Best Alternatives Of Getting Around Campus In 2024

It can be difficult to navigate a college campus, especially for students who are unfamiliar with the area, in addition to carrying the necessities for campus life, study tools, and learning about internet tools for college students.

Because of its size, finding the quickest and most effective routes around the campus can be challenging. Some students decide to drive their cars to school, which can be convenient but presents a unique set of difficulties.

But in addition to walking, biking, and taking public transportation, students can also use a variety of other modes of transportation to get around without a car. In this article, we will explore different ways of getting around a college campus.

Is Having a Car on Campus Worth It?
How Can I Get Around Campus Without A Car?
What to Consider When Bringing Your Vehicle to College?
What Are the Pros and Cons of Having a Car on Campus?
How to Keep Your Vehicle Safe on Campus
What is the Transportation Costs for Students With Vehicles ?
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
References

Is Having a Car on Campus Worth It?

A huge benefit of living on campus is having a car. Owning your vehicle can offer up a world of opportunities, whether you envision yourself chauffeuring your new college buddies around town or visiting your family easily during the holidays.

Nevertheless, bringing your car to school could have significant drawbacks. After all, owning a car necessitates finding a parking space.

Did you imagine yourself cruising around town with your new friends, attending events, and exploring as you imagined yourself off to college? All of that is feasible if you have an automobile.

There will inevitably be certain activities that call for transportation. If you own a car, you can avoid pestering your pals for rides. You are free to travel whenever and wherever you like. This implies that you are free to leave campus whenever you need to if you feel like it.

Having a car also allows you to venture outside of campus. If your family is within driving distance, you can visit them over the holidays or on a random weekend. With your pals, you may also plan enjoyable road vacations.

Obtaining an internship or job off campus is much simpler if you own a vehicle. You can choose from a wider choice of career options if you have transportation rather than being limited to those close to the college.

If you already have a car, it could seem like the obvious choice for you to bring it to school. Or, if you don’t have one, it is an excellent reason to get one. On the other hand, driving on campus has drawbacks.

How Can I Get Around Campus Without A Car?

The amount of activity on college campuses can be daunting for new students, who may need help navigating. Even though driving to campus can be convenient and independent, not all students may be able to or want to do so.

Thankfully, there are numerous alternatives for getting around campus without a car.

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Ride An Electric Scooter

Electric scooters for college students are an excellent option for you whether you’re on or off campus. An electric scooter should be simple to assemble and use for college students.

For college students looking for an electric scooter with useful features, the TurboAnt X7 Max Electric Scooter is an excellent choice.

The X7 Max can go up to 32 kilometers on one charge thanks to a detachable 10 Ah battery. Its 350 W brushless motor has a strong output and a top speed of 20 mph.

Additionally, the scooter can be folded in just three seconds, making it simple to store and travel, and the stem battery lock adds an added layer of protection.

Overall, the TurboAnt X7 Max Electric Scooter offers customers an excellent range, speed, and climb capabilities, making it a dependable and effective means of transportation on campus. It is a popular choice among lovers of electric scooters because of its practical folding form and stem battery lock.

Ride A Bike

College students who want an affordable and environmentally responsible way to travel around campus without a car may consider riding a bike. You can obtain a good bike for a fair price, and it’s a great way to work out while travelling. Nevertheless, it might only be feasible for some students, depending on their level of physical fitness or travel distance.

Drive A Moped

Students who want the convenience of a car without the inconvenience of parking a car always choose to operate mopeds. Since mopeds are lighter and more manoeuvrable than cars, commuting times are shortened. However, because they might be pricey to buy and maintain, they might not be helpful.

Take A Bus/Train

Students frequently use buses or trains to travel about campus and the neighbourhood. Transit passes are cost-effective because many institutions provide them at a discount or for free. In addition, while using public transportation can save money, buses, and trains may be packed and uncomfortable.

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Use A Rideshare Service

Students who want a quick and simple method to get around frequently choose to use rideshare services like Uber or Lyft. Rideshare services are a practical choice for people who need to get there quickly because they are accessible on-demand and can be planned. Rideshare services can be pricey, especially during rush hours or in locations with high demand, even though they are helpful.

Join A Student Carpool

A great option to lessen your ecological footprint and save money on gas and parking is to join a student carpool. Many institutions have social media pages or online forums where students can interact and schedule carpools. Depending on their schedule and location, it might be feasible for some students.

Playing A Skateboard or Longboard

Using a skateboard or longboard to navigate the campus can be enjoyable and effective. Many students find them to be a speedy and practical method of getting between courses because they are light and simple to handle.

Despite being portable and lightweight, they may not be useful depending on the individual’s physical condition.

Walking

Walking is the most environmentally responsible method of moving around campus, and it is also a fantastic way to stay fit and healthy. Walking can be a terrific way to explore your campus and find new locations because most college campuses are intended for pedestrians.

Walking is the most environmentally friendly option, but in some places, it might not be practical in bad weather or at night.

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What to Consider When Bringing Your Vehicle to College?

There are a few things to consider if you’re considering driving to college.

First, parking spaces on campus are frequently designated for teachers or students, so you might require a student parking pass to park there.
You’ll need to make arrangements in advance to guarantee that you have a parking spot available because campus parking lots may also have restricted access.
Additionally, if you’re attending college in a region that experiences winter weather, you should ensure your car has the gear it needs to handle snow and ice. This could also contain a snow shovel, brush, and winter tyres if necessary.

There are a few more things to consider if you’re considering bringing an electric scooter to college.

The first and most crucial factor is whether or not electric scooters are permitted on campus. You should check your school’s policy before buying an electric scooter because some schools and universities have limitations or even bans on its use.
How will you use it? If they permit electric scooters, you should also think about how you intend to operate them. Do you want to utilize it for long commutes or just quick excursions around campus? This will impact your need for a scooter range.
Your budget: Your budget is still another crucial factor. Finding an electric scooter that meets your demands and budget is essential because their prices range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.
Speed is yet another crucial element. Some versions of electric scooters can go faster, although most have a top speed of about 15-20 mph. Make sure the scooter you select has the appropriate speed for your needs.
Solid rubber tyres and pneumatic tyres are also significant factors. Although pneumatic tyres provide a smoother ride, they require more care and are more prone to punctures. Although more durable, solid rubber tyres might cause a bumpier ride.
Another factor to consider is the scooter’s weight, particularly if you intend to carry it upstairs or on public transportation.
Height and weight: Lastly, the comfort and stability of the scooter will also depend on your size and weight, so be sure to select a model that suits your body type.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Having a Car on Campus?

The benefits listed below are some to consider if you have the choice to drive to campus but are unsure:

It’s practical. Having a car eliminates the stress of missing a bus or standing in the rain. You have room for guests and storage space if you need to rush out and pick up supplies or groceries before returning to your apartment or dorm.
Having a car allows you freedom of movement. You don’t need to rely on anyone or anything to reach where you need to go.
You can roam outside campus, back home anytime you like, or even to other cities or states.

How about the drawbacks?

Keeping a car on campus might be costly. In certain circumstances, it can cost hundreds of dollars per semester, not to mention all related costs like parking, petrol, and insurance.
Speaking of parking, finding a spot on a college campus is a famously tricky task.
When you own a car, you might discover that you need to chauffeur everyone you know.

So, if you don’t bring a car or your college doesn’t allow it, think about using one of these other transportation methods.

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How to Keep Your Vehicle Safe on Campus

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, motor vehicle thefts accounted for 11% of campus crimes in 2018. You should take deliberate steps to prevent theft, vandalism, and damage to your vehicle (and possessions), just like in any densely populated area.

Keeping you safe is just as important as keeping your car safe.

1. Keep Your Vehicle Locked at All Times

When leaving your automobile, always lock the doors to prevent theft or vandalism. Preparing your keys and scanning the area around the car before getting inside may also increase your security. While inside your car, locking the doors can help keep you secure.

2. Keep Any Valuable Items Out of Sight

You should hide anything important inside your automobile, even if it is locked. Keep your house keys, car keys, and any items with personal information about you out of the automobile. Also, you should keep and lock anything precious in the trunk.

3. Park in Well-Lit Areas

You can prevent break-ins by parking in well-lit places where your automobile will be visible. When choosing a location, consider when you’ll get back to your car (especially if it will be after dark). Avoid parking your vehicle in remote areas or places that will be hard to see.

4. Whenever Possible, Park in a Garage

Try to reserve a space in the garage if your house or apartment has one. It’s less likely to happen if you park in a garage or another area where your automobile is less noticeable. Your car can be protected from the elements by a garage.

5. Do Not Lend Your Vehicle Out to Others

Certain insurance companies could not pay for damage to a car (or another vehicle) If they did not identify the driver on the policy. If you want to assist a friend at college who doesn’t have a car, think about providing them with transportation rather than lending them your automobile.

6. Keep the Car Well Serviced

Increased driving can prolong the battery’s life and allow you to ensure nothing has been vandalized. Regular maintenance such as tire rotations, oil changes, and other checks can help to avoid breakdowns and lessen the likelihood of being stranded.

7. Don’t Drink and Drive

Peer pressure and new recreational options are potential side effects of college. But you should never ride with a drunk driver or operate a vehicle yourself after drinking. Take advantage of the evening transportation services provided by several colleges when necessary.

What is the Transportation Costs for Students With Vehicles?

According to the College Board, the cost of student transportation for undergraduates ranges from $1,060-$1,840 annually. Although this includes some regular expenditures of car ownership, it’s crucial to include in-transit expenses.

Regular vehicle maintenance is an investment that frequently prevents problems in the future. Student auto insurance is another cost you’ll have to pay, but if you can continue to be covered under your parents’ or guardians’ policy, you could save money.

Additionally, a lot of insurance providers give discounts for good grades and a spotless driving record.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I put money aside for college or a car?

This response differs for each student. Spending money on education is a better use of your resources if you live close to campus and have access to public transit, and your classes are within walking or biking distance.
However, the ideal way to travel around the school can entail purchasing a car if you live far from campus and getting to class is difficult. Before making a choice, research your options and consider your position.

How long should I travel to college?

According to the Census Bureau, the average one-way commute time in the United States in 2019 was 27.6 minutes. Use this average to determine how long of a commute you’re comfortable with. Shorter commutes might free up crucial time for work or school.
Consider reevaluating your college decision or living circumstances if your commute will be an hour or more each way.

If you commute to college, can you make friends?

Yes. An excellent method to make new friends is to carpool. Additionally, it can reduce stress because you can spend your commuting time conversing with your peers rather than worrying about traffic and locating campus parking. You may meet more individuals if you use rideshare because you are exposed to other commuters.

Can you ask to have your student parking permit waived?

Yes. You could ask your college for a waiver if you need a parking permit for medical reasons. If you require a parking waiver for a different reason, inquire about additional parking waivers and discount programs by visiting the school’s website for student transportation services or the office on campus.

Conclusion

When moving around a college campus, transportation alternatives, safety precautions, and rules must all be carefully considered.

Plan and pay attention to your surroundings whether you decide to use an electric scooter or take public transportation.

You can move around your college campus securely and effectively by paying attention to the advice provided in this article. Keep in mind to put everyone else’s safety before your own whenever you’re moving around campus.