UMD commuter students reflect on gas prices
By: Cait Heiderman
As fuel prices rise due to the United States and Israel's war with Iran, commuter students at the University of Maryland reflect on how it affects their choice to commute to campus.
“I think for commuters, definitely it's going to affect them more because they use gas and cars like almost every single day to commute to class,” said Vi Doan, a junior accounting major.
Since Feb. 28th, the day that the U.S. and Israel launched a surprise attack on Iran, fuel prices in Maryland have gone up over a dollar per gallon for regular-grade gas, according to Triple-A.
Last month, the state averaged at around $2.95 for regular-grade fuel per gallon.
Just one month later, regular-grade fuel in Maryland costs around $3.99 per gallon on average.
"We’re being careful about where we're driving more and how often we might be driving out,” said Samantha Lee, a junior human development and sociology major.
Doan feels that UMD should try to support commuter students more during this time.
"Giving a bit more flexibility for students, considering, you know, costs and the situation, would be nice,” Doan said.
This feeling is echoed by Lee.
"I think there needs to be more financial assistance going forward,” Lee said. “I also think there should be more flexibility in regards to like having more classes that are more available virtually.”
Doan shared a similar sentiment, suggesting the university should allow commuter students to attend classes in a hybrid format if they struggle to afford their gas.
"Maybe cheaper parking would be nice too,” Doan said.