Targets and Bed, Bath, and Beyond and many other stores around are preparing college newcomers on what to bring to school. And as much as it seems like they’re being “one hunnid” about what to bring to college and what you’ll use, they forgot one huge thing and that is a car.
There are two different college campuses: residential and commuter. Residential campuses are campuses where the majority of the students live at school. Commuter campuses are schools where a majority of the students live at home and commute to school. Depending on the type of school you go to, you may or may not benefit from having a car.
I’ve had the fortune (and misfortune) of having a car at school for two and a half years. I originally came to college without a car and no plan to get a car for years. I lived through my first fall semester without one and the following semester, I was assigned to observation hours at an elementary school way too far from my dorm (it took an hour and a half walking). This was before Uber and Lyft were even things and the bus was no help because it didn’t drive anywhere close by to the school.
But to all the freshmen and other college students who are debating on bringing a car to school, here are some pros and cons to consider.
PRO: You don’t need to rely on anyone.
CON: Paying for parking permits, which can go for $300-$900 per school year.
PRO: You have the freedom to go anywhere at any time.
CON: It’s just more expenses for you to worry about – car services at the dealer, car washes, gas prices, trips to the mall, etc.
PRO: Going for a drive while blasting music loud enough for you to feel the bass in songs.
CON: People are going to hit you up for rides and expect you to be the driver for everything because you’re the only one with a car and when people ride in your car, they will inevitably leave trash that you will have to clean up.
PRO: Generally speaking, it will get you to class faster than walking.
CON: You’ll need to find parking.
PRO: It teaches you a bit about responsibility and maintaining a small space and making sure your car smells good and is clean.
CON: If you’re always anxious about the safety of things, you’ll be restless worrying how your car will do in a somewhat-sketch college town.
Some of my best memories involved a car, and some of my other best memories didn’t involve a car. Either way, I’m glad for every moment and every memory. Whether or not you have a car at college, things happen for a reason so make every time a good time.
