You may be weighing up the pros and cons of taking your car to University this year, and you can guarantee you’re not the only one stuck in this dilemma!
There are a number of things you need to consider prior to making this decision, so here are some things to think about.
1) How cost-effective is it really?
The first thing to consider is if having a car will fit within your monthly budget for university. Typically, most people will tell you that having a car at university is simple ‘too expensive’…but no one can give a solid answer to exact costs as things like parking restrictions and travel from campus into university all affect this and differ depending on location.
We suggest finding out what free parking is available to you at your halls/accommodation as well as the distance between campus and where your course will be taking place. Calculate that alongside your estimated average spend of petrol per week and this should give you some kind of guidance whether it will be too costly or not for what you have budgeted.
Remember that there is also a lot of help with discounted public transport for students, so this is something to consider prior to confirming a decision too.
Click here to read more about saving money at university.
2) FREEDOM!
Of course one of the greatest things about having your car at university is the freedom it gives you! No having to wait for an overly crowded bus or spending an extortionate amount of money on countless uber trips, your trusty vehicle is at your disposal!
If your home is within driving distance of your university accommodation, it also means you don’t have to fork out for long train journeys / rely on mum and dad when you want to take a spontaneous trip back down to your hometown…or anywhere for that matter!
If you are the type of person who likes a last-minute plan/adventure, having a car at your university certainly would be a benefit to you.
3) Discover your new hometown with friends
Having to rely on public transportation can definitely limit you when exploring your new city/neighborhood, which really isn’t ideal in your first year of university!
Having a car means you have the freedom to travel as and how you please (within reason) and find some fun, trendy or peaceful areas off the beaten track which may turn out to be some of your favourite escapes.
It also allows you to become more social and is another way to break the ice with your new-found university friends.
4) Keeping fit and friendly
As much as having a car will allow you to develop closer relationships with a select number of individuals at university (usually those in your accommodation), it may leave some room to perhaps become more antisocial than you would if you were getting the bus, and meeting new people every day.
Alongside this, the convenience of having a car on your doorstep means it’s easy to fall into the habit of driving everywhere instead of getting your daily steps in, which is essential to your health and mental wellbeing.
5) The move from home to university
One of the biggest challenges students moving to university face is “How am I going to transport ALL THIS STUFF” to my home to my new accommodation!?
However, our Student starter kit’s are the perfect way to make your move to university as smooth as possible, with or without a car. We offer scheduled and guaranteed delivery to your home or university, so no need to lug your pots and pans on a tedious train ride, shop our kitchen packs and let us worry about the transport!
Get everything you need for your new university accommodation delivered straight to your doorstep!
So now it’s up to you! We hope we’ve helped in making your decision.Keep up to date with more student tips and tricks over on our Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok.