Live Your Best Commuter Life!
Commuter students have an incredible network of support at Stony Brook, starting with the Office of Commuter Student Services and Off -Campus Living (CSS/OCL). The office, located in Stony Brook Union 205, is a centralized location for all things related to commuter life. But one of the best resources for commuters is others who have seen it all.
Check out these tips from commuter students on how to make the best out of your SBU experience:
Get Involved
College life is what you make it! Join a club, play an intramural sport, or take part in community service events. These are great ways to stay connected to the community and make friends. SBU has more than 500 clubs and organizations, so you’re bound to find something that piques your interest! Check out stonybrook.edu/sbengaged, or download the Corq app for more details. You can also connect with one of our Commuter Ambassadors to set up an Involvement Plan Consultation during their office hours. In a one-on-one meeting, you’ll work together to create a personalized involvement plan designed around your interests, goals, and availability. Click on the Ambassador of your choice, and schedule an appointment!
Dine on Campus - Save Money
You can save money when dining on campus by signing up for a commuter meal plan! Save $50 with the commuter 550 plan which gives you 550 dining dollars to spend and costs $500. Enjoy delicious options at over a dozen dining locations on the west campus including the SBU Eats food trucks. Save time with mobile ordering through Nutrislice when you use your meal plan to purchase your favorite foods and beverages! View additional commuter plans online. Click here to sign up for a Commuter Meal Plan.
Take Advantage of Office Hours
Your first semester at a new school can be intimidating, but there are plenty of resources to help you! Take advantage of your professor’s office hours or consult your Teaching Assistant.
Parking Tips
Several parking lots are unrestricted after a certain time of day (check individual lot signage for details). Move your car to a closer parking lot after those given times to make the end of your day easier. Check out the Mobility & Parking Services (MAPS) website for information about parking permits and parking times.
Lock It Up
Lockers are offered on campus, in the Pit Stop Commuter Lounge, in the Melville Library, and in the basement of the Student Activities Center. It’s great to have a spot in the center of campus for your stuff so that you don’t have to head back to your car unnecessarily. Visit stonybrook.edu/aux for more information.
Stay Connected
To browse upcoming events, check out SB Engaged, or download the Corq app! Keep up with commuter life on Instagram at @sbucommuters. Bonus tip: Did you know there’s a club on campus run by and for commuters? Check out the Commuter Student Association (CSA)! They host many traditional events throughout the year, like Monster Bash, and the Drive In Movie. Their GBMs are held bi-weekly in the Student Activities Center. Stop by a meeting and learn about how you can get involved.
Commuter Lounge
Come hang out in the newly renovated Commuter Lounge, called “The Pit Stop”! This beautiful space is fully equipped with awesome new furniture to help you relax, study, or catch up with friends. The Pit Stop is located on the first floor of the Melville Library with storage lockers that you can rent (visit stonybrook.edu/asa for more info), vending machines, TV screens and more. It is also conveniently located next to the SINC Site and down the hall from the Central Reading Rooms. During the semester, there is a brief closure around 2:00 am for cleaning purposes, but otherwise, you can come “park” yourself at The Pit Stop throughout the day!
Off-Campus Housing
If you’re looking for off-campus housing, offcampushousing.stonybrook.edu is the only website that is affiliated with the University for legal rental options! Need guidance on your current rental circumstance? Commuter Student Services & Off-Campus Living is your one-stop-shop for 1:1 or group counseling (tenant rights/responsibilities, concerning rental circumstances, general questions etc.). Legal clinic referral is available where applicable!