Gas prices driving students to stay on campus

By Dominique Sterling | Staff Writer|

It is hard already for us students to worry about exams, school expenses and making the grade etc. tacking on another worry is more add stress.

I frequently find myself worrying if I’m going to make it to class on time, now the worry is more will I make it to school at all.

Within the last 2 weeks gas prices have made a drastic jump. With the hike in gas prices have risen to over $ 4.

According to CNN Money.com, the nationwide average a month ago was $3.45 per gallon.

It was also stated that prices have jumped 14 percent so far in 2012.

Although the average price is down 37.3 cents from the record high of 4.11 cents in 2008, filling up has not become any easier.

With the average price of gas in California at $4 commuting to school just became a lot harder.

The unpredictable, always jumping necessity has made many students start to consider living on campus.

“I used to live on campus and I loved the convenience but I decided to move back home to save a little money. But now with the price of gas I might save more money living on campus,” said student J. Smith.

“Campus life may be expensive but it might be worth it. I drive a Honda there supposed to be gas savers but I don’t feel like I’m saving anything!,” said student Antoine White.

Although CSUSB is a commuter school student housing is still made available.

I myself used to live on campus and loved the convenience.  My car was able to stay parked and I walked everywhere saving me a lot of money.

Many of our student and faculty population are commuters by choice or by circumstance.

I predict that not only will students be registering for next quarter some may find themselves in the housing department picking up an application as well.

While the fight against gas prices continues we should all consider some other alternatives, like car pooling?

Car pooling not only saves you money on gas but it also has environmental pros as well.

The school offers a couple of different options for students and their transportation.

The bus can also be used to save money.  As a student riding the bus is free, and who doesn’t love free?

You can also save gas by only traveling to school not using your car to go off campus for food or in between breaks. Packing a snack can not only help you save on gas but food expenses as well.