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If you’re a student with a driver’s license, then there is a fair chance that you drive to school. That is, if you have a car of your own or one available to you. If you have 4-5 classes scheduled all back to back, are carrying a bag big enough to smuggle snacks into a movie theater, or have mastered the art of sleeping in odd places, then the chances are that you would love to drive to school if you don’t already.
It’s also true that there are some advantages to living on campus. I mean, you are right there by your classes, but let’s not get too far ahead of ourselves.
The real question is this: What does it mean to be a commuter student? And what are the benefits and cons of driving yourself to school every day, or at least most days? Let’s drive right into them!
Pro: No Buses Or Parents Here
It’s finally time that you get to pick the music in the car! No more riding on those packed and noisy buses where you have absolutely no sense of privacy at all. Best of all, no more getting out of bed way too early so that you can catch the bus or a ride with your parents.
If you live by yourself or with friends off-campus, you also don’t have to worry about answering anyone but yourself. That is a massive plus in some young people’s minds. Throwing a raging house party may not be a possibility. Just think of all the options that have just opened up!
If you’ve ever been on the other side of a crash involving a school vehicle, you’d know why many students and parents also consult bus accident lawyers. Avoiding that scene altogether is another hidden perk of driving your own car.
Con: You Are Responsible For Yourself And Your Actions
This kind of freedom also means taking responsibility for all your actions, the good and the bad ones. If you break something in your rented house or apartment, it’s your job to replace it. Granted, you might still have to pay for it if you live on campus. About that raging house party, if the cops do get called, it’ll be you they talk to.
As for your car, you’re also the one who will be in charge of keeping it up and running. This includes everything about the vehicle, including that coveted radio. It’s also not likely that anyone is going to remind you of when it is time to leave for school.
Pro: A Good Break From The Same Old Thing Every Day
One of the more tedious parts of living on campus is seeing the same things and people day in and day out. That can get boring pretty fast. Having your own vehicle and making your own way to class also means having it to go to other places when you’re off from school.
Furthermore, having your own place off-campus means having an escape from campus life and the campus rules. Generally, you are free to do what you want in your own place. You’re free to get food where you want and when you want as well. It can be more affordable than the stuff on campus.
Of course, that freedom also places you on the same roads where reckless driving accidents or even sideswipe accidents can happen, especially in busy college towns. Staying alert is essential to enjoying this independence safely.
Con: Class Will Be A Bit Farther Away
You might not have to get up at 5 am to get where you’re going, but you’ll still have to be up at a reasonable hour, so you have time for the commute to class. There are these little things we call “traffic jams” that can mess up your day. Even a small accident can cause other passing drivers to rubberneck it, which means they’re likely slowing down also, creating additional delays.
While there are definitely some perks to living off-campus and having your own vehicle, there are some downsides, too. For starters, gasoline and car maintenance can cost a pretty penny. You might not often be able to afford that weekend getaway.
Then there’s the matter of finding parking on campus that is anywhere near where your classes actually are. A lot of colleges and universities have students from all around who will also be commuting to class. Everyone has to park somewhere. It would be a smart idea to leave early enough to score a good parking spot.
Additionally, don’t forget that crowded lots can be the scene of driveway accidents or even small collisions. Leaving earlier is often the best way to avoid the rush.
Pro: Going Off Campus For Lunch
Needless to say, the campus cafeteria isn’t exactly loaded with good chefs. Usually, it’ll be the same general thing each day. It can be boring and overpriced. So, what do you do if you already commute to school? Make your way to a finer establishment for lunch. Truth be told, it will probably cost less or the same for better-quality grub. You could also bring your own lunch and have your own transportation to be whatever you want it to be.
Having a vehicle gives you the opportunity to choose where and what you want to eat. It goes along with the new freedom you have obtained by being able to drive yourself.
This flexibility also makes it easier to avoid crowded bus routes where accidents sometimes occur. Victims in these situations often turn to bus accident lawyers for guidance, which is another reminder of why having your own ride allows you to make choices about your transportation and avoid certain risks associated with public transit.
Con: Little To No Storage On Campus
Depending on how you schedule your classes, you may have a hard time with meals and everything else you have to carry. While it is nice to have everything in your car, you might not often have the time to go to your car and grab it. The same could be true if you lived in a dorm, but it is less likely. For one, people with dorms don’t usually schedule all their classes together so that they can go to class and then go home.
So, you’ll need to account for how you’ll be lugging everything you need throughout the day of classes with you. A rolling book bag might even be a fair option if your textbooks are unfortunately large.
Pro: Family Visits Can Be Easier
Whether you’re going to see them or they’re going to see you, you may be able to see more of your family this way. You might field fewer calls from dear old mom if you go see her every weekend. If you’re a girl, old Dad might feel better if he can come to visit you at your place for dinner or something. Maybe you have siblings that you like to hang out with on Friday nights.
Whatever it is, it can be easier if you commute to campus rather than live in a dorm. Dorms tend to have a lot of rules about family visits, and for a good reason. Some may lack space for visitors, you’re living in close quarters with other students, and there are some security concerns with people visiting, family or not.
At the same time, driving more means increased time on the road, which raises the risk of being involved in motor vehicle accidents. This is something every driver has to keep in mind.
Con: Family Can Be Slightly Intrusive
You may have just gotten out on your own, a car, and a place of your own if you are in college. Sometimes, a family can be very nosy if not downright annoying. Those visits could turn into a headache and even prevent you from doing important things like studying. They might also not like your new lifestyle.
If you’re going to a college away from home, then there’s probably a reason for that. It could be that you wanted to go to a specific college, but it could also be that you wanted a fresh start on your own.
Final Pros And Cons
There are a lot of reasons your new ability to drive can be an advantage, but there are also a lot of disadvantages, as you have seen from this list. There are a few more we would like to briefly mention.
The new freedom is an advantage that many new drivers love, as it allows them the ability to go anywhere. It also provides them with the benefit of being “cool” as your parents taking you to school is often considered to be embarrassing and lame among many students.
As for the disadvantages, there are still a few more to mention. Parking is a new difficulty that those who are new to driving have not experienced before. Parking can be complicated, as it differs from driving and requires precision.
Another downside is the cost involved with teenage driving. Insurance for a teen driver is generally a lot higher than for an adult. There is also the cost of gas to include in the price of having a vehicle, which we briefly mentioned earlier, but this is why new drivers often choose to get a job to cover these additional costs. A job may be a pro or a con depending on the mindset of a new driver.
Jobs also mean more commuting, whether by car or on foot. Students walking near busy campuses sometimes face risks that lead them to seek help from pedestrian accident lawyers. Drivers, on the other hand, may encounter issues like uninsured motorist accidents, which can be financially stressful if the other driver has no coverage.
The Bottom Line
Driving to and from school or college is an important decision. You are making the commitment to make that commute every day that you have classes. Weigh all your options. Pay close attention to your own wants and needs, as well as your financial and physical limitations. Write down what your expenses are, and your income. That way, you know just what you can afford.
When summer is just around the corner, you may see more new drivers on the road. For many new drivers, getting behind the wheel is an exciting and liberating experience, while some people may feel hesitant about getting their license.
While the process for getting a license can be long, it can be a rewarding process for many new drivers. A permit is typically available around the age of 15, and then there is a six-month waiting period before you can obtain a license.
If you do not know how to practice for your license or permit, you can get a driver’s manual book for free at the DMV or practice online for free with various practice tests.
Before you can get your license, you must pass a written knowledge test to obtain a learner’s permit. After holding your permit for at least six months and meeting all requirements, you may be able to take the driving test, which is the part that makes many people really nervous. Once you pass the driving test, you can drive by yourself, but you may still have some restrictions, depending on your age and local laws.
Driving offers freedom, but it can also bring risks. More time on the road means more chances for delays, traffic, and accidents. Students who walk face dangers, too, which is why pedestrian accident lawyers, who also handle other motor vehicle collision cases, are often contacted after serious incidents. For drivers, crashes with uninsured motorists are another problem, and uninsured motorist accident lawyers can explain your options.
If you suffered injuries in a crash, consider consulting with our car accident lawyers at Arash Law. We have years of experience handling a wide range of personal injury cases and assisting clients in seeking compensation for their injuries and losses. Call us at (888) 488-1391 for a free initial consultation.
