Cars on Campus: It it Worth Bringing Your Car to Campus?

Throughout high school careers do students think about the freedom they gain once they attend college; parents aren’t looking over shoulders, no curfews, no one to answer to other than themselves. Owning a car is an example of that freedom that is innate in every person. Free to travel as we please, us young adults often express ourselves through our cars. Some view that having the freedom to use them is a privilege, and that we do not necessarily have the right to use our cars. Whatever the reason may be, wether it are our parents or universities who restrict our freedom, it seems our ownership does not guarantee our right of use. What do you think? Do we, as students, have the right to use our cars during our college careers? Is it worth bringing your car to college?

One of the main issues in deciding to bring a car to college is the restrictions set by many universities regarding cars on campus. Many schools do not allow students to bring their car to campus, especially if you are a freshman. The main reason why they do this is because many schools try to minimize the problems involved with cars on campus. Putting restrictions on their students disheartens them from doing so, leading them away from the freedom they were looking forward to as high school students. An example is that some schools have very large campuses that require students to store their cars in parking lots or decks that are located in remote places on campus.On every campus it seems there is always a limited amount of space or storage for a car. Schools discourage students from bringing cars on campus by setting permits at high prices. even though some schools try to have benefits for their students like other modes of transportation, it is is still a discouragement towards our freedom. The benefit of schools offering transportation, especially if it is a large campus, truly is helpful and is the most logical conclusion for a large university to do. However, small colleges tend to have limited transportation, This is because their campuses are so small, especially compared to large universities, having less finances to support a buss line or car service makes it difficult for students to get around quickly and efficiently. Once people understand the pros and cons of having a car on any size campus, they must then look at students’ perspective. Having a car on campus is only mostly beneficial to students who can maintain a part time job as well as attending college at the same time. All the stories are true wen it comes to a college student and their money; we tend to use it unwisely. Although the freedom gained as a college student is great, prioritizing and spending money wisely is not a strong point for many students. If a student is able to maintain a job as well as attend college, the issue of money would be less of a burden and one less thing to worry about.

Having a car on campus has its own rewards, however not having one on campus has its benefits as well. The cost of maintaining a car is high and some college students do not have financial support to pay fora car; it is extremely difficult to pay for a car when you are a full time student. We have to think of our future in both lights not having to pay car expenses can help a student stay out of debt. It is difficult for a student to find a secure job with a stable income right out of college and staying away from having to pay extra expenses is ideal. The reliability of school provided transportation is another reason it benefits not to bring a car to campus. Modes of transportation other than bus or train which are two common and readily available ways to travel around campus, are biking and walking. Looking at it simply, it all depends on what a student’s financial support and future looks like, as well as the size of university they attend in order for them to decide if it is worth having a car on campus or not.