<p>Hello everyone!
I am currently a sophomore. I go to college about 2 and a half hours from my house. I am definitely a "homebody" and I am not completely happy at college. I love the classes and academics and have a few really good friends, but overall I am not happy. I think it has to do with the general vibe of the school and students, most don't take school seriously and most party on weekends or go home. I am very studious and I'm not into the party scene so I don't feel like I fit in.
I go home some weekends but it gets expensive (because of scheduling I have to take late Friday trains) and it's also a pain because the train stop is not near my house, so someone has to pick me up (about a 45 minute drive). My parents pick me up sometimes but it's a long drive just to pick me up for a weekend.
I have the possibility of having a car at school this semester, the cost is very little and it could be parked right out side of my apartment (so safety and connivence isn't an issue). I'm not sure if I will go home every weekend or just use the car to get away from campus with some friends when I feel suffocated, but either way, I don't NEED a car, I just would prefer it. It would make trips home, getting groceries, trips to pharmacy, etc. a lot easier but again, I can take public transportation for all of those.
I was just wondering if anyone has had experiences with cars on campus that they would be willing to share. The biggest thing for me is that I feel trapped here (I have to plan my trips home weeks in advance to get cheapest tickets) and I feel like a car might give me more freedom and peace of mind. Even though I will not go home every weekend, I will have the option, (especially when my roommate's boyfriend surprises her). Any experiences or advise is appreciated! Thanks:)</p>
<p>Having a car at campus is very expensive. Parking, parking tickets (count on it), gas, tolls, maintenance, increased insurance (several hundred $/year vs. same car sitting at home). You would probably spend $50-$70 on gas alone for each trip home. Plus 5 hrs in the car. And if you’re the one with the car, guess who gets volunteered whenever a friend just needs a ride someplace. Sit down & do the math & compare with what you spend now and how you use your time (you can sleep on a bus or train, not when driving). Most schools have ride boards or some means for students to find people driving “their way” - sharing the gas costs is cheaper for each time you need to drive. If you really need a car for occassional errands, see if your school has a ZipCar or similar program.</p>
<p>A car will not address the feelings you have about enjoying your school. You may want to explore other activities on/near campus to find something you enjoy and people you’ll look forward to spending time doing those things.</p>
<p>“You would probably spend $50-$70 on gas alone for each trip home.”</p>
<p>maybe if he’s driving an Expedition</p>
<p>I’m also considering having my car at school next year. I mean if it’s not too expensive, then why not? It’s expensive at my school so I’m considering sharing my car with a close friend who will be going to the university down the road next year. There’s a lot of public transportation here too, but it doesn’t go everywhere, it’s not always reliable, and sometimes you just need a way to go places.</p>
<p>I’d love to have a car personally.</p>
<p>Parking tickets are easy to avoid… Driving home and back costs me about $20. I live about an hour and a half away and my car gets around 30 mpg.</p>
<p>If you can afford one, get one. No one I know has regretted getting a car on campus. However, if it’s a financial stress, don’t bother.</p>
<p>The freedom of having a car on campus is obvious. Even if you aren’t going home, just to be able to get off campus every once in awhile is nice. Biggest drawback I can see, is you become everyones chauffeur…trips to the store, picking them up after a night at the bars, etc</p>
<p>If I had a car I’d be going on drives every single weekend. There’s nothing I love more than exploring the open road with the windows down and the music playing. So I guess it’d be a bit more expensive in that case… but worth every penny.</p>
<p>Thanks everyone for the responses!! I really appreciate it!
I can’t really explain it, but the thought of having a car here makes me feel a lot better the situation of living at college. I have high anxiety so maybe the thought of having a car here (so I can get away) does make me feel better or if I am having a hard time I’ll be able to go home and calm down.
I will definitely check into the money issue. I am working so I will have an income. But thanks for bringing that to my attention.
Again thanks!</p>