Students feeling the heat of final exams are finding in the semester's closing weeks that getting home cheaply is easier said than done.
For many students, the decision whether to fly, take the train, or catch the bus is based on cost more than comfort, even if it takes extra hours to get home.
Adam Palmer, a senior geology and psychology major, said because he doesn't work during the semester, it leaves him with less money to find a way home.
"I live in Jamestown, so finding a way to get home that is inexpensive is difficult," he said. "This year I am planning on taking a Greyhound bus since it seems to be the cheapest way."
Other students say they will try to hitch a ride with friends for the sake of the cost, but still won't subject themselves to eternity on a bus or train.
"Every year I have to decide on whether I should fly home or catch a ride with someone else," said Sean Seege, a junior chemical engineering major. "Unfortunately, I do not have a car and there is no way I am sitting on a bus or train for eight hours to get home."
Bearing the wait on a Greyhound bus, however, is often the cheapest option. Although it's been closing routes in the Midwest, Greyhound Lines still offers transportation to most New York locations. To Binghamton a round trip ticket costs $85, to Albany $112, and to New York City $144.
"I take a bus every year to get to Binghamton. It may take a little longer, but in the long run I am saving a lot of money," said John Bango, a junior undecided major.
To students who live farther downstate, taking a plane often makes the most sense, despite the higher cost.
"I hate flying, but since I am from New York City, there really aren't any other options that I want to deal with. There is no way I am taking a bus or train, so I spend the extra cash on a ticket," said Benjamin Siegel, a junior undecided major. "Fortunately, it is only an hour trip, so for the extra money, I get a quicker way home."
Jet Blue Airways offers tickets from Buffalo to New York City for $150 round trip, which is relatively cheap for a flight. Other airlines, including United Airlines, offer destinations of Syracuse, Albany and Rochester, all ranging from $200 to $250.
For many students, however, the cost doesn't really matter because their parents pay for their tickets.
"I always fly home. Cost is not an issue for me since my parents pay for my ticket," said Jonathan Goldberg, a junior communication major. "I guess they just miss me so much they don't mind spending the money to get me home for the holidays so they can see me."
One last option for students is taking the train. Amtrak offers round trip tickets to Rochester for $40, Syracuse for $58, Albany $100, and New York City for $150.
Students from certain parts of the state where the trains don't run said they don't find it convenient.
"I have never thought of taking the Amtrak train home," said Jeffrey Gonzalez, a junior business major. "I live in Binghamton and there is no train that takes me straight there. There is only one train going to Syracuse, which is a good hour and a half away from me. Fortunately, I have a car, so I just drive home for the breaks. Then I only have to pay for gas."
Many students said despite the apprehension and frustration over finding a way home for break and the holidays, any cost is worth it to find a way home to their families.
"In the end, all that matters is getting home to our families, safely and happily, no matter what the cost," said Lauren Monaghan, a senior civil, structural and environmental engineering major.
"I am counting down the days until I can go home and see my mom and dad," said Willem Oswald, a senior mechanical engineering major. "It's so hard to come here every year and know that you are leaving all your loved ones behind."
