<p>I have a car and live far away, transfering in this Fall. Contemplating selling it or roadtripping across the country to have it UVA. </p>
<p>How many of you drive or would prefer to? How is the transit system for the school? For the surrounding area? Thanks for your thoughts.</p>
<p>University and public transit will get you around Grounds and Charlottesville, and up 29 where the big box stores are. Amtrak/Greyhound will get you to DC. So a car is not necessary, but is helpful if you want to explore the surrounding area, for instance the Blue Ridge mountains, or if you plan to visit friends regularly in Richmond, Williamsburg, or Blacksburg. You may not need your own automobile, though–check out Zipcar.</p>
<p>I used my car regularly for shopping trips, because lugging groceries on the bus is not the best. If you are living off grounds you will proly want a car anyways. I also go downtown a lot (work) and having a car was much better than the unreliable trolley system (sometimes I would have to wait an hour for one to come! they are supposed to come every 15 minutes), especially at night when I would not feel safe waiting for it in the dark. OTOH, my roommate survived 4 years without a car. She worked on grounds though. It was a pain when she had to pick up art supplies but she made it work… The zipcars are a new thing so I’m not sure how reliable they are for impromptu trips, but if you’re willing to try that out then you could go for that. I liked having the freedom to go where I wanted when I wanted. You could always bring it out here and if you decide you do not need it, sell it out here…</p>
<p>You’ll need a car perhaps once a week but when you need it, you’ll absolutely need it.</p>
<p>For students where the “you need it” is true, the Zipcar might fit the bill. My son did that last school year for some off-campus appointments for which the public transportation was more challenging, especially in the winter. The Zipcar was fine, partly because the time duration he needed the car for was modest.</p>
<p>The UVA bus system is amazing, when it’s running. It stops at midnight on weekdays and 2 am on weekends. Saferide is prompt on weekdays, but predictably busy on weekends, where it primarily functions are a party-to-house transit service.</p>
<p>The trolly which takes you downtown (where there are lots of clubs/bars), does NOT run past midnight, ever. Saferide will NOT pick you up from downtown (fashion square). You either have to walk (it’s over a mile to the corner) or take a cab (not that expensive). </p>
<p>Where will you be living? Can you walk there? Can you walk there at night? In the cold/rain/heat? Is it on a bus route? Will you have a meal plan? Carrying grocery bags on a bus is a pain. Check [UTS</a> HoosWhere, Parking & Transportation, U.Va.](<a href=“http://www.virginia.edu/parking/uts/GPS/index.html]UTS”>http://www.virginia.edu/parking/uts/GPS/index.html).</p>
<p>Personally, I plan to bring my car. My apartment is too far to walk, I have night classes, and I need a safe way to get home from parties, special events, etc. I plan to use the bus during the day and only bring my car on grounds at night (a lot of places have free parking after 5).</p>