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Commuter students face different challenges than residential students, including long commutes, limited on-campus time and potential feelings of isolation. The Division of Student Affairs at Millersville University is addressing these issues by opening a new lounge dedicated to commuters. The Nest is a multipurpose space where commuters can relax, study and spend time between classes.
The Nest is located in the Student Memorial Center, Room 104, the former computer lab. The printer station from the lab has been relocated near the main clock tower entrance for easy access to students who need to print on the go.
The Nest is currently available for student lounging and had its official grand opening on Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025.
After witnessing the challenges of commuting, Aly Sehl, assistant director of student affairs of commuter services and student conduct, and John Hearn, director of operations at the Student Memorial Center, took it upon themselves to tackle this project and provide a space that meets the needs of commuter students.
Sehl explains that the purpose of a lounge primarily for commuter students is to address the unique needs and challenges of commuting and to help students feel more connected to campus life. “The Nest aims to make their college experience more comfortable, convenient and inclusive,” she says.
Hearn, a former commuter, understands the demands of traveling between home, campus and often work. “While commuter students are resilient, even resilience needs a place to rest. That is what we hope to provide with The Nest. A place for commuters to find a home away from home, rest, relax, study or simply nap in a semi-public area created just for them,” he says. Their primary goal driving the creation of The Nest is to provide a “home base” on campus where students can rest, recharge, study and socialize, creating a sense of community and belonging.
“The Nest is an essential part of the University’s broader vision by supporting commuter students by fostering a sense of community and improving student well-being,” explains Sehl. “Many commuter students experience a disconnect from campus life due to limited on-campus presence and fewer opportunities for spontaneous social interaction. Students who feel as though they belong at their institution are more likely to retain and persist. Commuter students tend to be transactional and do not stay on campus between classes because they do not have a place to go where they feel they belong. The Nest changes that.”
To properly provide commuter students with the amenities they need, Sehl and Hearn surveyed commuters to see what features would enhance their experience on campus. Hearn then put together a team of student representatives and engaged staff to review the survey feedback and seek out best practices and available resources from the professional organization for student unions, the Association of College Unions International. As a result, The Nest was transformed to fit the needs of commuters. The outcomes are reflected in The Nest’s design, which includes three distinct areas:
A practical space with a refrigerator, microwave, Keurig coffee maker, computers and storage.
- A personal space with quiet study areas, napping spots and privacy.
- A public space designed to encourage collaboration and community-building.
“My favorite parts are the little details within the lounge that make it feel like home,” shares Sehl. “Including the lighting, relaxing waterfall, comfortable seating, conversation cards and other games to spark community building.”
“The lounge is a grassroots project created by and for students,” concludes Hearn.
