The Pros and Cons of Owning a Car in College

One of the things many college students wish for is the freedom to move around on their own. Sleeping a little longer when you have morning classes and driving home for the holidays can be important for some. No matter how you see it, the advantages of owning a car while in college are many. At the same time, there can be quite a few disadvantages too.

If you are trying to decide whether you should get a car while in college, there are a few things to consider. In this article, we are giving a closer look at both the pros and the cons of owning a car in college. If you are struggling to make a decision, then keep on reading!

The pros of owning a car in college

1. Never being late to class

One of the most important reasons why a college student would need a car is to travel to and from college. Being able to sleep in during days when you have early classes is great. Public transport definitely takes more time than a simple drive and a car would make the whole situation easier.

This can take a lot of pressure off of a student on a daily basis but also during exam season. Never being late to class can help you improve the quality of your sleep and make you less nervous. In addition, it can help you spend the time you have saved doing something more productive.

2. Taking a trip whenever you wish

A great thing you can look forward to when owning a car in college is taking trips whenever you wish. If you feel stuck in the city you study in, having a car can be an outlet. If you love nature you might just want to write your papers and essays outdoors. You can easily drive somewhere nice after a class and relax in nature. An online writing source like Subjecto can help you have access to materials you need even when you are far from the city.

If you are someone who loves nature and outdoor activities, a car can help you have access to those things. Whether you need to spend a few hours by yourself or with friends, your car can help you escape the city whenever you wish. You can also go on hikes and explore new places or nearby towns whenever you have the time.

3. Avoiding public transport

Public transport can be hectic and ruin your schedule in many different ways. Especially now with the Coronavirus taking over our daily life, public transport can even be dangerous. Having your own car immediately allows you to go about your day without having to come in close contact with so many people.

In addition, having your own can help you stay safe. Train and bus stations can be dangerous during the night. If your classes tend to run late, having your own car can help you stay safer on a daily basis. In addition, you will never have to wait for a bus or train ever again.

4. Visiting home frequently

Another very important reason why having a car in college is a good idea is because it can help you see your family more frequently. For most college students, visiting their loved ones is a special occasion for the holidays. No matter how far from home you are, you will be able to find a free weekend and drive to see your folks.

This can help you feel safer about being there when they need you. In addition, if you are close to your family, you might struggle being away from home. A car can allow you to visit as often as you would like. This will make living on your own a lot more tolerable.

The cons of owning a car in college

1. Paying for parking

Paying to park your car can get expensive depending on where you live. If you are in a big city for your studies, the parking spots will be more expensive. You will most likely need a few hundred dollars for renting a parking space every month.

If you live in a smaller city, parking can be more affordable. For the students that live in dorms, many campuses give free parking spots or low-cost ones to their students. This can be helpful but unless you are able to support this expense, getting a car can be tricky.

2. Dealing with car insurance

Insuring your car is very important no matter how old or used it might be. Having insurance can protect you from accidents that you or others might cause. It can help you repair the car for a low price and even sell it easier when you want to upgrade it.

In most cases, car insurance is required by law in order for the car to be legal. This is why you need to find a reputable company to insure your car with. This can be a monthly or yearly expense that is necessary for every car owner.

3. Being the driver of your friend group

While it might be fun spending time with your friends, you will soon come to realize that everyone will take advantage of your car. You will most likely become the driver or the group and that is a big responsibility. While you might not mind at first, it can become tiresome after some time.

If you live in a dorm, this will be something you won’t easily be able to avoid as your friends will go back with you. So, if you don’t want to drive others around when you go out, having a car might not be the best idea.

4. Getting stuck in traffic often

Last but not least, another thing you must not forget is traffic. While this might not be an issue for those that go to school in smaller cities, traffic can become an issue for others. Unless you are able to avoid traffic jams and take less packed routes, a car might not be the best option.

You need to keep in mind that this can affect your daily schedule and your obligations. If you are working, traffic can make you lose shifts and cause you anxiety. So, getting a car might not be the best idea if you live in a high-traffic area.

Choosing the right thing for your needs

Whether you choose to own a car or not while in college can impact your life in many ways. At the end of the day, it will all depend on your financial situation and needs. There are many reasons why it is a good idea and just as many why it might not be. The decision will be all yours and at any point you can change your mind about it.

Would you like to own a car while you are in college? If not, then why?