Commuter Relations

A woman walks across a bridge over the Tyler Run Creek

Welcome, commuters!

Since York College was founded, we’ve made it part of our mission to serve local students.

Even though York College has a residency requirement, we still have a sizeable commuter population — about one-third of our undergraduates commute to campus! We appreciate our local residents and their dedication each day to come to York.

Whether you are a current student who commutes or you’re planning to do so in the future, know that we are committed to making your time at York every bit as meaningful, enjoyable and involving as anyone living on campus. There’s no need to feel left out!

Get Connected!

We get it. It's pretty easy to come to class ten minutes before it starts (or ten minutes after on those why-is-there-so-much-traffic days), grab a quick bite, go to another class and go home. But that's not a college experience you'll remember. You have so many opportunities at your fingertips. You could use our lounge space, study with classmates, and more.

Campus Activities Board

ExCEL Leadership

Meal Plans

Commuter FAQ

Here are a few tips:

Attend Campus Events- CAB produces over 80 events per semester. Yes, most are in the evening, but you're welcome to come! Also, try ExCEL Leadership series, or a Cultural Series event.
Eat on Campus- You don't have to live on campus to have the convenience of a meal plan. Consider a small meal plan and join your friends in both dining halls. It couldn't get more convenient!
Consider a Job on Campus- Working in a campus office is a great way to meet people, add resume-building skills and pay the bills at the same time. Check early and often on Handshake.
Join a Student Organization- Student organizations are one of the most popular ways to get involved. With over 100 student clubs and organizations, you are sure to find one (or five!) to join.

All parking on campus is by permit only. You must have your permit on display at all times.

Commuters may purchase their parking pass by following these steps.

The campus has a variety of locations where commuters can relax in between classes, study, or grab a bite to eat, it depends on what you want to do! Here is a list of the most popular spaces. The library, Grumbacher, and the Spart's Den lounge are always good options.

You'll find microwaves and vending machines in most buildings on campus.

Appell Cafe

Stop by the Appell Cafe to grab a quick bite to eat or a quick drink between classes. It is also a quiet place to study or meet with friends during the day.
Location: Appell Life Sciences Building (Main Campus)

Grumbacher Sport and Fitness Center

If a traditional lounge is not what you're looking for. Grumbacher offers a fully furnished facility where you can go between or after classes. The locker rooms offer security for your belongings while you work out, and shower facilities for use before you go about your day. All students have access to Grumbacher with their ID card.
Location: Grumbacher Sport and Fitness Center (West Campus)
Accommodations: Lounge Furniture, Vending Machines, Fitness Facilities, Locker Room Facilities

Johnson Dining Hall

Johnson Dining Hall is the hub of the Student Union. With a full menu, you can grab breakfast, lunch or dinner here. View their daily menu.
Location: Iosue Student Union

MacDougal Lounge

MacDougal Lounge is one of the newer stops for Commuters in between classes. With plans to upgrade the space soon, MacDougal currently offers a quiet out of the way space where you can charge your phone, watch TV, or do some last minute studying.
Location: Lower Level of the Student Union
Accommodations: Lounge Furniture, Outlet access, TVs, Computers (PC and Mac), Printers, Desks, Quiet Study Area

Schmidt Library

Schmidt Library has many computer workstations, study areas, and open study lounges open for student use. For a quiet space to spend time between classes, the Library is for you.
Location: All Levels of Schmidt Library
Accommodations: Lounge furniture, Outlet access, Computers (PC and Mac), Printers, Desks, Vending machines, Reservable Study Rooms

Spart's Den

Perhaps the most well-known hang-out on campus, Spart's Den offers it all. Visit the Office of Student Activities to borrow pool equipment, board games, or a game console. Swing in Spart's Den to grab lunch or dinner.
Location: Lower Level of the Student Union
Accommodations: Cafe, Lounge furniture, Outlet access, TVs, Pool Tables, Computers

Starbucks

York College's latest addition is a full-service Starbucks on campus. With all the services of a regular location (with the exception of advanced drink ordering) you can earn points, use gift cards and order your favorite beverage or grab a bite to eat.
Location: Humanities Building

West Campus Community Center Lounge

Located in the West Campus Community Center by the entrance to the West Campus Dining Hall. This lounge is equipped with both Mac and PC computers, TVs and lounge furniture.
Location: West Campus Community Center (West Campus)
Accommodations: Lounge Furniture, Close Access to Dining Facilities, Computers, Printing, TV's

There are three main parking areas for commuters on campus. The parking garage and designated surrounding areas, the Penn/Beard Lot, and the West Campus Commuter Lot. If you choose the West Campus lot, the campus shuttle makes regular trips between main and west campus for convenience.

If your class is canceled, you will be notified by the individual professor.

If campus is closed, you will be notified by the college.

We recommend checking your email before you begin your trip to campus, as a common rule of thumb. Also, we strongly encourage you to sign-up for the campus alert system. The campus alert system is the official means of communication of campus closings and emergencies. The college's official Twitter (@yorkcollegepa) and Facebook (/yorkcollegepa) accounts also are updated almost immediately when an inclement weather decision is made. Administrators usually decide on a weather-related schedule adjustment, if needed, well ahead of when most commuters need to get on the road the morning of bad weather. But be patient! Everyone has unique circumstances we have to consider, and we try to get the most up-to-date information possible.

If you don't see an announcement, the schedule is as usual. But if you feel like your area would be dangerous to drive, please contact your professors (it's your responsibility to let them know if you can't make it). Safety is the most important thing.