioning to College for Commuters

Commuter students encounter various challenges that are akin to on-campus students. These challenges include, but are not limited to developing new social connections, effective time management, and discovering new ways to participate in Campus Activities.

Many students choose to commute for several reasons:

  • Finances
  • Family life
  • Desire not to live in residence halls
  • Cultural standards to keep family members together
  • The comfort of their own house, privacy, and the family menu
  • Financial Considerations: Commuting is often a more affordable option than living on campus, as it eliminates the cost of board, room, and a meal plan.
  • Comfort and Familiarity: Some students may prefer to live at home rather than in a dormitory or apartment, as they feel more familiar in their own environment.
  • Accessibility: For students who live close to the University, commuting can be a more convenient and accessible option than living on campus.

Get involved on campus. Getting involved on campus helps students meet friends, feel more connected to their college experience, and gain valuable leadership skills. You can get involved by joining a student organization, participating in intramural sports, attending athletic events, and participating in other programs on campus. For more information, please email [email protected].

Work on campus. Working on campus will help you make friends, get to know university administrators, and learn valuable skills that will benefit you in the future. For a listing of available opportunities, visit Student Employment.

Acknowledge the commute. Recognize that your student is spending time waiting for the bus or train to get to school. Help by checking up on the traffic and bus/train schedule. Assisting in the commute will help your student feel that you think their commute is important to you.

Acknowledge your student’s commitment to academics. Encourage your student to prioritize their academic responsibility and time management skills to ensure they can manage their coursework and time travel effectively.

Be alert to stressful times. Communicate with your student regularly to understand the challenges they face as a commuter student and provide emotional support. Remind your student to take care of their physical and mental health, as commuting can be stressful and exhausting.

Be aware of campus news and events. By acknowledging the importance of what’s happening at the university, your students will too. 

For more information on transitioning to college for students and their family members, please visit the St. John’s New Student Orientation.

Commuter Resources

Are you a commuter on campus and need a place to study or rest between classes? Do you need a place to prepare your lunch or keep your belongings while in class? Would you like to meet other commuter students while enjoying fun activities? 

Check out the different commuter resources available around campus!

  • DAC 100: Commuter Lounge Area
  • DAC 128: Multipurpose Room 
  • DAC Living Room Lounge, located on the second floor of the D’Angelo Center
  • DAC 314 Sodano Coffee House

Commuter Checklist

As a commuter, there are many important things you need to have with you while on campus and in transit. Try utilizing this checklist to make sure you are fully prepared for your day!

Be sure to keep Public Safety's number saved in your phone for help with nonemergencies, lockouts, jump starts, etc.
Public Safety, 718-990-5252

  • StormCard (Student ID card)
  • Refillable Water Bottle
  • Wallet
  • Food/Money
  • Toiletries (Lotion, Chapstick, etc.)
  • Spare Keys 
  • Storm Card
  • Emergency Cash/Wallet
  • Umbrella
  • Extra Clothes (a jacket)
  • St. John's campus map
  • Nonperishable snacks 
  • Laptop and Charger
  • Cell Phone and Charger
  • St. John's Connect App
  • Mobile Device Car Charger
  • Headphones 
  • Wiper Fluid
  • Ice Scraper with Brush
  • Blankets
  • Gloves, Scarf, Hat, etc.
  • Shovel 
  • Flashlight and Batteries
  • Jumper and Cables
  • First Aid Kit
  • Whistle 

Commuter Transportation and Parking

Part of being a commuter means knowing all of the parking tips around campus.

For any questions regarding parking on campus, please contact the Department of Public Safety at 718-990-5252.

Here are four tips for making parking on campus easier.

Buy a Parking Permit

Starting August 1 each year, students may purchase permits allowing them to park at their assigned lots on one of the five campuses. For more information, please visit Parking Program.

Park in the Correct Lot

Your parking permit allows you to park in a designated lot. If you park in a lot not assigned to you, you risk getting a ticket. Unpaid tickets can lead to late fees, holds on class registration, and more.

Get to Class on Time!

Check for traffic alerts and road closures before you leave home. Keep in mind that inclement weather can make your commute longer. Always leave extra time between parking your car and taking the bus or walking to your class.

Spending the Night?

Guests of a resident student may obtain an overnight permit for up to three consecutive nights. In order to receive the permit, the resident student (hosting the guest) needs to bring their StormCard to the Public Safety office. The guest must also be present with a valid picture ID, such as state-issued ID or driver license. The fee for this permit is $10 and will be posted to the corresponding resident student’s (host) account. There is no fee for guests who are University members.

Parking permits for Seton Complex, DePaul House, Henley Road, and Bartilucci are issued from Public Safety in person. These permits are issued based on eligibility determined by Public Safety senior administrators. Once the determination is finalized, a list of eligible University members (e.g., students, employees, administrators) is forwarded to Public Safety.

Please note that all vehicle and parking regulations apply with Seton Complex, DePaul House, and Henley permits on campus.

Public Safety operates a courtesy shuttle van service during the academic year. The service operates from 7 a.m. to 3 a.m., Monday through Friday (when classes are in session) and 6 p.m. to 3 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. For more information, please visit Transportation Options.

Are you commuting to campus via public transportation? Here are some transportation methods available in Queens. If you are looking for a reliable and efficient way to navigate public transportation. We highly recommend downloading the MYMTA App. It provides real-time information on the bus and train schedules, as well as alerts for delays and disruptions. With the MYMTA app, you can easily plan your route, track your bus or train in real-time. It is a great tool for both commuters and travelers alike.

Bus:

Q46
Union Tpk/174 St

Q31
Utopia Pkwy/Union Tpk

Q30
Utopia Pkwy/Union Tpk

Subway:

E train
Union Tpke - Kew Gardens Station
Transfers available to the F train

F train
169th Street Station

LIRR:

Jamaica Center
93-02 Sutphin Blvd., Jamaica, NY 11435. Corner of Sutphin Boulevard and Archer Avenue, 2 blocks south of Jamaica Avenue. The easiest way to Kennedy Airport is by AirTrain. AirTrain JFK leaves from the terminal adjacent to the Long Island Rail Road's Jamaica Station every 2 to 12 minutes, depending upon the time of day.

Kew Gardens
Austin Street and Lefferts Boulevard, between Queens Boulevard and Metropolitan Avenue.

Bayside
213th Street and 41st Avenue, off Bell Boulevard and just north of Northern Boulevard.

Getting Involved

The best way to enjoy your student experience is by getting involved!

Every semester there is an activities fair where all student organizations are promoting themselves to the student body. If students miss these events, the best way to get involved is by visiting the Student Engagement Resource Center in D’Angelo Center, room 125.

One of the most fulfilling aspects of being a student is getting involved in various organizations and activities within the campus community. By doing so, students can develop new skills, make connections, and enhance their overall college experience.

To facilitate this, St. John’s University’s Office of Campus Activities organizes an Activities Fair every semester, where various Student Organizations promote themselves to the student body. These fairs provide students’ with an opportunity to explore different clubs and groups that align with their interests and passions. 

However, if a student misses out on these events, they can still get involved by visiting the Student Engagement Resource Center, located in the D’Angelo Center, room 125.

The Student Engagement Resource Center serves as a hub within the D’Angelo Center, where students, particularly commuter students, can gather and connect. This center serves as more than just a physical space—it's a welcoming environment that fosters community and support. 

Student Resource Center
D’Angelo Center, Room 125
Monday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Commuter Events

We offer a variety of resources for commuter students to get involved with campus life!

DAC POP-UP

The DAC Pop-Up events held monthly in the D'Angelo Center aims to engage commuter students with a variety of activities and opportunities. These events feature diverse activations such as interactive activations, informational booths, and events. The goal is to create a vibrant social atmosphere where commuter students can connect, relax, and participate in campus life outside of their regular schedules. It serves as a platform to foster community spirit and enhance the overall student experience at the University.

Commuter Week

Commuter Week, held annually in March, is dedicated to enriching the experience of commuter students with a week-long series of events and activities. These include social gatherings, workshops, and special events and activations tailored to engage and connect commuter students with campus life. The week aims to foster a sense of community, provide support services, and celebrate the contributions of commuter students to the University community. It offers opportunities for networking, relaxation, and participation in campus-wide events, enhancing the overall student experience for those who commute to campus.