Howard University - Bison Yearbook (Washington, DC)

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 This Is The Life Park square, Eaton, and Sutton - If these names sound all too familiar to you. then you were probably a resident at one of these Howard-owned off campus apartments. Life at these halls was often multifaceted with a variety of difficulties and luxuries in store for students. Take for example the hassle of riding the shuttle buses. Because of the Inconsistency of the bus time schedule, and frequent break downs, many Howarditee piled up on the comer (at Pourth Street), pushed and shoved to get a seat, and usually had a fatiguing, and aggravating ride home. Living off-campus also limited the time sevoral of the residents spent on-campus. Since ,,home was not just around the corner or right across the street , it was nocessary for these students to budget their time according to bus schedules; tboir Involvement in extracurricular activities and. of course, their homework. In addition to this, some students found living off-campus inconvenient because of difficulties in gotting to class on time. They rationalized that if they hod lived closer to campus getting to classes would hsvs been quicker and easier. Others complained that when the chill of winter arrived, they didn't want the disadvantage of living several blocks away. Along with the tribulations of living off-campus, came the luxuries ... At the end of long, trying days, numerous students looked forward to eacaplng the hectic bustle of campus activities and unwinded In the peaceful” surroundings of their apartments. Also, in apartments cooking was permit ted, and tenants often held brunches, dinner engagements and even a few pajama parties.' All of these activities helped to roako the off-campus setting homey and more enjoyable. But perhaps the most exciting aspect of living off-campus was ths exposure to the various happenings beside those held at Howard. Sites such as Malcolm X Shabaxz Park, the Federal Triangle, foreign embassies, and the local shopping area were often the center of intereat to off-campus residents. Block partioa and music festivals also attracted attention and gave students exposure to the reality of Washington. D.C. and the various cultures and diversities that exist here. Understandably, there were some students who desired to move to campus, regardless of ths off-campus luxuries. But for those who wished to remain at their off-campus homes , accepting all the ups and downs, a versatile, and worthwhile, growing experience was gained. The convenience of a kitchen to one of the luxuries of living in on epartment dorm. is ai

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This is the Life It may b« hard to behove. but thora ara actually some students on Howard Campus that have not experienced the cloaa encounter on the dorm shuttle buses. Who have not had the temptation to cut some afternoon classes to catch the soaps. Or ever having to make a nine o'clock class after waking up at 8:46 and still be able to make it on time. These students are Commuter Students. It takos a special breed of studont to be a Commuter. Commuter students know the joy of waking up at six in the morning for a eight o'clock claas. They know the fun of waiting for a metro bus in the cold of winter, beat of summer and the rains of spring. They know the pleasure of always having to have correct change or a current flash pass or a full tank of gu. And they know the excitement of the across campus jog to put more money in the motor commonly referred to as “Beat the polio game. For the student who do not commute to school, it may be hard to understand the trials and tribulations of the Commuters: so for the sake of greater understanding I will lament a common morning for a commuter student living outside the district. Five O'clock: Alarms sounds. The student rouses himself herself out of a beautiful dream and attempts to shut off alarm because it sounds like a loud air-raid warning. After repeated attempts student succeeds in shutting off alarm by pulling plug out of wall. Five-thirty-Student began to wake up and observe the morning although the morning looks like night time because it's pitch black outside. Student decides its not really five-thirty but 12:80 at night and promptly goes back to sloop. Six O'clock- Motbcr, Father, sister, brother, relative or roommates, personally wakes up the student and informs him her that it is actually six in the morning and if he sho doesn't get ready to make the quarter of eeven metro bus. they will be late. 8ix-fifteen- It takes the student 5 minutes to understand aforementioned information and ten minutes to act upon it. Six-Thirty- Student is actually out of bed. He she struggles to the bathroom, washes and dresses. By that time student is partially awake. By the time It la Six Forty Five, the student has just missed the bus. Seven O'clock- Student is at bus stop. Since be she missed the first bus they have to wait 46 minutes for the next bus. Seven-Forty-Five- Next bos should be there, but isn't. Student now is thoroughly oold and disgusted. Wonders what he or she ever did that woa so bad to make them a Commuter student. Decide that college isn't worth this and makes a mental note that if they over get to school, to go and withdraw. Eight O'clock- Bus finally comes, studont sighs a breath of relief. By now he sho does not realize that not only did that bus arrive at oight. his her class began at eight also. Eight-Forty-Five- Because the bus makes good time (only forty five minutes for a ride that should take twenty five) student finally arrives on campus. When be arrives at class however he she finds out class let out five minutos ago. To make the perfect morning even more perfect this class was the on with the midterm In it. Nine O'clock- Student gives up the defeat and drops the class. I hope the preceding chronical about Commuting Life ha illuminated some light on the strange but bravo commuter student. They need all the understanding they can get. StsOeeU living is spsrtmesU study in s Some-like atmosphere.