It's that time of year again—the time for most students to begin receiving high dosages of home sickness.  Thus, many students choose to travel home for the weekend.  For those students fortunate enough to have a car on campus, getting home is as easy as cake.  For those students without a car, finding a ride home is a little more challenging.  Sure, many of you might have a few friends from your hometown, but, if they're unable to bring you home, what transportation option are you left with?

The Whitney Center, to many of you, is a place to eat or socialize.  But it is also a means for students to find transportation.  The ride board is located across the hallway from the Whitney Center.  It is a board where students can post inquiries about needing a ride or post offers to provide their service as a driver.  While some people find the ride board as a "sketchy" option, other students utilize this option to their full advantage.

Kelly Conner, a sophomore, has never personally used the ride board but said, "I personally never used it because I live so close and my parents can always come and get me if necessary, but I think it's a great resource for students to use.  However, I don't think it's used to its fullest potential.  Most of my friends tend to use Zimride, an application on Facebook.  But, I still believe the ride board is more trustworthy because you know the person offering a ride is actually a student, while Zimride is an internet source.  And, we all have heard stories of internet hacking." 

It's true, the ride board offers rides to students for the small fee of a little gas money.  The most general places drivers go are the Madison area, Milwaukee area, Minnesota Aaea or other college campuses. However, that is just a general list; do not stray away from checking if anyone is going in the direction of your hometown.  If you aren't from any of those areas, but live within a reasonable distance, still consider the ride board.  It is both cost and time effective.

If the ride board does not provide easy access to your destination, other options of transportation are available, though they are more expensive. The Badger Bus is a great option if wanting to travel between a few campuses.  It allows UW-La Crosse students a ride to UW-Whitewater, UW-Madison or the University of Minnesota all for under $50, if purchased online.  Similar to the ride board, the Badger Bus pickup area is located right outside the Whitney Center.  Although more costly than the ride board, the Badger Bus offers students a perfect ride between campuses in a timely manner.  Although I have never personally used the Badger Bus, I've had nearly five friends use it to come and visit me and find it to be an "excellent resource that student's should take advantage of."

The Amtrak train service is also available.  It has 38 stops in Wisconsin, as well as stops in surrounding states.  I encourage you to visit www.Amtrak.com for a full, detailed list of stops and prices.  As a personal user of the Amtrak service to Chicago, it's a great, easy way to travel from place to place.  The Amtrak service, though, is much more costly than both the Badger Bus and the ride board.  On average, if traveling to Chicago from La Crosse next weekend, a round-trip ticket runs for $100.  If planning in advance, ticket prices are exceptionally lower.  In addition, if traveling to a larger city, the Amtrak saves students on parking—especially overnight, which can become costly.

If you are a student without access to a car or a ride, there are many readily available options for retreating back home. The options range in price from $10-100, depending on your weekend destination and transportation of choice.  Before ditching the option to go home, weigh out the pros and cons of the ride board, Badger Bus and Amtrak service.  Since UW-L is so fortunate to have all three options at your fingertips, make use of them.  They are here to benefit you.