<p>Do most people take their car to college? Or does it depend on if your college is in an urban setting or suburban?</p>
<p>Because Im guessing that you use public transportation in somewhere like Chicago. And the reason I'm asking is because I'm thinking of buying a new car but if I can't drive it when I'm in college, whats the use?</p>
<p>Lease!</p>
<p>And it depends on the school. My sisters took their car to UC Berkeley, but I know that no one at Columbia has a car.</p>
<p>fast reply lol</p>
<p>but thanks!</p>
<p>We let our eldest S take a car to school his jr year - family sedan, not sporty or anything! Anyway, his dormmate jumped off a 12 ft. snowbank onto the roof of the car and crashed through it. Damage: over $7K, and kid had multiple stitches. Here's the bad part: the jumper's parents had to pay the bill to have our car fixed and their homeowner's wouldn't pay. Pranks by people over age 13 are considered "deliberate acts" and insurance companies don't normally pick up the tab. </p>
<p>My point? College kids do stupid things with cars.</p>
<p>Well something like that happening hopefully isn't likely..</p>
<p>As you say, it depends on the school, but most are set up that you can get by very well without one. If you go to a school where most do not have cars, then you will become everyones best friend and driver.</p>
<p>Yes, I think in an urban school a car would be more of a hindrance than a help, especially if parking is expensive/limited.</p>
<p>It would definitely depend on the surrounding area. Of course, most schools do have public transportation systems so you don't actually NEED one at college.</p>
<p>Is there a compelling reason to have the car? Here's what I mean: you buy a new car, you pay for insurance, maintenance, tabs and parking. You drive it .... RARELY most likely. By the end of your 4-5 years, you have a car with 4-5 years' worth of depreciation with low mileage but you've paid through the nose. Treat yourself at college graduation. And what if you get a career in a city like NYC or Chgo where cars aren't necessary at all? Stay on campus and enjoy yourself.</p>
<p>In my circle of about 12 friends, only one brought a car to campus (Connecticut) our junior year. We jumped on the train to NYC or Boston. Cars were rarely used.</p>
<p>It depends hugely on where you go to college. If you're in NYC or Chicago or something you have no real use for one. Even if you're somewhere that's sort of out of the way but the campus is huge you don't need one (you won't be leaving campus much anyway.) Some don't even let you bring one as a freshman. If you're at a smaller campus not in a big city though, you could use one. I'm bringing one up this year (sophomore year) for the convienience, but I doubt I'll be driving it much.</p>