For many SHS students, the new school year is marked by a new school bus. According to Cincinnati Public Schools, almost 35,000 students ride the bus to school daily. Sycamore is no different. In fact, many SHS students have ridden a school bus for their entire lives. For some, riding the bus is an unconscious routine. But for others, riding the bus is a major stressor. No matter which type of bus rider you are, here are some tips to improve your bus-riding routine:

       1. Get to the bus stop early

I know, I know, this advice is repeated all the time, but that doesn’t make it any less important! Blocking off a few extra minutes each morning gives you a bit of leeway if you are running late and a few extra minutes to slow down if you are early. Even if you end up having to wait for the bus, that is okay! It is better to be early than to miss the bus entirely.

      2. Can’t find a seat? Just sit down!

Unfortunately, there might come a day when someone is sitting in your seat. If that never happens to you, great! You get to keep sitting in the comfort of the same seat. But if you do find someone in your seat, take this advice: just find another seat. One bus seat is not worth arguing or stressing over. Even though you may prefer to sit alone, consider sitting with someone else for a day. You might just make a new friend!

     3. Try to sit by the window

When picking a seat, I would always recommend sitting by the window. For this, there are two reasons: one, you make room for anyone who happens to not have a seat to sit in, and two, you don’t have to watch out for those turns… you know, the ones where you hold on to your seat for dear life, hoping you do not end up falling and face-planting onto the floor as the bus tilts one way, then the other. 

    4. GET OFF THE SCREEN!!!

The bus is the perfect place to chat with friends, listen to music, look at nature, and more! And the fact you do not have internet provided? It is a sign. You should get off the screen and enjoy those precious moments. 

    5. Be polite and speedy

When you head to get off the bus, take a moment to look around you, but do not dawdle! Make sure to quickly get off the bus and into the school. Don’t linger as you walk through the parking lot; there is a whole line of cars waiting to pass through. But at the same time, be polite and let the people in front of you get off first. Thank your bus driver. Show courtesy and kindness to the people around you, and one day, you might just get that back 🙂

Riding the bus is easier than it looks. Don’t stress… and hold on tight! Happy riding!