When you go to college, chances are, your classes are going to be spread out among multiple buildings. You will probably be able to walk easily between different locations, but what if you don’t live on campus? Or, what if you have other places away from campus you need to be, like a job in a nearby town?
Having your car on campus can be convenient, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. There’s a reason why most students who attend college choose to leave their cars at home! However, that doesn’t mean you can’t find a way to keep yours on campus.
Here are a few ways that can make keeping your car on campus easier and more convenient.
Get the Lowest Insurance Rate Possible
The logistics of having a car on campus can be a huge challenge, but that isn’t the only challenge you’re going to face. Focusing on your education means not focusing on making a bunch of money until after you graduate, and having a car can be expensive!
Make sure you keep to your vehicle’s maintenance schedule and have a plan for repairs when they pop up, but you should also look for ways to reduce your car insurance costs.
In some cases, it may be as simple as getting good grades and not getting into any accidents, but you can save even more if you’re willing to take additional driving classes. Attending driving school can lower your insurance rates when the courses go above and beyond the normal teen driver’s ed classes.
Learn How to Parallel Park
Driving around on campus can be a challenge, but it doesn’t compare to the challenges that come with parking. In some cases, you may be able to park in a ramp or in a parking lot, but if you want the very best spot, you need to learn how to parallel park.
Most of the best places to park will require you to know this skill. That’s especially the case if you live in a neighborhood surrounding the campus, but you’re also more likely to get closer to your final destination if you know how to parallel park. There are a lot more parallel parking spots open than traditional parking spots because most people don’t learn this important skill!
Increase Your Defensive Driving
You won’t have to worry about finding a place to park if you end up in an accident. Prevent accidents the best you can by increasing your defensive driving.
A few ways to be a better defensive driver include:
- Heighten your senses to those around you.
- Don’t rely on other drivers to make room for your car.
- Avoid aggressive and inattentive drivers on the road.
- Keep a three or four second distance with the car in front of you.
- Don’t speed, especially when you’re on campus.
- Eliminate distractions, like talking on the phone, while you drive.
Find a Good Place to Keep Your Car
Learning how to parallel park is a great way to make sure you have a good place to park when you drive your car, but what are you going to do with your car when you aren’t using it? Most campuses don’t allow you to leave your car in one place. They have to be moved regularly on the street, and metered parking is the norm.
Keeping your car safe and avoiding costly tickets means finding a place to keep your car. The safest option is to find a garage or a parking lot that enables you to keep your car without driving it. Just be prepared to pay a daily, weekly, or monthly fee.
Only Use Your Car When You Have To
Having your car on campus can be convenient, but that doesn’t mean you should use it all the time. In many cases, it’s much more convenient to leave your car right where it is.
For example, while you’re on campus, it’s a lot easier to walk between classes or take the bus, as most campuses have reliable public transportation. It will also save you money on gas and wear and tear on your car.
Instead, save using your car for errands that take you off campus, like going to the grocery store or driving back home for the weekend.
Keeping your car on campus is a challenge, but it isn’t impossible. No matter why you want to keep your vehicle close, follow these tips, and you’ll find it easier and more affordable.
