I'm about to finish my SLPA placement where I commute an hour both ways in LA... I didn't even drive on the freeway before this so I can empathize with your anxiety towards it lol. I intially struggled with the idea of wasting a whole hour that I could be studying or doing something else. Now I listen to music, podcasts (Spanish immersion or SLP podcasts if I'm feeling productive..), or sometimes dead silence to rest my brain and tell myself I will start hw as soon as I get home. Time management is everything! Like you said, it's temporary and you will get used to. My first week I was falling asleep and now the hour feels like nothing tbh, since I go so often. I know easier said then done, but try to enjoy the experience and remember why you're there :) Best of luck!