Having a Car In The City: Is It Worth It? | The Odyssey Online
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Having a Car In The City: Is It Worth It?

College students like to have cars, but in the city it can be a little more hectic.

Madeline Ashley
Feb 01, 2017
DePaul University
92
Having a Car In The City: Is It Worth It?
Madeline Ashley

I have a car in Chicago. I used to think that it was a very stupid mistake, especially as a college student who lives in a city with a lot of public transportation. But ever since I got a car, my opinion has truly changed.I will admit that having a car is a bit more of an expense. I have to pay for gas, and parking can definitely be an issue. It is expensive having a car in the city, but I think you have to be smart about it.

My first quarter of sophomore year at DePaul was rough for me. On top of a lot of personal things going on with me, I also really missed my family. I'm not originally from Chicago, and the trip home is about three and a half to four hours in the car. While bus rides aren't my favorite or first choice, I have taken the Mega Bus. It wasn't a bad experience, but it definitely took longer than it would if I drove myself. As far as the Amtrak trains go, I've had one very bad experience with them and I personally don't think I'll want to go back.

When I went home for Christmas break, I had to sort a lot of things out. I wasn't happy with the fact that I could only see my parents every 4-5 weeks, and if I did see them, they usually came to me. I wanted to go home more, and they could tell this was causing me anxiety. So my parents made the conscious decision to get me an older used car. It wasn't broken down by any means, it was nice and safe...but it wasn't a 5 series BMW.

Since I've had the car I've actually felt a lot of my anxiety go away. I was able to drive back to Chicago from home in a faster amount of time. The drive wasn't really bad at all. I am able to travel back and fourth more often now that I have my car, and that gives me a sense of ease. I love how I can hop in my car now and go to the grocery store, to class, or to any place really.

It definitely took some getting used to driving in the city. The BMV was also a bit of a struggle, but I honestly am glad I've had the experience of getting a car in the city because it's forced me to be more mature, watch my spending with gas money, and my driving has immensely improved.

It really is a personal choice for getting a car in the city as a college student. If I lived closer I wouldn't have one, but given my circumstances, I am very happy with my choice.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
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