New Video Elevates Struggles of UCLA Commuter Students

For thousands of students at UCLA, rush-hour traffic, limited public transit schedules, and draining work shifts create a daunting set of obstacles to successfully obtaining a college degree. According to a 2019 study, 43% of UCLA’s commuter students travel for over an hour each day. To save time, some students even sleep overnight in their vehicle instead of returning home at the end of their day.

To raise awareness about the struggles experienced by UCLA commuter students, the UCLA Labor Center has released a new student-made video as part of its ongoing project on “workers and learners,” students who balance jobs alongside school.

The video, which was created by current students and UCLA alumni, explores the varied experience of commuting as a working student in Los Angeles and offers suggestions for a brighter, more equitable future.

Watch the video to learn more about the struggles faced by UCLA’s commuting students.