Going away to university can be stressful, especially if this is your first experience being away from home. You’ll want to bring all the necessities and conveniences that will make life easier, which may include your car.
Before you decide whether or not to take your vehicle with you to university, here are some important factors to consider.
Maintenance costs
Even if your car is relatively new, it will incur maintenance costs that you’ll need to shoulder.
Aside from fuel, you also need to pay for car insurance, maintenance, and repairs. You’ll also need to pay parking fees as you take your car from one place to another.
Is there room in your budget for all of the expenses that come with keeping a car at university? For instance, can your wallet handle the regular oil change and routine checkups?
Campus parking regulations
It’s also important to take note of whether parking will be an issue on campus. McMaster University offers daily and monthly student rates which you should take into account when making a budget. Also note that some parking lots on campus have waiting lists and eligibility criteria.
Campus distance
If you live off-campus, you’ll probably need a car if your university is far from where you live. The good news is that there are lots of nearby student apartments. Hamilton is a great city where there is plenty of student housing available within reasonable distance from McMaster University.
Distractions
Having your own car is convenient, but it can also work against you. When you have access to a car, you can go out every night or drive to nearby destinations over the weekend. But if your means to get around are a bit more limited, you may find yourself with more time to study and explore Hamilton on foot.
Knowing one’s limits
The college years are some of the most popular times to experiment with alcohol. If you’re the type to drink when socializing, then you’re better off without a car. Like with everything else in life, alcohol should be enjoyed in moderation.
Drunk driving is a dangerous but prevalent activity on campus. Even if you’re just pleasantly buzzed, one or two drinks can seriously impair your ability to drive. If you know you can’t say no to a drink, then you shouldn’t be driving.
Environmental impact
The exhausts from a car emit carbon dioxide, hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, and other greenhouse gases which contribute to global warming. To reduce your carbon footprint, leave the car at home and choose more environmentally-friendly alternatives.
Less load
You already have enough to deal with while attending university, such as excelling in your classes, making new friends, and meeting family obligations.
Bringing a car means having a high-value item you’re responsible for. Your car could be subject to theft, vandalism, and malfunction if it’s not properly taken care of.
Alternatives to car ownership
If you can’t afford the additional expenses or don’t want the additional responsibility, there are other alternatives to having your own car. You can get your body moving by choosing to walk to your next class. You can also take a bike, arrange for carpooling, or use public transportation to get to your destination.