Commuter students make up approximately 60 percent of SUNY Oswego's total enrollment. This diverse population includes local first-year students residing at home, upperclassmen living in the surrounding community and non-traditional students who have careers and families of their own. The Department of Campus Life and the Student Association offer services and opportunities for commuter students to become actively involved within the college community.

Commuter students are strongly encouraged to participate in any of more than 150 registered student organizations or college-wide committees. Commuter students may also serve as off-campus senators in the Student Association senate.

The Student Association offers support for all students living off-campus and represents commuters’ concerns to the college and surrounding community. For those considering off-campus housing, SA maintains a list of rental properties; provides a bulletin board for posting roommate or sublet notices; and manages free consumer literature regarding utilities, tenants' rights, bus schedule and area maps.