Introduction
Moving independently allows students room for flexibility and a sense of control in a new environment. However, surviving a city without a car is highly possible, more time-consuming and a challenge that will require task management skills to make it to all your lectures on time. Keep in mind that Orlando FL is ranked number 89 out of 150 on Lawn Starter’s list of the best cities for living without a car. Should I bring my car to UCF
Orlando is a driving city. If you plan on moving around in the most convenient and tension-free commute, then, by all means bringing your car to UCF is advantageous especially, if you are lucky enough to have a vehicle by high school graduation.
Expenses To Consider As A Student With A Car
Having a car is not cheap. You have to be prepared to have money for maintenance. How much will the parking permit cost? Have you calculated car service fees? How about the gas, and how many miles will your commute to campus be? Are you living on or off-campus? What will the car be used for apart from attending lectures? Should I bring my car to UCF?
An unexpected expense is one of friendship. There will be times where you moonlighting as an Uber driver for your friends without pay, but they will call you reliable, and that is an upside. Right? Wrong, not if you always get left with the tab. Gas prices continue to go up!
The largest deciding factor is affordability, apart from accommodation, school fees, study material, and meals. You have to design a budget specifically geared towards the car. If you cannot find a means of acquiring funds in a manner, it will not distract you from your studies. You should probably only see your car during the holidays.
Should I Bring My Car To UCF? Your Car Is Your Responsibility
Privilege comes with responsibility as a driver, you have to consider five groups of people when you are on the road. Those to the right, left, in front, and behind your vehicle, and not forget the pedestrians. You are in charge of not only your safety but the safety of those around you.
Student life comes with many stresses from assignments, exams, etc. Of course, moments of enjoyment and relaxation. In most cases, these events are centred around alcohol.
So, take all the necessary precautions as a responsible licensed driver. Do not drink and drive. You can choose to not drink and assign yourself the title of a designated driver. If you would party as hard as your friends, take the varsity shuttle to the party and order an Uber back to your dorm or off-campus apartment at the end of the night, you do not need your car in this.
Drinking And Driving
This crisis is something relatively common behaviour among students, unfortunately. An article by Abigail Rudolph in NSM Today revealed that according to the UCF Police Department driving under the influence cases have increased by 23% in 2022, Possibly due to the high influx of students on campus. Apart from fines, students found guilty are at risk of being charged with reckless endangerment or murder depending on the severity of their actions.
Today’s average student does more than simply attend classes. It has a part-time job, side hustles on esty, and always working towards building up a portfolio. A car means having the ability to move around without restrictions, it will make life’s chores easier to accomplish. While opening a world of financial opportunities if one seeks them out, such as a part-time job off-campus, maintaining internships. Not forgetting the luxuries of going home during semester breaks when the feeling of homesickness.
Conclusion
When deciding to drive or not to drive during your academic year, it is vital to take note of the following; maintenance costs, the driving conditions in the area you plan to attend, and the most common incidents reported. However, as a first-year, your main priority is getting accustomed to your surroundings, going to new places, and using the resources available to you before committing to private transport.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I register for a parking permit?
To access parking permits, students and employees are directed to the parking portal. The university offers free delivery to the offices.
- Does UCF offer shuttle services?
Yes! Shuttles are available during weekday class sessions excluding weekends. To board the shuttle, every passenger is required to produce a university student ID, Furthermore, shuttle arrivals and departures may be tracked via the varsity mobile app for your convenience.
- Can I take the shuttle to go shopping?
UCF offers a Tuesday grocery shuttle from 10 am – 8 pm every 45 minutes, the shuttle will service 3 designated assembly points and the final departure will be from Publix at 8 pm.