<p>Hey, I am just wondering if it is a good idea for me (a freshman) to get a car. If we live in dorms, to get a parking permit I would just need to purchase one and do not have to go through lottery right? </p>
<p>But is it a good idea to get a car?</p>
<p>Where are you from? Are you a person who enjoys independence? Do you enjoy going on outings in the weekends?</p>
<p>I live in Vancouver, Canada. Yes, I do drive a lot here because places are just so far… I hate busing to places… I guess a car would be good at Irvine as well? But am i guaranteed a parking space if I live in dorms?</p>
<p>It sounds like you need a car then! Irvine is a suburb. You need a car to get to places and buses are fairly slow in suburbs. There is plenty of parking for those in the dorms. Have fun at UCI :).</p>
<p>I definitely recommend a car. There’s barely anything within walking distance of UCI but if you have a car there’s plenty to do.</p>
<p>Thanks. What is there to do in Irvine on weekends or holidays anyways?</p>
<p>I live in the area, so I do what I normally do–shop and try new restaurants. I like going to LA and Pasadena on the weekends, they’re nice areas and fun to explore. If my friends are in the mood, then we hang out or sometimes make a weekend trip to Big Bear. Vegas is also a few hours drive away…that’s mostly saved for birthdays, though. Newport and Huntington are really close, too, I like going there if I want to hang out by the beach or surf. Plenty of stuff to do as long as you try to find something you like :)</p>
<p>How much does a full time parking permit cost for a dorming UCI student? I plan on getting a car as well.</p>
<p>Resident parking permits = $85/month
A little steep compared to commuter permits, but you have a parking spot 24/7.</p>
<p>[Student</a> Parking Permits](<a href=“http://www.parking.uci.edu/permits/studentpermits.cfm]Student”>UCI Transportation and Distribution Services)</p>
<p>O. M. G. Pineapplesauce returns.</p>
<p>Ehhh at that price I’m not sure if it’s worth it… can it be covered with financial aid?</p>
<p>How long does it take to drive to LA?</p>
<p>About 45 minutes on average.</p>
<p>There are quite a few things to so within a couple miles of campus. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.</p>
<p>If you have a car, Newport, Huntington, laguna beach, etc. are all a short drive away. There’s almost no reason to ever go to LA unless you’re going to a concert or something.</p>
<p>lol jas0n, I’m part time this quarter so I’ve got a surprising amount of free time outside of work…I thought this might be a good use of some of that extra time =P</p>
<p>Also yeah, there’s plenty to do around here, but it gets old after a few years. I recommend mixing it up so Irvine doesn’t get stale.</p>
<p>Thanks guys for the responses. I will probably get a car there then. It seems that by just having one you get to go to more places much more conveniently. I am used to driving here in Vancouver anyways because most places are around 15-20 minute from where I live. (school, restaurants, malls) So I am assuming that Irvine might be around the same as Vancouver somewhat?</p>