<p>I'm going to be a freshman living ten minutes off campus in a UF student apartment complex. I'm concerned my current lack of a car or any independent means of transportation (other than the bus system) will make it difficult for me to get to social events conveniently. In high school, a car was absolutely necessary to open up countless social options. Without a car, it would've been extremely difficult or impossible to hang out with friends, get to events, and get to school. I'm concerned a car will be equally as a necessary as a freshman living 10 mins off campus. Do you think it's possible my lack of transportation options could isolate me from campus, complicate my schedule and blunt my ability to hang out with friends on time? Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks</p>
<p>The apartment complex is Gainesville Place.</p>
<p>Hey, I’m an incoming freshman staying on campus this fall. I’ve heard a lot of great things about the bus system, and students ride for free, but even living on campus I felt that it would be a good idea to have my car. You should take into consideration how far you live from UF (for visiting family), how often you plan to go out of Gainesville for concerts or weekend excursions, and how involved you plan to be at UF and in the community (if you plan to get a job, volunteer for an organization such as Big Brothers Big Sisters, or other such activities that might require your own method of transportation). Best of luck! :)</p>
<p>I am a non traditional student and I commute to UF from an hour away. If I lived in Gainesville, I would not drive to school. I can’t park near most of my classes anyway. Last semester I spent 40 minutes getting from where I parked to my first class. This semester I can park right by my first class, but I won’t be able to in the fall. If you already had a car, I’d say bring it, but I wouldn’t stress about buying one. The bus requires planning, but it can get you all over town.You will make friends with people with cars. There are also those zipcars that can be rented by the hour if you need a car for some reason. It would be cheaper than paying insurance on and maintaining a car that you may not drive very often. </p>
<p>I would take your car after studying where you are going to live. As a freshman you won’t be able to park anywhere close on campus for your classes so will probably have to bus it but for visiting, night, weekends you’ll be glad you have it. Get a city parking pass decal.</p>