Let my mistakes turn into lessons for everyone else who commutes from Philly to New York. Whether it is on Co-Op or doing a part time internship like me, I think these are some tips that can help turn anyone’s difficult morning or evening into one filled with ease.
Tip 1: Pick out your outfit the night before (and try it on).
Yes, I may sound like your mother! Sorry, but in reality this is one of the best things you can do for yourself.
WHY: Let’s be honest with ourselves here. In order to feel good, looking good is a total prerequisite. Rushing around your home in a mad dash attempting to match your shoes to your outfit is going to make you crazy at 5AM. Pick out everything,including what you want to do to your hair, before you go to sleep to insure an easy morning. Also, be sure to try it on! If you look down mid-way through your commute to a stain on your dress that you didn’t know was there, you are going to be very unhappy! Take the ten minutes before bed and saveyourself the pain in the morning.
Tip 2: If you’re running late bring your make up on the train or bus.
WHY: Want to sleep 30 minutes later? It’s really not that hard to apply on the train or bus (with the acceptation of eye liner). Bring a little compact mirror with you and go at it. You have to sit on the train anyway might as well get something done.
Tip 3: Speaking of doing things on the commute- If in class,BRING HOMEWORK.
WHY: You are going to be spending approximately four hours a day commuting. Why are you wasting your valuable time justsitting and listening to music? DO something with your time!Get reading done, start a paper. You may not always have Wi-Fi, but there are tons of other things you can accomplish.
Tip 4: Triple check whatever type of ticket you have.
WHY: Take it from someone who has learned this lesson over and over and over again. LOOK AT WHAT YOUR TICKET SAYS BEFORE YOU SHOW UP. Sometimes Bolt bus decidesthat it is okay to send you a ticket for the wrong day. You thenend up stranded in New York City after your already long day. It’s not worth your suffering or pain if you can avoid it. Also, in case of missing your first ride make sure you know the next available ride you can get. Is it in 20 minutes? Two hours?
Tip 5: Don’t be afraid to say you need to leave.
WHY: If your bosses hired you knowing you were commuting,they know you need to catch a train or bus home. If you feel pressured to stay past when you need to catch your transportation home, just say something. They don’t want you stuck there anymore than you do.
Hope this helps some of you in the future or currently!
xx
Michelle
Michelle, this list was so helpful. I plan to commute back and forth to Philly in hopes of getting a second internship, so in order for things to run smoothly I will definitely be following this list. Thank you for the advice!
ReplyDeleteNumber 1 is a MUST!!! One can underestimate the time it takes to put together a decent outfit that is work/school appropriate! Planning what you are going to wear the next day is the easiest way to ensure leaving the house on time. If you're like me, this is often my morning struggle! Trying on your outfit the night before is a great idea, we all know how different clothes can look when we put them on! (for the better AND the worse) Thanks for the tips!
ReplyDeleteSuper informative list. I always think of these things but never actually put them in to practice, hopefully seeing them explained will give me more motivation. One day I hope to get the doing makeup on the train method down pat! As they say, practice makes perfect.
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