Janice Lozano
University students can take advantage of Zipcar's student membership, which offers low-cost rentals and the convenience of having a car on campus without the hassles of car ownership. The membership fee varies depending on the university and its location, with annual fees ranging from $20 to $35. Students can benefit from discounted hourly and daily rates, making it an affordable option for running errands, visiting places for a day, or even getting to that internship for free.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Student Discount | Yes |
| Student Plan | $25/year |
| Application Fee | $25 |
| Subscription Plan | Depends on university and location |
| Stanford Students | $35/year |
| UCLA Students | $20/year |
| Rental Rates | $9.50/hr to $17.50/hr |
| Daily Rentals | $70/day |
| Mileage | 180 miles/day free, $0.58/additional mile |
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What You'll Learn
Student membership fees vary by university and location
Zipcar offers discounted membership and rental rates for students at certain universities. While the company advertises "low weekday rates" and the ability to "get off campus and save with your student discount", the specific rates vary by university and location.
For example, at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (U of I), the student membership fee is $25 per year, although one student reports having paid only $15 per year in 2020. This membership gives students access to Zipcars on and off campus, including in Champaign-Urbana and Chicago. The hourly rental rates for U of I students range from $9.50 to $11 per hour during the week and can be as low as $70 per day.
In contrast, a student from the same university reports that Zipcar rates have increased, with hourly rates now ranging from $13 to $17.50. This student also confirms that the annual membership fee remains at $25 per year for students.
Therefore, while Zipcar does offer student discounts, the specific rates may vary depending on the university and the location of the Zipcar. It is always a good idea to check the current rates and membership options for your specific university and location.
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Zipcar's convenience for students
Zipcar is a convenient option for students who need a car to run errands or visit places without the hassles and costs of car ownership. Students can rent a car through Zipcar at low student rates, with some universities offering memberships for as little as $15/year. The cost of a Zipcar subscription plan varies depending on the area and university, with Stanford students paying $35 per year and UCLA students paying $20 per year.
To sign up for Zipcar, students can search for their university on the website and select the student plan option. They will then be directed to a page with information about the rates for their university, which are usually the same as the rates for the city unless the university is in a remote location. Students can then sign up by providing their name, university email address, mobile number, and account password, as well as a selfie driver's license for identity verification. There is also a $25 application fee to cover record-keeping costs, which is non-refundable even if the application is rejected.
Once approved, students will receive a Zipcard by mail within a week. They can then use the app to locate and unlock their car, with detailed instructions and pictures provided to help them find the pickup spot. Zipcar offers rentals by the hour, with rates starting at $9.50/hour during the week and $10.50-$17.50/hour on weekends. There are also daily rental options, which can be as low as $70/day and include 180 miles for free, with additional miles charged at $0.58/mile.
Zipcar is a convenient and cost-effective option for students who need occasional access to a car but may not be able to afford the costs of owning one. It provides flexibility and ease of use, with cars available on and off-campus, and simplifies transportation for students who can access them at their convenience.
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Application process and requirements
To apply for a Zipcar university student membership, you must meet the following requirements:
Firstly, you should be a currently enrolled student at a university or college that has partnered with Zipcar for this offering. You can check if your university is a partner by visiting the Zipcar website and searching for your school in the "Locations" section. If your university is not listed, you may suggest that they partner with Zipcar by filling out a form on the website.
Secondly, you must be over the minimum age required to drive, which is typically 18 or 21 years old, depending on the country and state where you are applying. You will need to provide a valid driver's license that meets the eligibility requirements for your region. In some cases, an international driver's license may be necessary if you are studying abroad.
The application process usually involves signing up on the Zipcar website or app using your university email address, which often ends with .edu or an equivalent variation. This step helps verify your student status. You will then be asked to select your university or college from a drop-down list. After that, you will need to provide your driver's license information, including the number, expiration date, and issuing state or country.
In some cases, Zipcar may require additional documentation, such as proof of enrollment or a student ID card. They may also ask for your permanent address and contact information, including a phone number. Once you have submitted all the required information, you will typically receive a response within a few days regarding your application status. If approved, you will gain access to Zipcar's fleet of vehicles, which you can reserve and use according to the membership plan's specifics.
It is important to note that while the application process is generally straightforward, the specific requirements and steps may vary slightly depending on your location and university. Therefore, it is always advisable to review the application process and requirements on the Zipcar website or app for your particular region and institution.
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Picking up and returning the car
Zipcar is a car-sharing service that offers low-cost rentals to students in over 500 cities across North America and Europe. Students can rent a car by the minute, hour, or day using the Zipcar app or website.
When picking up your Zipcar, you must collect it from its designated Zipcar parking space. You can access the car's location details in the 'My Trips' section of the app or via your booking confirmation. If your location has multiple Zipcar parking spots, you can return the car to any of the dedicated Zipcar bays.
Before taking possession of the vehicle, you must do an exterior walk-around and an interior look-over. You must also report any traffic violation notices found on the vehicle at the time of pickup.
When returning the Zipcar, you must return it to its home location, ensuring it is secured, clean, with at least a quarter tank of fuel, and in good working order. You can use the gas card provided to fill up the tank if needed. Remember to return the keys, close the glove box, and double-check for any belongings before locking the vehicle via the app or Zipcard.
It is important to return the car on time to avoid late fees and impacting the next member's trip. If you are late, you will be charged for the extra time used, plus a late fee.
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Zipcar's leadership in the car-sharing market
Zipcar is a car-sharing company that operates in over 500 cities and towns across Belgium, Canada, Costa Rica, France, Iceland, Spain, Taiwan, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States. It is headquartered in Boston and has offices in more than 26 American cities and 860,000 members worldwide. The company was founded by two women, Robin Chase and Antje Danielson, who shared a vision of reducing reliance on single-owner cars. Zipcar has since been acquired by car-rental giant Avis for $491 million in 2013, and both founders have left the company.
Additionally, Zipcar's leadership in the car-sharing market can be attributed to its convenience and flexibility. Zipcar offers a wide variety of self-service vehicles that can be rented by the hour or day, making it a convenient option for individuals who need occasional access to a car without the hassles and costs of car ownership. The company's user-friendly platform allows members to quickly select a plan, reserve a car, and unlock it with their Zipcar identification. Zipcar also provides low weekday rates and student discounts, making it an affordable option for university students.
Furthermore, Zipcar's marketing strategies have played a crucial role in its leadership position. The company has successfully attracted a dedicated following of environmentally conscious consumers through creative marketing campaigns. Zipcar's focus on delivering an exceptional member experience and developing proprietary purpose-built technology has also contributed to its success and differentiation from competitors.
In conclusion, Zipcar's leadership in the car-sharing market is a result of its commitment to social responsibility, convenience, and environmental benefits. Through its innovative business model, user-friendly platform, and effective marketing strategies, Zipcar has established itself as a leading car-sharing network, positively impacting individuals, communities, and the environment.
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Frequently asked questions
The cost of Zipcar for students depends on the university and its location. For example, Stanford students pay $35 per year, while UCLA students pay $20 per year. There is also a £25 application fee. Rentals then cost between £9.50 and £17.50 per hour, or £70 per day.
First, search for your university on the Zipcar website. Once you've found it, select the student plan option and enter your details. You'll need to submit the required documents and pay the application fee. Once your membership is accepted, you'll receive a Zipcard in the mail.
You can use the Zipcar app to locate and unlock cars near you. At the end of your trip, you must return the car to its pickup spot and clean it before ending the trip on the app.
