<p>So, I'm finishing up community college this month and going to a uni next month. The university I'm going to is located in a small college town where everything is in walking distance. The furthest thing from campus is walmart, which is about a 30 min walk and if I don't feel like walking, bikes are available for rent. Though I may not need a car to get around, the problem is getting to the uni and back. It's a 4 hour drive from where I live! My dad said he was cool with taking me up there on move-in day since I'm living in the dorms, but what about moving out at the end of the semester? And coming home for Thanksgiving Break? I feel like it would be a great hassle for my dad to drive 4 hours there and back just to pick me up. Then again I would feel bad for not letting him take me up there on move-in day, since I'm going away for the first time. There's a little airport located 7 miles from town and it's cheap to fly, but bringing my stuff home might be a problem. I've heard that there is the possibility of carpooling but should I rely on that to get home and back? Personally I'd rather not have a car because I'll be saving a ton of money and won't have to worry about maintaining it especially during the winter (snows quite a bit there). But at the same time I don't know how I'm going to get home and back especially whenever I have to move out of the dorm. So, I'm wondering should I bring a car to college?</p>
<p>If you can manage without the car then don’t bring it along, you will save quite a bit of money without it.</p>
<p>Having a car can be very convenient, but it may be a hassle in the long run due to car repairs, potential collisions, parking tickets, etc.</p>
<p>While it does cost a lot to have your car with you, there are major benefits that you can probably think of.</p>
<p>The ones you probably wouldn’t think of though: emergencies.</p>
<p>I’ve had to bring friends to the er twice now (broken bones, taking an ambulance would have cost them a fortune); I’ve had to bring myself to appointments, interviews, etc; and I managed to develop a disability- and there are days when being able to drive somewhere instead of having to walk/bike are a godsend.</p>
<p>While it is expensive (I spend about $50 a month on gas), if you can afford it it’s really nice.</p>
<p>You could always go without it and if you find you need it, get it sometime during first semester (or during winter break.)</p>
<p>^I think that would be a good idea…just test the waters and see how it goes for a semester.</p>
<p>Yeah just leave your bike and if you feel like you need it, bring it when you come back for Thanksgiving.</p>
<p>If everything is in walking distance, I wouldn’t recommend a car.</p>
<p>Just curious what school are you attending?</p>
<p>If you can bring a car, bring it! Sometimes you need Walmart more than you think, and it sucks to have to depend on people to take you places. Plus is the weather always going to be nice enough to walk? I know where I go to school it’s either way too damn hot or way too damn cold and windy to walk anywhere. Plus in some towns it’s not safe to walk, even short distances. </p>
<p>If you decide to get a job it will be more convenient to drive since you can get there quickly and despite any kind of bad weather. You will also be able to work out of town, if necessary. You will also be able to travel whenever you want, which is nice! If you don’t take a car that means being stranded in that small town all semester, whereas you could explore nearby cities on the weekends with a car.</p>
<p>If it’s a car you already have and you guys are going to be paying money and insurance on the car you might as well take it. No use in it sitting in the driveway all semester.</p>
<p>My freshman year I went to a university that was located in a small college town and for the first semester I brought my car on campus, let me just tell you it was the biggest mistake ever. Very few people had cars and every minute people kept asking and trying to guilt me into taking them places. It was so annoying. If you have stronger willpower than me then take, but if you’re a pushover don’t because you might end up being a chauffeur.</p>
<p>^ this can be an issue. Just make sure to always charge for gas from the start. With the price of gas being so high a lot of people are pretty understanding about this now.</p>
<p>Wow thanks everyone for the advice, some really good suggestions.</p>
<p>@DylanK Truman State Uni</p>
<p>If I had a car I’d bring it. Nothing like going for a Sunday drive on a crisp Fall day, being one with the road.</p>
<p>Yeah people will try to mooch rides off of you but if you have a backbone you’ll quickly learn how to tell them to either sod off of pay you for the privilege.</p>