University Students And Car Ownership: Exploring The Trend

Whether university students have cars or not depends on a variety of factors, including the location of the university, the year of study, and the student's financial situation. In general, students attending school in the South are more likely to have a car (66%), while those in the Northeast are the least likely (40%). In rural areas, most students have cars, whereas in busy cities, very few do. The average percentage of students who brought cars to campus in the 2016-2017 academic year was 46.8%. However, this number varies greatly depending on the university, with some reporting that zero percent of students had cars on campus, while others report numbers as high as 98%.

University students' preferred car brands

Toyota

Toyota is a popular choice among university students, with its Corolla and Prius models frequently appearing on lists of recommended cars for students. The Corolla is known for its practicality, excellent value, and versatility, offering both hatchback and sedan options. The Prius, on the other hand, is a well-known hybrid model that appeals to students looking for an environmentally friendly option. Toyota also offers a range of safety features and high-tech amenities, making it a safe and reliable choice.

Honda

Honda is another favourite car brand among university students, with the Civic, Accord, and CR-V being top picks. The Honda Civic has won multiple awards and is praised for its safety, efficiency, and spacious cabin. The Honda Accord, topping the midsize car rankings, stands out for its sharp design, quality build, and generous features. The CR-V, while facing tough competition, remains a great choice due to its efficiency, passenger and cargo space, and safety technology.

Hyundai

Hyundai, with its Tucson and Santa Cruz models, is a popular choice for university students. The Hyundai Tucson, a winner of the "Best Compact SUV for the Money" and "Best Compact SUV for Families" awards, offers a spacious and comfortable cabin, efficient engine, and available all-wheel drive. The Hyundai Santa Cruz, a compact pickup truck, provides versatile cargo space, comfortable riding, and good safety scores, making it a practical option for students.

Chevrolet

Chevrolet, often known for its affordable options, has the Trax and Camaro models favoured by students. The Trax, a subcompact crossover, offers a spacious and upscale cabin, while the Camaro delivers sporty performance and a stylish design.

Mazda

The Mazda3, available in both sedan and hatchback styles, is a smart, stylish, safe, and spacious option for university students. It offers two powertrain options, with the turbocharged engine providing impressive acceleration. The Mazda3 also stands out for its athletic handling and the availability of all-wheel drive, a rare feature in its class.

Subaru

Subaru, particularly with its Outback and Forester models, is a popular choice among students seeking practicality and safety. The Outback, though on the pricier side, offers ample space, reasonable towing capacity, and an efficient engine. The Forester, with its competitive fuel economy and spacious interior, is ideal for trips to and from campus, earning its place as a finalist for the "Best Compact SUV for the Money" award.

Ford

Ford appeals to university students with its Maverick and Bronco Sport models. The Maverick, a compact pickup truck, offers a low starting price, impressive cargo space, and a standard hybrid powertrain. The Bronco Sport, a more rugged option, provides all-terrain capabilities, great safety ratings, and convenient features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Other Honourable Mentions

Other car brands that are popular among university students include Kia, with its affordable and feature-rich Forte and Soul models, and Nissan, offering models like the Kicks and the Armada. Additionally, luxury brands like Acura, Audi, BMW, and Lexus provide discounts and special programs for college students and graduates, making their vehicles more accessible to this demographic.

Factors Influencing Students' Choices

When selecting a car, university students consider various factors, including safety features, fuel economy, affordability, and technology. Safety is a top priority, with students seeking vehicles that have high safety ratings and advanced driver-assistance technologies. Fuel economy is also crucial, as students aim to balance their desire for a vehicle with the rising costs of fuel. Affordability plays a significant role, with many students opting for used cars and taking advantage of discounts or special programs offered by some car brands. Lastly, technology features such as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity have become essential for students, enhancing their overall driving experience and connectivity.

The cost of owning a car as a student

As a student, owning a car can be a significant financial burden. While having a car offers unparalleled convenience and freedom, it comes with substantial costs and responsibilities. Before making the decision to get a car, it is essential to consider the various expenses involved and whether your student budget can accommodate them.

Initial Purchase Costs

One of the most significant costs associated with car ownership is the initial purchase price of the vehicle. According to recent data, the average transaction price of a new car is around $48,000, while a used car may cost around $25,000. These prices can vary widely depending on the make, model, age, and condition of the car.

Insurance

Insurance is another major expense for car owners, especially for young drivers. In the UK, insurance premiums for drivers under 25 are notably high due to the higher risk associated with younger drivers. In the US, the average cost of full-coverage car insurance is $2,329 per year, but rates can vary based on location, the type of vehicle, driving history, and the insurance company.

Running Costs

In addition to the initial purchase price and insurance, there are ongoing running costs to consider. These include fuel, maintenance, and repairs. With rising fuel prices, many students are feeling the pinch, opting to drive less or struggling to afford gas. Maintenance and repairs can also be costly, with routine maintenance for a 2022 Toyota Camry costing 9.83 cents per mile.

Taxes and Registration

Depending on your location, you may also need to factor in taxes and registration fees. In the US, the national average annual car tax is $1,182, while registration fees vary from state to state, ranging from as little as $23 in Alabama to $316 in Oregon.

Parking Fees

For students living on or near campus, parking fees can be a significant expense. Many colleges charge additional fees for parking on campus, and even then, parking spaces may be limited. This can lead to students having to rent parking spaces off-campus, further adding to the cost of car ownership.

Alternative Options

Before committing to car ownership, it is worth considering alternative options. Public transportation, car-sharing services, and rental cars can provide flexibility without the high costs and responsibilities of ownership. Additionally, walking, cycling, and using public transport are more environmentally friendly options that can significantly reduce your carbon footprint.

In conclusion, while owning a car as a student can offer convenience and freedom, it comes with significant costs. It is essential to carefully consider your budget and whether the benefits of car ownership outweigh the financial burden. Alternative transportation options may provide a more financially feasible and environmentally friendly solution.

The impact of location on student car ownership

The decision to bring a car to university is heavily influenced by location. Students attending universities in busy cities where parking is scarce and fees are high are less likely to bring cars to campus. For instance, at universities like Georgetown University, Johns Hopkins University, Princeton University, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison, zero percent of students had cars on campus during the 2016-2017 academic year. These universities often have strict car policies, with undergraduates prohibited from parking on campus or requiring special circumstances to obtain a permit.

In contrast, students attending universities in more rural or suburban areas are more likely to bring cars to campus. For example, at Detroit's Wayne State University, located in the "Motor City," 98% of students had cars on campus during the same academic year. This is likely due to the more abundant and affordable parking options available in these areas.

Additionally, the availability of alternative transportation options can also impact car ownership among students. Students who attend universities in cities with robust public transportation systems, such as New York City, may find it more convenient and cost-effective to rely on subways, buses, or trains instead of driving. On the other hand, students at universities in areas with limited public transportation may find it necessary to have a car to get around.

Cost of living and the financial situation of students can also play a role. Students attending university in expensive cities may choose to leave their cars at home to avoid the added expense of gas, insurance, and parking fees. For example, students in the UK mentioned that the cost of congestion charges in London was a deterrent to bringing a car to university.

Finally, the distance from the university to the student's permanent residence can influence car ownership. Students who live closer to campus may find it more convenient to walk, bike, or take public transportation, while those who live farther away may rely on their cars to travel to and from university during breaks.

In conclusion, the decision to bring a car to university is influenced by a variety of location-based factors, including parking availability and cost, access to public transportation, cost of living, and distance from permanent residence. These factors can vary significantly depending on whether the university is located in a busy city, a rural area, or somewhere in between.

Dangerous driving behaviours of students

A recent survey by ValuePenguin found that 77% of college students with cars admitted to at least one dangerous driving behaviour. These behaviours ranged from minor activities, such as letting someone else drive their car (57%) or overloading their vehicle with more passengers than there are seats (26%), to seriously dangerous behaviours such as texting while driving (48%) or driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol (9%).

Texting While Driving

A 2022 survey of over 1,000 undergraduate students by ValuePenguin found that 48% of college students text while driving. This is supported by a study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which found that 3,142 people died in 2020 in motor vehicle crashes that involved distracted drivers.

Driving Under the Influence

The same ValuePenguin survey found that 9% of college students admitted to driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol. This is a dangerous behaviour that can result in serious accidents and injuries. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, alcohol is involved in 14% of fatal accidents.

Overloading Vehicles

Overloading a vehicle with more passengers than there are seats is a dangerous behaviour that can increase the risk of accidents and injuries. In the ValuePenguin survey, 26% of college students admitted to doing this.

Speeding

Speeding is a dangerous driving behaviour that can have serious consequences. In the ValuePenguin survey, 18% of college students reported getting a speeding ticket. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, speeding is involved in 22% of fatal accidents, and car insurance rates can increase by up to 72% after a speeding ticket.

Other Dangerous Behaviours

Other dangerous driving behaviours exhibited by college students include running stop signals, blocking intersections, failing to yield the right of way, weaving in and out of traffic, tailgating, and improper passing and lane usage. These behaviours can increase the risk of accidents and put the driver and other people in danger.

The pros and cons of having a car at university

The decision to bring a car to university is a difficult one, with several pros and cons to consider.

Pros

Having a car at university can be a huge advantage. It offers freedom and convenience, allowing students to come and go as they please without relying on friends or public transport. This is especially beneficial for those who want to get off campus, whether that's to go home, to the shops, or to try new restaurants. It also means students can avoid the hassle and potential health risks of crowded buses, and they don't have to worry about lugging groceries back from the store.

Having a car can also be a great comfort, providing a sense of independence and the option to take a drive to clear your head if you're feeling overwhelmed. It can make the holidays easier, too, giving students the flexibility to travel home or elsewhere without relying on others.

Cons

However, there are also drawbacks to having a car at university. One of the biggest issues is the cost. Students have to consider insurance, gas, parking, and maintenance fees, which can quickly add up, especially with today's high gas prices. There's also the risk of accidents, which can be costly.

Parking can be a nightmare on many campuses, with limited spaces, expensive parking passes, and strict rules. Students with cars may also find themselves frequently chauffeuring friends around, which can be tiring and expensive if they don't chip in for gas or parking.

Having a car may also reduce a student's inclination to explore the campus and socialise. Walking or taking public transport can be a great way to hang out with friends and meet new people, and having a car might encourage students to leave campus for the weekends instead of staying and enjoying the full college experience.

In the end, the decision to bring a car to university depends on the individual. It's essential to weigh the pros and cons and consider factors like budget, practicality, and how much the car will be used. For some, having a car provides a sense of freedom and comfort, while for others, it's an unnecessary expense and hassle.

Frequently asked questions