I won’t be the first to say it: rush hour traffic is the worst. Like, I would rather just sit somewhere on campus for an extra three hours, just to avoid having to endure traffic. Because it’s either that, or sit in traffic and stare at the car ahead of you for so long that you begin to associate that car brand with the terrible traffic-related feelings (I got stuck behind a Saturn for like 20 minutes once and seeing that logo makes me frustrated now). If you commute, then I bet you know that feeling exactly.
(Parks and Rec articulates my feelings so well)
But, as a commuter, well, there’s not a lot I can do to change my situation. I don’t live in Mississauga, so I have to find a way to get there (I personally drive). Which means that, to get rid of that frustration, I have to find some way to cope with rush hour. Here are three tips I’ve been using so far;
1. Make yourself a driving playlist. Get together a bunch of songs that you find really groovy – songs that you wouldn’t skip if you were on shuffle, or that you sing along to when you’re alone. Put those on a playlist, and there you go! Something to distract you from the fact that you’ve been waiting at a light for what feels like an eternity…
2. Talk/think yourself through some studying. One of my big problems with commuting is the fact that it feels like I’m losing time. I start driving, and half an hour is lost, time I could have spent studying for some big upcoming test.
Solution? Make yourself a mental list of topics for a course you need to study for, and work your way through it as you drive. Test your memory; act as though you’re trying to explain the concept to someone who doesn’t know anything about it. You’ll get a chance to work on explaining things, which you have to do in essay questions on exams, and remembering things (for multiple-choice purposes).
3. Read/listen to a book you really like. If you’re not that into music/studying, then audio books are a great thing! Maybe there’s some old classic you’ve just can’t find the time to read (me, I’ve been holding out for In Search of Lost Time) or maybe it’s time to read Harry Potter again – whatever your choice, commuting is a good time for audio books.
A longer time spent commuting means more time to listen to your book of choice, now isn’t that less dreadful?
There you have it – hopefully these can make your commute through rush hour a little better. Remember, stay safe on the road, and don’t let it get too frustrating.
Experience UTM 