Should You Bring Your Car to School?


A big decision before heading off to university is whether or not you should bring a car. Your choice will influence factors like where you can live, how you get around, and how much you’ll spend. To make sure you choose right, there are a few things you need to take into consideration.

Do You Need a Car?

A car may make traveling between home and school much easier, especially if you live in off-campus University of Alberta housing. Owning a car may also be necessary if you want an off-campus job or internship.

Can You Afford a Car?

When you evaluate how much it will cost to have a car, be sure to take gas, parking, registration, and repairs all into account. If it’s not strictly necessary to have a car, you will be able to use that saved money for other activities. Even if you need to take public transportation sometimes, this will likely be cheaper than maintaining a car.

Will a Car Be a Help or a Hindrance?

It may seem like having a car could only help you get around, but you need to bear in mind that friends may ask for rides and you may be the designated driver after parties. Think about whether you mind playing this role — or if you are willing to turn friends down.

How Is Public Transportation in the Area?

Research how suitable public transportation is for your needs. Find out if buses run often enough and late enough. Check how easy it will be to get home, to campus, and to anywhere else you need to go.

Could You Benefit from Exercise?

Calculate the longest journey you’ll typically need to make. If it’s not too far to walk, you may benefit from the extra exercise. If the distance is a little too far, it may be possible to bike. Find out about bicycle storage where you want to live and check if the route is safe for cyclists.

If you decide to leave your car behind, you’ll need to find housing close to campus. The Horizon residence is an excellent option: it’s walking distance from the University of Alberta and it has everything you need on site, including laundry, a study area, and a games room. The Horizon is also a great option for students who do want to bring a car, as it offers secure underground parking. In fact, the living standards are much like what you receive from hotels near University of Alberta.

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