Hot Wheels For College – Is A Car Necessary?

During the final few months before college, incoming freshmen and their parents often discuss the necessity of getting wheels for college. Incoming freshmen believe that they need to have a car, while their parents may question if it’s really necessary. The first year being away from college will be a test for many college students. To make sure it’s a success, you need to really examine why and where you will need one.

Most often, commuters will need a car. It is very difficult for two students to match up schedules perfectly. With night classes, early morning classes & large breaks during the day, commuting together can turn very inconvenient to say the least.  Short of having quick and readily accessible local transportation, a car is necessary.

If your college is far away, you must think how often you will return. If you’ll stay away until the end of semester or breaks, a car may not be necessary. If you return every other week, your parents may appreciate the break from driving you back and forth.

Employment is something more and more college students are looking for during college. If you plan on getting employment in a more rural or spacious college community, a car could be appropriate. Work study programs and close off campus employment in cities make it possible to get by without having a ride.

Personally, I believe that the few freshmen who enter college with a car are sometimes taken advantage of. It becomes really difficult the first 2 semesters to determine who your real friends are & who just needs a ride to WallyWorld (Wal-Mart).

You need to truthfully answer the question of “why am I getting this car?” If your reasoning is because everyone else will have one, think again. Car payments, insurance, gas and incidental charges like maintenance and parking permits will quickly add up to 1,000’s of dollars. If you are a cash-strapped student that lives in a city, on campus and is not employed, a car may not be advisable. If you are attending from out of state and have off campus employment, a car may be a great tool for you. These are just a few examples, to best apply to your case sit down with your parents and plan this out.