Do I need a car on campus, especially premed?

[curlyafroonaps]

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Hey!

So my parents don't want me to have a car on campus when I go to colllege this year because they believe this will take away from my focus. I'm a straight a student and have done fine balancing work, ECs, hanging out with friends, school, and volunteering and I've had a car in highschool.
You can't even really "drive" to your classes at the school I will attend because of the way the campus is set up. You can drive around, park somewhere kind of close, and then walk a long distance (but still shorter?) to your class.

Will I be OK without a car on campus? I'm just thinking that being premed, I'm going to have to need it to go volunteer (if its not on campus), go shadow in hospitals, if I engage in research, or simply if I WANT TO GO OUT INTO THE CITY AND HAVE SOME DOWNTIME with new friends, etc. I can't focus 100% of the time because I believe you HAVE to have some relaxation from your studies or your going to go crazy if you study 24/7 weekdays and weekends.

But then I realize this doesn't even really apply to the fact that I'm premed, just a freshman in college. My school allows freshmans to have cars on campus their first year. But its because I realize that I'm going to have keep getting experience in hospitals and continue volunteering that I ask. So I'm asking those who had a car on campus their first year or throughout college, do you look back and see that you really needed it or did you make do? Was there ANY point where a car was crucial? Like even junior year of college? And for the rest of the seniors in high school like me, is this something that you have thought about?

Thanks! Any replies will be really appreciated!

 

[Njnealon]

Hi! There are usually plenty of opportunities around campus to volunteer, and upperclassmen/clubs usually set up carpools to go places off-campus. It is really easy to do research, etc around campus. I didn't bring my car until senior year, and found plenty of research, teaching, career-related experiences within walking distance from my apartment.

Alternatively, you can look into public transportation if your school is in that type of area. A lot of people used it by me to get to hospitals, etc. (I went to school in an urban/suburban area).

I personally think for the first semester of college, not getting TOO involved is a good idea. Maybe join one club, and then try to really focus on adjusting to college life. Classes are not impossible, but a lot different from high school across the board. Especially as a pre-health major, you will be on a challenging track, and want to start out on a good foot. Then, if you adjust well the first semester, maybe consider bringing a car for the second semester? That being said, you may be able to get a discounted parking pass for the year too then, because it is only one semester.

 

[organdonor]

This is going to be highly variable. No two cities, universities, or their mass transit systems are the same. Either let us know what campus you will be attending or ask current students at the campus their experiences regarding cars.

 

[Winged Scapula]

As above, highly variable.

If you're attending a campus which has good public transportation, good access to grocery stores, restaurants that deliver, etc. you may not need a car. If you're attending a commuter school in the 'burbs, you may feel trapped without a car. At different times in my life I've needed a car, and not during others.

I'd echo the advice above about not getting too involved the first semester; see what the work load is like, how you feel about living away from home etc and then make your decision about whether a car is necessary. You'll likely have some friends with a vehicle if you really need one early on.

 

[agentscully]

Depending the location of your campus. Mine is about 20 minutes from where I live (in the 'burbs, and there's no bus system that goes that far), so even though I'm a freshman, I definitely need a car to get around. For me it's more of getting to and from campus as opposed to going out with friends. Hope that helps.

 

[Sugoi Travis]

I had a car during the second half of undergrad, but I barely used it. My method of transportation was the university bus system (which was covered under our tuition) so there was little/no point in me driving.

 

[Time Table]

I'm going into my 3rd semester and so far, while I would've liked to have a car on campus, it's probably better that I don't. Obviously I miss out on eating off-campus, which might be a big deal for some, but I'm not a picky eater. Eating-wise, I'd say that it depends on how willing you are to eat on campus all the time. You can probably find a mode of transportation to get off-campus to eat, whether it be bus, train, friend who commutes/has a car, etc. etc. It really depends on your location though. If you're in Bumble****, Iowa I'd imagine a car would be more needed than New York city.

 

[curlyafroonaps]

Thanks! I'm still deciding on my top picks for the university I will attend, and they are all located in urban areas anyways. I am going to definetly look into the public transportation and I'll just make the best of these next four years with or without a car. Thank you! And I don't think I'll get too involved right in the beginning since I'll think I'll be trying to adjust.

 

[jqueb29]

Hey!

So my parents don't want me to have a car on campus when I go to colllege this year because they believe this will take away from my focus. I'm a straight a student and have done fine balancing work, ECs, hanging out with friends, school, and volunteering and I've had a car in highschool.
You can't even really "drive" to your classes at the school I will attend because of the way the campus is set up. You can drive around, park somewhere kind of close, and then walk a long distance (but still shorter?) to your class.

Will I be OK without a car on campus? I'm just thinking that being premed, I'm going to have to need it to go volunteer (if its not on campus), go shadow in hospitals, if I engage in research, or simply if I WANT TO GO OUT INTO THE CITY AND HAVE SOME DOWNTIME with new friends, etc. I can't focus 100% of the time because I believe you HAVE to have some relaxation from your studies or your going to go crazy if you study 24/7 weekdays and weekends.

But then I realize this doesn't even really apply to the fact that I'm premed, just a freshman in college. My school allows freshmans to have cars on campus their first year. But its because I realize that I'm going to have keep getting experience in hospitals and continue volunteering that I ask. So I'm asking those who had a car on campus their first year or throughout college, do you look back and see that you really needed it or did you make do? Was there ANY point where a car was crucial? Like even junior year of college? And for the rest of the seniors in high school like me, is this something that you have thought about?

Thanks! Any replies will be really appreciated!

I always had a car and would have been miserable without one. You going to ride the bus to take people out on dates? Your parents are waaay too intense. If you're the kind of student you sound like, then college is not hard at all.

 

[swindoll]

Hey!

So my parents don't want me to have a car on campus when I go to colllege this year because they believe this will take away from my focus. I'm a straight a student and have done fine balancing work, ECs, hanging out with friends, school, and volunteering and I've had a car in highschool.
You can't even really "drive" to your classes at the school I will attend because of the way the campus is set up. You can drive around, park somewhere kind of close, and then walk a long distance (but still shorter?) to your class.

Will I be OK without a car on campus? I'm just thinking that being premed, I'm going to have to need it to go volunteer (if its not on campus), go shadow in hospitals, if I engage in research, or simply if I WANT TO GO OUT INTO THE CITY AND HAVE SOME DOWNTIME with new friends, etc. I can't focus 100% of the time because I believe you HAVE to have some relaxation from your studies or your going to go crazy if you study 24/7 weekdays and weekends.

But then I realize this doesn't even really apply to the fact that I'm premed, just a freshman in college. My school allows freshmans to have cars on campus their first year. But its because I realize that I'm going to have keep getting experience in hospitals and continue volunteering that I ask. So I'm asking those who had a car on campus their first year or throughout college, do you look back and see that you really needed it or did you make do? Was there ANY point where a car was crucial? Like even junior year of college? And for the rest of the seniors in high school like me, is this something that you have thought about?

Thanks! Any replies will be really appreciated!

I have a car, but I only use it to drive home to my parents who live 3hours away. You'll be fine without it.