College Commuters - Friendless lives?

As a commuter myself who is starting school this coming fall, I have heard many downsides of living at home versus residing in a dorm. Some of those things scare me. The reason I chose not to dorm in college was because it saved money and I was within driving distance of my school anyways. The shortcomings of commuting are that you'd have to really go out of your way to make close friends.

You're not living in a dorm, so you can't just invite dorm floor buddies to pig out on late night pizza, form study group sessions whenever, or to dine together all the time (although I'm not sure if dorming can automatically get you all those benefits either haha). Then again, I want to see the positive, so commuters get the benefits of privacy, living comfortably by yourself with a room that you can decorate as much as you want. The way I think of it - I can still obtain good friends from frequent gym dates, attending parties/gatherings, carpool to school, joining clubs or creating new clubs, and getting involved with part-time jobs that have to do with what I enjoy doing. Okay that sounds so ideal, but I guess we will see what the future holds.

I want to know what you think about commuting to college, especially if you have already been through college. What are some of your thoughts?

In addition, have you and your friends any traditions that help strengthen your friendship? I.e. gym dates, weekly brunch, stuff like that.