Hi all,
I recently attended a PreVU event. One thing that really struck me was that freshmen are not allowed to buy a parking permit. Is there anyway around this? I thought of a couple options: “buy/sublet” a parking permit from an upperclassmen that does not want to bring a car or either rent a spot on a privately owned lot near the Commons. I would really love to have a car to explore Nashville and drive home when I’d like. Has anyone done this or know of someone that has?
Thanks all for your help.
I have heard of ways to do it, but they are pretty expensive (some current students may know what can be done). My D hated not having a car, but she survived. With Uber & Lyft, which didn’t exist back then, you can get around for a reasonable price. D rented a Zipcar from time to time - not sure if those are still around campus, but they are an inexpensive way to go out & about to explore the area.
Many of the hotels surrounding the campus sell permits. When S was a freshman, Embassy Suites was the least expensive and our choice. Unless they no longer do this, Marriott and Lowes also had spots available.
I honestly don’t think a car is necessary. Exploring Nashville (if you have time outside of school work, classes and getting involved), will be limited. If you do, many use Uber. As far as driving home, if you want to become part of the Vanderbilt community, I personally would not think of driving home when you like. I think staying on campus and making friends and being involved would be the better choice for freshman year. If you need to get home, I am sure you can figure out an upperclassman driving that way or maybe taking a bus. My child was just a freshman and never needed a car. They were able to explore (over break) and use Uber with others.
@LvMyKids2, how far do you live from Nashville? Does your child fly to and from Nashville? Your comments sound like someone who lives more of a distance from Nashville than optimal driving distance (up to 4-5 hours). Some parents do not want to have to drive 2 hours to Nashville and then 2 hours back to retrieve child for fall break, Thanksgiving week, etc. I’m glad you have a system that works for your child, but different students (& their families) have different expectations.
@2VU0609 i agree that it may work differently for living further away and of course different systems that work for different kids. But, having said that, there is a reason that VU doesn’t want freshman having a car. I recall on the Class of 2021 FB group many parents would see if other parents/families were driving in the same direction (to/from) for the breaks. In fact, many freshman stayed on campus during Fall break and used the time to explore Nashville, catch up on sleep and just relax. In any event, just chiming in what I saw alot of - and I do know because of the many friends my child had in their dorm, etc. I don’t know of any kid that had a car - whether living closeby (4 to 5 hours) or a plane ride away. Was just trying t give real life 1st year experience advice. Good luck!