Do freshmen need a car?

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Southern California
1

<p>Will I need a car as a freshmen? How good is public transportation in LA? I've heard not so great. It will save a lot of money if I can eliminate the cost of a car, insurance, tags, parking, etc.</p>

2

<p>Last year when I was an incoming freshman, I've heard this question asked multiple times, and people always replied with "No, you don't need a car."</p>

<p>You won't NEED a car, but you'll live in agony wishing that you had one!</p>

<p>I'm always itching to go shopping, and whenever I want to go out with the girls on my floor to The Grove, Pasadena, nightclubs, etc., we have to pay for taxi fare (which isn't that bad split among six girls) because the public transportation is not so good.</p>

<p>But then again, if you have a car, people will always want you to drive places. You'll also have to pay for a USC parking permit.</p>

<p>Overall, I'm okay with my decision not to have a car freshman year, but next year, I'm SOOO bringing my car to SC. :)</p>

3

<p>Los Angeles is incredibly spread out, so walking is pretty much eliminated unless the destination is the shopping centers directly surrounding the Expo Park campus. </p>

<p>There is an extensive bus network, but I can't attest to their efficiency/quality because I've never used them (in LA or OC). And, because there isn't a metrorail stop near the main campus, your best best is to use taxis or mooch off students from LA that are lucky enough to bring a car to USC.</p>

4

<p>Pretty much everything you need can be found on campus or in immediate walking distance, so getting a car is not essential. Nice, yes. But not essential.</p>

5

<p>No, you don't need one your first year. There are plenty of people with cars that will help you out if something comes up. It would be difficult to e there for 4 years without one though.</p>

6

<p>My daughter left her car at home -- parking was an additional expense we didn't need. It's worked out fine, there is plenty to do on and around campus, and she has friends with cars for the occasional forays to the Grove, the beach, or In & Out. :)</p>