Commuter Resources
The Father Jonathan, O.S.B. Center for Intercultural Learning and Inclusion provides commuter students with support services and consistent communication to ensure they feel connected to the Saint Anselm College community. The Intercultural Center is open 24 hours with staff available in their offices during standard business hours.
Events and programs are planned throughout the year to support commuter students’ campus experience. Commuters are encouraged to send questions, comments, or concerns to the Intercultural Center at interculturalcenter@anselm.edu.
Being able to come into the Intercultural Center, see other commuters, and have a space where [commuters] can hang out makes me feel really supported. [The College] gives us lots of parking so we can never not find spots, and the study rooms are helpful because I always know I’ll have a place to study.
Safety First: SAC Alerts
Anyone who knows New England knows that winters can be brutal, and it’s always important to prioritize safety. Campus Safety and Security offer a free emergency texting service known as SAC Alerts. If there is a campus emergency or weather-related closing, a text message with information will be sent out to anyone who has registered for the service. Weather-related closings are always posted by WMUR-TV and WZID (radio 95.7) along with other school closings. However, if classes are not cancelled and conditions don’t feel safe enough to commute, don’t worry! Send your academic dean an email - they will notify faculty with the reason for the absence.
If there is a situation where it’s necessary to stay overnight, call Campus Safety and Security and let them know (because parking lots are time restricted.) Check out the FAQ section below to learn more about other options if it’s ever not possible to make the drive home.
Commuter Parking Lots
The amount of Saint Anselm commuters grows each year, so it’s important that they have a place to park. An integral part of the campus community, commuters are afforded parking in designated areas. Commuters may park in the following locations:
- Dana Lot – located behind the Dana Center
- Baroody Lot - located behind Baroody Hall
- South Lot – located behind Sullivan Arena
- Kavanaugh Lot – located behind the Dana Center
- Kavanaugh Extension Lot – Roadway along the back side of the baseball/football fields that extends off of Kavanaugh Lot
Commuters may not park in the following lots:
- Father Bernard Court Lot
- Visitor Lot
- Any lots designated for faculty and staff
- Any spots marked with ‘No Parking’ signs (even if located in a commuter designed space)
All students should respect parking boundaries. For any further parking questions or concerns, please email interculturalcenter@anselm.edu.
Read more about Saint Anselm College parking rules and regulations→
All Things Parking Permits
All commuters are required to purchase a parking permit prior to bringing their vehicle to campus and are expected to obey all parking rules and regulations. Commuters must purchase a new permit online every academic year using a credit card, their student ID#, and student email address. Parking permits cost $200.00 plus $5.50 shipping and handling for commuters and residents.
For any further questions or concerns, please call Campus Safety and Security at 603-641-7260.
Learn how to purchase a parking permit→
Learn more about parking and vehicle registration on campus→
Commuter Friendly Facilities
Since commuters can’t head back to a dorm in their down time, the Intercultural Center offers several multi-purpose spaces for commuters to use while on campus. With lockers, lounge areas, and a kitchenette in the Intercultural Center and additional spaces in the lower level of the Jean Student Center, Saint Anselm commuters are in good hands.
Annual Commuter Events
Commuter Appreciation Week is held once a semester to acknowledge the extra effort commuter students make to drive to campus each day. There are plenty of commuter-catered events throughout the year, including:
- Welcome Back Breakfast - September
- Commuter Appreciation Week - October
- Joe ‘n Go - November
- Hot Cocoa Bar - December
- Welcome Back Breakfast - January
- Free Commuter Lunch - February
- Coffee and Pastries - March
- Commuter Appreciation Week – April
All events are free of charge and held in the Intercultural Center.
By understanding and addressing the responsibilities of commuter students, they can effectively navigate the unique challenges of their college experience and fully benefit from their academic and personal growth.
Tips and Tricks for Commuters
Plan routes and schedules
- Carefully plan travel to and from campus, factoring in potential delays, traffic, and public transportation schedules.
Find parking or utilize public transportation
- Allocate time and effort to find suitable parking and understand public transport systems.
Bring necessary items
- Remember to bring everything needed for the day, such as course materials, snacks, and personal items. If you forget something, check the bookstore—they’re well stocked with snacks and supplies.
Stay productive during commutes
- Utilize commute time to listen to assigned readings or other educational content to expand your understanding of a topic.
Balance academics, work, and personal commitments
- Manage time effectively and prioritize tasks alongside external responsibilities like jobs, family care, or household chores.
Create a realistic schedule
- Consider travel time and other commitments when structuring daily or weekly schedule, potentially avoiding early morning or late evening classes if possible.
Get involved
- Make a conscious effort to participate in campus clubs, events, and organizations to feel connected to the campus community.
Build a network
- Connect with other commuters or residential students through study groups, on-campus jobs, or informal interactions to foster a sense of belonging.
Utilize commuter-specific resources
- Take advantage of resources like commuter lounges or study areas specifically designed for commuter students to enhance their experience and facilitate community building.
Actively seek out information and resources
- Proactively seek out information about campus services, activities, and opportunities, as it can be harder to have the same level of informal access as residential students.
Ask for help
- If struggling with time management, academic challenges, or feelings of isolation, seek support from academic advisors, student services, or peer support programs.
Plan meals and breaks
- Bring meals from home or utilize on-campus dining options.
Schedule self-care
- Make time for rest and relaxation to recharge and avoid burnout.
Set boundaries
- Communicate with family, employers, and peers about study plans and time constraints to manage expectations and maintain a healthy balance.
FAQS
Many events on campus are promoted through campus email and posters or flyers on campus and an online event calendar.
First check with a friend - many students are more than willing to have commuters stay the night! Other options include:
- Host-a-Hawk program
- The Roger and Francine Jean Student Center (always unlocked)
- Intercultural Center (open every school night)
Host-a-Hawk is a program where students on campus have volunteered to allow commuters to stay with them for the night. If you are interested in finding a host through Host-a-Hawk, contact the Intercultural Center.
Of course! The Intercultural Center (inside the Roger and Francine Jean Student Center) gives commuters access to lockers, as well as a refrigerator, microwave, sink, and coffee machine.
Though bringing a blanket and hanging out on a quad is always a good idea, when the New England winter weather comes, it’s nice to have some indoor options! Some great spots on campus include:
Students are encouraged to see help in College Health Services if they are sick or in need of medical attention. If there is an emergency, please dial 911.
Only residents of the residence halls have admission into their specific hall. Commuters do not have admission into any residence hall since they are not residents.
Yes. For students who are uncomfortable walking on campus late at night, officers from the Campus Safety and Security Office will provide an escort from remote lots to residence halls.
Commuter students can put money onto a campus card to use at all on-campus dining facilities.
It is very important that commuters have a voice on campus. For help resolving any commuter related issues:
- Visit the Intercultural Center to talk with the professional staff
- Email interculturalcenter@anselm.edu and share your concerns
- Contact the Student Government Association (SGA)
Visit the Manchester Transit Authority’s website for details on when the bus comes to campus.
Monthly Commuter Newsletter
Keep up with what’s happening on campus by subscribing to the commuter newsletter! Email interculturalcenter@anselm.edu to join the monthly mailing list.
COMMUTER PROFILE: CAMERON MANDEVILLE '26
Cameron Mandeville '26 transferred to Saint Anselm as a junior after attending a nearby community college for his freshman and sophomore years. The Studio Art major commutes to campus from Manchester, and has made art, connections, and the most of his time on the Hilltop. He recommends that commuters get involved with campus activities and meet people instead of leaving when their class ends. Mandeville participates in Anselmian Abbey Players and has attended several Campus Activities Board (CAB) meetings. In between classes, he hangs out with friends in their dorms.
Always Improving
We want to hear from you!
Have ideas for commuter support? Want to suggest better amenities, transportation options, or lounge upgrades? Let us know! Share your ideas, feedback, and suggestions for improving commuter life. Whether it’s new programs, services, or events you’d like to see, your voice matters.
Together, we can make the commuter experience more connected, comfortable, and rewarding.
Contact
Father Jonathan, O.S.B. Center for Intercultural Learning and Inclusion
Email: interculturalcenter@anselm.edu
Phone: 603-222-4282
Location: Robert and Francine Jean Student Center Complex, 1st Floor
Administrative Office Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
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Additional Resources