According to the Common Data Set for Presbyterian College’s academic year 2024-25, 41.5 percent of undergraduate students, excluding international students, are from out of state. This means that during the holidays, most Presbyterian College students have to travel a long distance to go home. This requires many students to take flights home.

Presbyterian College offers transportation to the closest airports for students before and after the Christmas break but fails to recognize the need for airport transportation during the Thanksgiving break. Many students have stated how they need to rely on friends or teammates to travel to the airport. This often causes stress and feelings of being a burden. Many PC students are willing to help other students get to the airport, but it can become uncomfortable for the person asking for a ride when it happens multiple times.

Students who need to stay until the university closes often need to find ways to get food. Last year, Craft was out of food and was barely even open. This becomes a problem for students without cars on campus or money to spend on food. Workers on campus are even advised to buy food from the Fresh Market ahead of time to make it until their flights.

What can PC do to make out-of-state students feel more comfortable and supported?

Presbyterian College should offer transportation options for all breaks, not just Christmas break. They can also ensure that dining options remain open and that there are options to serve when they state dining areas are open. Presbyterian College can also check in with students who need to travel to ensure they have the resources necessary to make safe travels home.

-Anonymous