Commuter Life

Welcome to Commuter Life at Hood!

Grab a coffee, pull up a chair, and make yourself at home! Whether you're catching up with friends, squeezing in some study time between classes, or looking for ways to get involved, there's always something happening at Hood—and we want you to be part of it!

We know commuter students juggle a lot, and we're here to make campus life a little easier and a lot more enjoyable. Need a place to relax or recharge? Stop by the commuter space on the second floor of the Whitaker Campus Center. Looking to meet new people and have some fun? Check out the special programs and events planned with commuter students in mind.

And if you have ideas about how to make the commuter experience even better, the Commuter Council is your chance to have a voice and help shape commuter life at Hood.

So come on in, get comfortable, and make the most of your time on campus. We're happy you're here!

Commuter Council: Your Voice on Campus!

Have an idea to make commuter life at Hood even better? Want to meet other commuter students, get involved, or help plan some fun campus activities? The Commuter Council is a great place to start!

Made up of elected student officers and fellow commuter students, the Council represents commuter interests, advocates for their needs, and helps create opportunities to connect. From Commuter Days and holiday gatherings to special events and collaborations with other campus organizations, the Council works to bring commuter students together and make their voices heard.

Have a suggestion, question, or want to get involved? We'd love to hear from you! Reach out at commutercouncil@hood.edu.

Commuter Lounge: Your Home Away from Home!

Need a place to relax between classes, catch up on assignments, or grab a quick bite? We've got just the spot! Located on the second floor of the Whitaker Campus Center, the Commuter Lounge is your go-to space to study, unwind, and connect with fellow commuters.

Make Yourself Comfortable!

The lounge is accessible 24 hours a day and offers plenty of conveniences to make your time on campus a little easier:

Relax and Recharge: Comfortable couches, seating, and a television.
Hit the Books: Quiet study spaces, computers, and a printer.
Grab a Bite: A kitchen area equipped with a microwave, refrigerator, paper goods, and plastic utensils.
Store Your Stuff: Lockers available to commuter students for the academic year on a first-come, first-served basis. Interested in reserving one? Contact Student Life for details.

Stay in the Loop!

Check out the bulletin boards in the lounge for upcoming commuter activities, campus events, and other helpful announcements. You can also get to know your Commuter Council representatives through their dedicated bulletin board featuring member names and photos.

Campus Safety: Help When You Need It!

Your safety matters! Hood College has 14 outdoor emergency blue light phones conveniently located throughout campus, providing a direct connection to the Campus Communications Center, which is monitored 24 hours a day.

Where Can You Find a Blue Light Phone?

Emergency blue light phones are located at:

Whitaker Campus Center parking lot
Behind Alumnae House
South entrance to Coffman Chapel parking lot
Between the athletic field and athletic complex
North of the aquatic center
North side of the Volpe Athletic Center parking lot
South side of the observatory
South side of Meyran Hall
Northwest and southwest corners of Gambrill Gym
Between Alumnae Hall and Shriner Hall
Northeast corner of Hodson Science and Technology Center
Northwest corner of Hodson Annex
Northeast corner of Kiln Pavilion

Additional Emergency Phones

You'll also find emergency call boxes at the main entrance of each residence hall and red emergency phones on every residence hall floor. These phones connect directly to the Campus Communications Center, where assistance is available around the clock.

Whether you're heading to an evening class, leaving a late-night study session, or spending time on campus after hours, help is just a call away!

Getting to Campus: Bikes & Parking

Whether you're driving to campus or arriving on two wheels, we've got options to help make your commute a little easier!

Biking to Hood?

Pedal your way to campus! A bicycle rack is conveniently located outside the Whitaker Campus Center, next to the Whitaker parking lot, where you can lock up your bike while you're in class or enjoying campus activities.

Driving to Hood?

Parking on campus is free, but don't forget your parking permit! All vehicles parked on Hood College property must display a valid registration tag.

Here's what you need to know:

Register Your Vehicle: Complete your vehicle registration online through Hood College Self-Service using your Hood login credentials.
Pick Up Your Permit: Parking tags are available for pickup 24/7 at the Whitaker Campus Center Switchboard.
No Fees Required: Parking permits are free.

A Friendly Tip!

Campus parking is available on a first-come, space-available basis, so give yourself a little extra time to find a spot, especially during busy class periods.

Check out the campus map for additional parking locations and information.

Meal Plans: Great Food, Great Convenience!

Hungry? We've got you covered! Whether you're grabbing a quick bite between classes, meeting friends for lunch, or enjoying a delicious meal before heading home, Hood's dining options make it easy to fuel your day without the hassle of packing lunch or leaving campus.

And here's something worth celebrating: commuter students are eligible for ALL of Hood's meal plans! That's right—you can choose the plan that best fits your appetite, schedule, and lifestyle.

Why worry about what's for lunch when you can enjoy the convenience of dining right here on campus?

Ready to dig in?

Explore Meal Plans & Pricing — Find the meal plan that works for you.
Sign Up for a Meal Plan — Get started today!

Good food, great company, and one less thing to worry about during your busy day!