<p>I am out of state and have learned that parking is very expensive at the U. I hope to find a shared apartment a mile or two from campus in like the Marcy Holmes or SE Como neighborhoods (maybe Dinkytown but haven't decided). </p>
<p>It looks like one can get to/from East bank (my classes) campus using the Metro bus system but I could use some feedback about how hard is it going to be going to grocery stores on the weekends to restock for food / supplies.</p>
<p>It doesn't look like there are grocery stores in the immediate neighborhood areas but I'd think with all the students living around there would have to be a few choices?</p>
<p>Can some of you that are there already tell me that students do OK using the bus to get to some local grocery stores so I should not mess with paying to keep an old car sitting around primarily for making a few shopping runs each weekend ?</p>
<p>(You might even mention where you do your grocery shopping if something comes to mind...)</p>
<p>As for the car…only consider one if you have off street parking. </p>
<p>Most kids have a roommate or a friend with a car for the “Target” run. Without a car, Target headquarters are downtown Minneapolis on the main bus line and they have a store in their building. As for groceries, I don’t know where the stores are, but my son uses Gopher Grocery. They deliver for $2.00 per order- cheaper than gas!</p>
<p>I went to the U for grad school and didn’t have a car until I was done. Didn’t miss it much. They have good bus service, the new train will be right next to Coffman and you can catch the occasional ride with a friend. </p>
<p>Mtnest - I don’t know that answer. Since the company was started at the U of MN, I would lean that way. My son lives in GrandMarc apartments on the West Bank.</p>
<p>You should have no need for a car. The bus is not always pleasant but it is very dependable. The closest major grocery stores will probably be in the Midway district (take Rt 16/50 eastbound down University Ave. towards St Paul) but when you know your address you should run a Mapquest search to find the closest store to you.</p>
<p>I have seen Gopher Grocery delivering to student housing but never used them personally.</p>
<p>I currently live in Marcy Holmes without a car. To get to campus, hop on the 6U bus and its a 5 minute ride to class. As for groceries - I don’t feel like many people have cars so I’ve always bussed it. The closest shopping area is the Quarry (there’s a Rainbow, Target, Office Max, etc.) however I don’t believe getting there by bus is a good time. For groceries, I find it easiest to hop on the 6 bus and shop at the Lunds on Central & University. Even though it’s cheaper, you couldn’t pay me to go to the Midway Target. That’s an extremely dangerous neighborhood in which two of my friends got jumped, beaten and robbed at the bus stop on separate occasions.</p>
<p>^ Thanks for that info. Was it during the day or late at night that your friends got robbed at the Midway Target area? I’ll keep that in mind for sure.</p>
<p>Do you find the #6U bus that runs down University is usually on time? Someone told me they walk over and use the #2 bus on 8th street because it is more reliable in the mornings?</p>
<p>^ I believe it was night time both times. If you go there during the day, I’m almost positive you won’t have any problems but at night I’d go with a group and stay extra cautious. That neighborhood tends to get ** real shady ** after 9PM.</p>
<p>As far as the 6U bus, I find it very reliable. There IS a set bus schedule, however it’s not accurate. Instead just plan on the bus randomly coming every 15-20 minutes. Between Hennepin Ave. and campus, almost no one gets off the bus and it gets pretty crowded, but it’s very quick. </p>
<p>I’ve never taken the 2 on that part of campus before, so I can’t speak much for it.</p>
<p>I don’t feel unsafe when I go to the Midway but it is a depressing experience and I would not go without a group after dark. There are also grocery stores on Lake St if you are willing to transfer to the LRT from the 3/16/50 buses at the Metrodome. I haven’t been to the Quarry area yet.</p>
<p>Your mileage may vary; trust your instincts.</p>