As midterm week unfolds, the rhythm of campus changes. Commuters fill the library, Student Center and quiet corners of campus, turning every spare moment into study time. For them, success during midterms isn’t just about mastering the material. It’s about mastering commuting. 

Midterm season has arrived and with a busy class schedule, homework, and a need to study, how does this all fit into a commuter’s day at Central Connecticut State University? 

CCSU offers tools to help students make it through their toughest exams. With resources like the writing center to help with those lengthy English papers or tutoring to perfect those math skills. If it’s not content you need help with, the learning center can teach you all about time management and tips for test-taking to lower those stress levels.  

Mckenna Dalek reflects on the benefits of studying on campus.  

“I feel like at home there’s definitely a lot more distractions. Here [CCSU], there are definitely places that I can go that will be quieter than my house.” Dalek said.  

Finding a quiet place to study is the first step for commuters who study on campus. Dalek found a couple of spots that work. 

“I usually pick certain areas in the student center. Honestly, if there are rooms open in the journalism department, I’ll do that too,” she said. 

Dalek also shares that the preferred method of organization for midterms is a “To-Do” list on the phone. Keeping track of assignments and exam schedules is crucial to time management. Especially when you have to account for a daily commute.  

Laura Strick, a junior at CCSU, has an hour-long commute to campus. Strick often studies at the library or the student center, but balancing assignments and daily responsibilities can be difficult as a commuter. Staying organized is key. 

“I have a planner, so I plan everything ahead, and I always try to wake up early,” Strick said. 

Waking up early, she added, helps her make full use of the day and allows time to sit in traffic without worrying about being late. However, information on campus resources hasn’t been publicized enough for Strick to know where to go if she ever needed them. 

The Learning Center is located in Willard-DiLoreto, room D316. As well as exploring the CCSU website, under the tab “Tutoring and Mentorship,” you can find a link to all the academic resources that the school offers.  

Tips for the road to midterms include:  

• Use campus resources! Tutoring, writing center, or quiet lounges.  

• Make a “To-Do” list to track exams and assignments.  

• Plan commute times around study sessions.  

• Don’t underestimate coffee breaks; they’re part of the process so if you study in the Elihu Burritt Library, make sure to stop by Starbucks for your midterm fuel.  

For CCSU commuters, midterms may test patience as much as knowledge. But with a coffee in hand, a good playlist for the drive, and a few favorite study spots on campus, they’re proving that dedication doesn’t need a dorm room to thrive.