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Am I correct in assuming freshmen do not have parking spots on campus?

By Dadster on Sunday, September 08, 2002 - 11:37 am: Edit

Every college has its own policy about cars - a few even prohibit freshmen from having a car on campus, i.e., they won't issue parking permits. In the last year, I visited a couple of campuses that had parking lots that freshmen could use, but these were far away from dorms and campus center. A freshman would have to be fairly motivated put up with the hassle of parking a mile away.

Just check with the campuses of interest, Bobby, and ask what their policy is.

As long as Bobby brought the subject up, any parents have any words of wisdom to share about college students and cars?

By Monte Carlo SS on Tuesday, February 18, 2003 - 06:48 pm: Edit

A note on cars:

In a large town where basic stores/restaurants are within walking distance, cars are not necessary and can just be a hassle. However, in a smaller community or an isolated campus, they are very important.

IF you have a car, make sure that nobody knows about it besides your close friends. My sister has been asked to get up and give people rides to the airport at 4 AM or otherwise.

IF you don't have a car, get a bike or become familiar with the taxi/bus system. Don't mooch on those who do have cars.

A final note, if you have a nice car, its best to not let people know. Vandalism rates are high, and propelled by jealousy.

By Anonrs (Anonrs) on Wednesday, February 26, 2003 - 03:06 am: Edit

Our now college senior has had a car at college three of his four years -- the exception was his junior year when he was studying abroad. He is attending a rural LAC. I don't think that being at an isolated school makes a car a requirement BUT, basically, our decision came down to recognizing that he would want to get out and about at times and that we preferred that it be him, rather than an unknown driver, behind the wheel. He has never had any trouble saying no to giving rides when he did not want to (for any reason). Also, he has never made his car keys available to anyone else.

Things to consider when making the ~car at college~ decision:

1. Check the impact on insurance rates. The school location (rural /urban; distance from home, etc) could cause either a drop or considerable rise in rates.

2. What are the parking fees at the college? At my son's school it's around $50 per year; a couple of years ago, students reported that at some urban schools the fees ranged from $200-$400 per year. (Btw, freshman year his parking lot was at the opposite end of campus from his dorm -- but, it is known as a ~walking campus~ so that wasn't really an issue. Over the years at college, his car has spent more actual time parked than on the road; he makes sure to start it regularly if he's not driving much, esp in the winter. He has, however put on the miles during his annual 3-week spring break and other long weekend breaks at school).

3. Does your student have a clean driving record with not just the police but with you? Maybe he hasn't been nabbed by the police for DUI but have you caught him at home? If so, you might think twice about a car freshman year.

4. Is your kid disciplined; will he priortize schoolwork over the ~extra freedom / good times~ that having a car might provide? Our son has maintained his Dean's List status and `good student` insurance discount throughout both high school and four years of college. A friend's child has not done as well in her freshman year of college; the friend feels that having a car on campus is partly to blame as it's made it much easier for her daughter to get to the beach and other attractions.

5. Can your student say "no" or will he succumb to peer pressure; feel like he has to be a ~good guy~ and always provide transportation? Can he say no to the pressure to loan his car? (We really stressed the importance of not loaning his car to our son).

6. If your student will be attending school a considerable distance away, who will drive the car to and from school? Will you be comfortable with your student doing long drives? Our son goes to school 2,500 miles away. The initial drive out was made with college son, dad, and younger son. Dad, who hates to be a passenger, let college son drive 3/4 of the trip; this gave us confidence for son making the return trips home and back to school (which is still a bit nerve-wracking for Mom). Dad doesn't care so much (because he also loves solo driving), but Mom greatly prefers son to having a driving companion (friend or family) when he goes back and forth across the country.

7. Do a complete safety and mechanical check each year before heading back to school. Does your student know the idiosyncrasies of his car (ie, does it burn oil, etc?) Can your student do basic on-the-road emergency repairs? Check and add oil?

8. Make sure you put together a basic car repair kit for the trunk; include jumper cables, flares and a flashlight (he also has a second flashlight in the glovebox). Duct tape can be surprisingly handy. Pack latex gloves to keep your hands relatively clean; a couple of large plastic garbage bags can come in handy from providing an emergency rain poncho to providing a clean area on the ground for body or tools. Have water and antifreeze for the radiator. I also tossed in a reflective vest. (We made up son's emergency kit in a small heavy-duty plastic Rubbermaid *Action Packer* -- it holds a surprising amount in a compact, everything-in-one-place space). Make sure your student has an AAA card. A cell phone, calling card (cells don't work everywhere), and emergency cash are a must whether driving a hundred miles or cross-country.

9. If your student is a sunbelt kid, has he had any experience driving in snow or icy conditions? If the car will be going to an area with true winter conditions, don't forget to put chains in the trunk. Also pack an emergency blanket, food and water. (Will the car need an oil pan heater; is there a place to plug the car in?)

10. If your student is driving cross-country, be aware that gas cards that work on the west coast, and vice versa, may not work across the whole country. (I went along with my son when he drove out back to school this past August and I was quite surprised when I could use none of my gas cards in the ~very big~ state of Montana and then only sporadically in other mid-western states).

11. Consider getting a steering wheel lock. Son uses his when he's driving across country and when he leaves his car at school during his almost month-long winter break. If your school is in a more urban / possibly higher crime area, it might be a good idea to have a steering lock for regular use.


I really think that having a car at school is an individual family decision to be made per child. Just because our older son has had a car at school that does not mean that the younger one will automatically have a car on campus, too. We will weigh all the factors above and, of course, school policy will also play a role. (Older son needed to request special permission from his college to have his car on campus freshman year). Also, if younger son chooses a school in an area with good public transit that will weigh into the decision.