Student need a car at UTD?

Colleges and Universities A-Z The University of Texas Schools (Other Than Austin
1

<p>My son will be a freshman and intends to live on-campus. We live in South Arlington, too far to drive on a daily basis, but certainly close enough for him to come home on weekends. </p>

<p>Do most students leave campus on weekends? </p>

<p>While we were at Scholar's Day, one of the student tour guides recommended that students have a car while at campus. Her point was that a car was needed to get even to the grocery and drug stores on occassion. I know the campus has the Comet Cruiser. It seems to me that it would be a reasonable means to get around during the week. And while my son is welcome home, I think it may be good for him to stay on campus more weekends than he comes home. </p>

<p>He doesn't have a car now.</p>

2

<p>It really is not necessary to have a car since the Comet Cruiser goes to Target (Walmart on weekends) and even closer to the mall with the Tom Thumb market (5-10 minutes the most). A new route was just added to go to the Colin Creek Mall. Especially with the great dorms/ apartments more students are staying on campus as more are attending from out-of-town. Since freshmen are on the meal plan he will not need to go off campus to get food too often.</p>

3

<p>Students over 18 can use Zip Car. UTD has three Zip Cars on campus. Join in advance ($25 membership fee, $60 per year). </p>

<p>[Occasional</a> Driving Plan | Zipcar](<a href=“http://www.zipcar.com/utdallas/learn-more?plan_key=odp]Occasional”>http://www.zipcar.com/utdallas/learn-more?plan_key=odp)</p>

4

<p>Thank you!</p>

5

<p>My kid lives in the dorms and has a meal plan. He’s from out of state, has no car. Doesn’t leave campus unless someone gives him a ride somewhere. He is fine with staying on campus.
So I’d say, no, your kid doesn’t NEED a car. Parking is another expense anyway. A lot of students do leave campus on weekends, but there are more staying on campus now than a few years ago.</p>

6

<p>Yes, more students are now from out-of-state therefore more are staying on campus especially on weekends. Looking ahead (after freshman year) your child can also live in the on-campus apartments and still have a meal plan (or modified) as well as keep the basic foods (can be picked up occasionally from the nearby market) in their kitchen for breakfast. I agree there is no NEED for a car and one less thing to worry about.</p>

7

<p>Just mentioning that as of this school year, upperclassmen can stay in the dorms. They’ve built enough dorms that students don’t have to move to apartments after freshman year. Most upperclassmen do choose apartments but S (now soph) decided to stay in dorms because his scholarship covers his room/meals anyway and he likes the convenience of the dorms.</p>