Going to college can be an exciting time for any student or parent. You and your family have put much planning into your college education. Some decisions, like whether you will need a car while you're at college, may not be as easy as others. Consider the following helpful advice when deciding whether you will need a car while at school:



Calculate cost to own – Estimate the annual cost of owning a car, including your car payment and insurance, as well as expenses like gas, parking and annual maintenance. Add this into your student budget with your living expenses, tuition, school supplies and any other bills, such as phone and Internet. This will help you understand whether your budget can support the extra expense of having a car on campus.

Consider university logistics – Think about the size and location of your university when deciding whether to have a car while on campus. Some schools do not allow freshman to have cars, so check with your university before you decide. If you attend a small- to medium-size university in an urban setting, it's likely you can walk, ride a bicycle or use public transportation. However, if you attend a larger university in a rural or suburban area, you may need to keep your car to run errands and get to and from campus or your part-time job.

Learn your public transit choices – Find out if the local public transportation system is accessible and convenient. Consult the student affairs department or city hall for information on your public transit choices.

Remember parking costs – Remember to include the cost of parking on campus or at your dorm, as well as consider the availability of parking spots. Will you have to arrive on campus so early to find a parking spot that it would be more efficient to walk or ride your bicycle?

Think about the weather – If your college town experiences seasonal weather like heavy snow, extreme heat or excessive rain, it may be more comfortable for you to have a car. Also, consider the school supplies you will need to carry. If attending art or architecture school, for example, having a car to transport your supplies and projects can be a bonus.

Be responsible – Owning a vehicle while attending college also comes with responsibility you may not have considered, including:

• Fielding requests for rides from your friends and peers

• Maintaining regular oil changes and cosmetic upkeep

• Driving your vehicle home each summer or during other school breaks

Now that you have some helpful points to consider when deciding whether to bring your car to college, all you need to do is make your final decision. Sit down with your parents and weigh your choices to determine if having a vehicle at school outweighs the responsibility of owning it.

If having a car makes the most sense for you, make sure you have comprehensive auto insurance coverage before leaving for school. Look for an online auto insurance quote from a company that offers discount auto insurance, such as Nationwide Insurance.