Milligan is known for its strong sense of community, but when you’re not living in the dorms, it can feel like you’re starting out a few steps behind.
According to Registrar Stacy Dahlman, 148 of the 881 undergraduate students enrolled at Milligan are commuters—that’s 18% of the student body. Of those, 11% live with family and 7% live off campus in other housing situations.
As someone who commutes myself, I know it can be tough at first. You miss out on the late-night hangouts, spontaneous dorm events and much of the everyday life of campus that helps friendships form quickly. But that doesn’t mean you’re stuck on the outside—you just have to be a little more intentional about getting involved.
“Since I didn’t live in the dorms, I missed out on that instant community where you can just hang out on the fly, so I had to network a little harder,” said sophomore business major Zion Reddick, who commutes from Elizabethton. “Sports gave me my first circle of friends, but I’d tell new commuters to put themselves out there—whether it’s talking to classmates, catching up at chapel or even studying in the library—because that’s how you build the relationships that make Milligan feel like home.”
So, if you’re new to campus, commuting this semester and wondering how to plug in, here are a few things that have helped me and others—and might help you too:
1. Make Campus a Place You Stay, Not Just Visit
Instead of leaving right after class, find spaces to hang out. The SUB and Welshimer Library are good places to study or to run into people. Treat campus like your second home, not just a stop in your day.
2. Say Yes to Small Interactions
Whether it’s chatting before class, walking to chapel with someone or just asking a question in class—these little moments are how relationships start. You don’t need to join everything, but being open and approachable goes a long way.
3. Join a Club or Attend Events
Milligan has student-led clubs, campus ministries and regular events open to everyone—not just dorm students. You might have to push yourself out of your comfort zone, but it’s worth it. Look for things that match your interests and show up consistently.
4. Give Yourself Grace
It might take a little longer to find your people, but that doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong. Keep showing up and don’t be afraid to reach out first. Community is still possible, even if your experience looks a little different.
Final Thoughts
Being a commuter doesn’t mean missing out—it just means finding your own way to belong. With a little effort and the right mindset, you can absolutely find your place at Milligan and be part of the community that makes this school special.
Cover Photo: Car parked in a shady spot under trees by Alissa Smith
