Commuter Student FAQs
Commuter Student Frequently Asked Questions
How do I qualify for commuter status?
Students who qualify for commuter status are not required to live on campus. To qualify for commuter status, you must live at home with parent(s) or legal guardian(s) and within 25 miles from the university or from your co-op, internship, or student teaching location.
Additional Exceptions for Full-Time Students to Qualify for Commuter Status:
- You are married.*
- You are the custodial parent of a child.
- You are a veteran with at least two years of active military service.
- You are 24 years of age or older.
- You have 88+ credits may reside off campus.
*Housing for married couples and families is not available on campus.
Students who qualify for commuter status should contact the Office of Residence Life for further instructions.
How do I change my status from resident to commuter?
If you are an incoming student and want to change your status to “commuter,” contact the Admissions Office at 610-499-4126, then the Office of Residence Life at 610-499-4390. If you received a financial aid offer as a residential student, you also need to contact Student Financial Services at 610-499-4161.
What is the Commuter Student Association (CSA)?
The Commuter Student Association (CSA) is a student-led organization dedicated to assisting commuter students at Widener University through mentorship, advocacy, programming, outreach, and resource sharing.
In collaboration with the Office of Student Engagement (OSE), CSA hosts many signature events, collaborations, and off-campus excursions for commuter students to connect with campus resources, make new friends, and discuss community needs.
For their contact information and to learn more visit: https://www.widener.edu/profile/commuter-student-association-csa
Can I store my personal items on campus?
Free lockers are offered at the Wolfgram Memorial Library and University Center. Lockers can be reserved on a semester basis to students. Students interested in obtaining a locker should inquire at each location. Lockers are limited and are issued on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Are there any special programs or activities just for commuters?
There are a bunch of signature programs for commuter students such as the Commuter Luncheon which provides an opportunity for students to connect with peers and administrators on campus during Welcome Week. Commuter Appreciation Week, held in the spring semester, is filled with a series of events celebrating Widener University’s commuter student population of over 1,000 students. Events include off-campus excursions, on-campus movie viewings, giveaways, and lots of free food!
How do I get to and around campus?
Information for driving directions, public transportation, campus maps, parking permits, and shuttle information can be found on our Maps & Directions page.
