<p>Hi, I'm an incoming freshman who is living on campus, but has a car. I'm debating whether I should bring it, ie; faster access, easier to get around places. However I heard UCSD has lousy parking, is expensive, and the number of times I will get a ticket will override any other pro I haven't mentioned on this list. So what do you think? Any good opinions?</p>
<p>I forgot to add that I live in SD</p>
<p>Well, you live in SD, so you know that San Diego’s public transportation is inconvenient, at best. I brought my car freshman year and was really happy about that decision - you have no idea how nice it is to be able to get to the beach quickly, drive to parties if necessary, run to ralphs or go off campus to eat… the parking situation is bad at UCSD and it is damn expensive but incredibly worth it IMO. Plus, if you live on campus, you’ll be able to find spots late at night when everyone leaves - the complaints about parking are mostly from off campus students who arrive to campus mid-day, and by then it’s too busy to find any S spots.</p>
<p>PS you won’t get tickets if you pay attention. ie, don’t leave your car in a B spot overnight, etc</p>
<p>I live off campus and I still agree with ucsandiego. Bring it. UCSD does have lousy parking, is sorta expensive (600 for 9 months) but the tickets are totally avoidable.</p>
<p>Having a car was the greatest thing last year. Just watch out for friends trying to take advantage of that though. First quarter, I had people asking me left and right for rides.</p>
<p>i wasnt going to bring my car, but this may have changed my mind.</p>
<p>I agree with everyone. I live off campus and I’d also recommend bringing your car. Parking is hell M-F from 8-5 but after that you’ll find tons of spots. Plus, if you can’t find a spot during the busy hours, there are ALWAYS student spots on the east side of campus across the freeway. It’s only a 5-10 minute walk from there to pretty much anywhere on campus.</p>
<p>Really? I agree that off-campus I would consider a car, but honestly if you’re a freshman living on campus…yes, having a car is nice, but it’s really not necessary IMO.</p>
<p>You could always try not having a car for the first few months or qtr and then bringing it if you feel you need it later on since you live so close.</p>
<p>What if you bring a bike?</p>
<p>Bikes are great for on campus. During the middle part of the day in busy areas of campus, it is difficult to weave through pedestrians - you’ll find ways to avoid these areas though.</p>
<p>Off campus, I wouldn’t recommend it. The streets surrounding UCSD are 45+mph huge busy roads and I personally wouldn’t feel safe biking next to speeding erratic drivers.</p>
<p>Off-campus, you may have to go out of your way to ride on safe bike lines. I used to bike from North Clairemont using Gennessee to Executive through Regents Parking. If you’re trying to ride anywhere in the UTC Apartment Housing area, you’ll be wedged into car lanes.</p>
<p>Just thinking about the Genesee hill gives me the willies</p>
<p>Yeah… I always walked up that hill on my way home LOL</p>
<p>i wouldnt bring my car as a frosh…$600/yr isnt worth it, and parking prices are just going up and its getting harder to find with all the new housing on campus</p>
<p>Thanks for the replies. I really want to bring a car, but I’m not sure if I want to pay $900 for 9 months (my family is running really tight on money) </p>
<p>Someone help me out w/ this</p>
<p>You could always do what quite a few people do and just start off your first quarter without a car and then decide if you want one starting winter quarter. If you do that, the annual permit will be cheaper since it is prorated</p>
<p>Where is the best place to park for free that is a reasonable walk to campus?</p>
<p>Just wondering in all seriousness, wheres the closest reputable body shop to UCSD? FYI I’m coming from the bay area.</p>
<p>La Jolla Shoes Drive near the Natural Science Building. Read the signs, some say 24 hr, some say 2 hour.</p>
<p>You can register for the Pedal Club –></p>
<p>Park free when necessary: Eligible members will get an Occasional Use permit with 10 complimentary days of parking per quarter.</p>
<p>[How</a> to Participate in the Pedal Club](<a href=“Transportation Services”>Transportation Services)</p>