Cars

<p>Anyone know about what percentage of UT students have cars? I know the parking is atrocious and some students have told me that most people just ride their bikes and use the shuttle when they want to go off-campus. My son (hopefully going there in fall '07) wants a car but really, would he even need it?</p>

<p>I wouldn't suggest a car. The parking around campus is some of the worst anywhere. They have busses that you can get from place to place that's not within walking distance. A bike is also helpful.</p>

<p>A parking permit is a license to hunt. He is likely to have to park 10 further away than if he took a shuttle. If he lives in the coops, they don't all have parking facilities. He really does NOT need a car..</p>

<p>A car is a lot of freedom to give up after having one for 2 years...Yeah, I know I'll be gaining so much freedom by leaving home or whatever, but I'm not sure I can do it. I love driving.</p>

<p>My s is taking a car. Towers has parking (for an additional fee). He wants the freedom of being able to come home some weekends, and we are just a quick 2 hour drive away! He also has many friends who are attending other colleges in Texas and I think he will want to be able to go see them too.</p>

<p>I would say bring it. You're going to want to visit friends at other schools, visit home and there will be times where you will want to go somewhere in Austin and the mass transit system won't be too helpful.</p>

<p>Yeah, I'm definitely bringing my car. I go to Austin all the time and I don't know what I'd do without it. Yeah, parking may be an issue, but for the most part you can leave it parked. But it's definitely nice to be able to use your own car when you want to go places, like the Arboretum (sp? I can never spell it right), Barton Creek Mall, and some fantastic restaurants (Chez Zee's).</p>

<p>Of course there is public transportation, but it'll be difficult to use that EVERYWHERE you want to go, and traveling home wouldn't be too easy. So yeah, having a car is definitely nice.</p>