Every underclassmen’s biggest dream is to have a car on campus. The ability to just hop in your car and drive to the mall, any shopping around the area, or possible job off campus is amazing. However, the process of getting your car on campus is, not a dream. It is more like a nightmare. If you are an under classmen and wish to have your car on campus, the road is definitely not paved. Usually college security offices require doctor’s notes or extremely valid reasons as to why a car is needed on campus. And even for upper classmen, parking on campus is no smooth sailing.
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First, realize the cost of having a car on campus and what you can afford. If you are lucky enough to have a car from home, many are not, so be sincerely grateful!), you are hopefully aware of the cost of gas in your surrounding area. Gas prices in different areas can either go up or down. Classy co-ed girls will plan ahead and recognize that money does not grow on trees and that gas is extremely expensive.
Second, your access to off campus venues may be great but it does come with a cost (literally and figuratively). This year is my first year having a car on campus and I have already seen a dent in my wallet and a dent on my scale. With a car on campus, we are able to drive to so many places and you are able to eat food that isn’t gross cafeteria food. It’s great to be able to drive to your favorite pizza place you could only visit a few times the year before, just be sure of how you manage eating out. Consider eating out twice a month rather than every week.
Third, parking lots on college campuses are usually not the easiest to maneuver. Often, they are awkwardly placed and don’t have the best exits. When bringing a car to school, be sure you are aware of where and when you park. Park in a remote location, far away from other cars. Doing so will decrease the chance of your car being hit. If you can avoid so, try not to park at night. College campuses often are poorly lit and the possibility of you getting into an accident while driving around at night is high.
photo credit: www.weheartit.com
Here’s a few extra tips!:
Security can be picky. Be sure to always have your parking pass or sticker on your car. You don’t want to be stopped when you’re just trying to get back to the dorm.
Park close to an exit for easy entrance and exit. It will be more convenient to walk a few extra feet rather than driving around in circles closer to your dorm building.
Be careful with locking your doors and closing your windows, especially if your campus is an open campus or security seems lax.
Come to school early if you are a commuter. Often parking is limited and it will be hard to find time to park before class!
Please also do not text and drive or drink and drive. Check out http://itcanwait.com/ for more information on taking the pledge to not text and drive.
