Should You Take a Car to College? What to Know Before You Go
Whether a car makes sense depends on your campus location and what it will cost you
Taking a car to college is a practical decision, not an automatic one. A car is useful if your campus is in a rural area, you need to work off-campus, or you have medical appointments that require transportation. It becomes a burden if you are at an urban school with good public transit, live in a dorm with limited parking, or cannot afford the full cost of ownership while paying for school.
The real question is not whether you want a car, but whether the money you spend on it could do more work elsewhere in your budget. A used car, insurance, gas, maintenance, and parking can easily cost $3,000 to $6,000 per year. That is money that could go toward tuition, housing, or reducing student debt.
Key Takeaways
- Rural and suburban campuses often require a car; urban schools with transit systems usually do not.
- Parking fees, insurance for student drivers, and maintenance costs add up quickly and vary widely by school and location.
- Many colleges restrict or prohibit first-year students from bringing cars, so check your school's policy before you buy.
- If you do bring a car, register it in South Carolina and carry proof of insurance at all times.
- Keeping a car on campus requires a parking permit, which you must purchase through your school's transportation office.
Check your college's car policy before you buy
Most colleges have rules about which students can keep cars on campus and where they can park. Many schools do not allow first-year students to have cars at all, or they restrict cars to seniors and juniors. Some schools allow cars but charge a parking permit fee that can run $200 to $600 per year.
Before you buy or bring a car, contact your college's parking office or transportation department and ask: Can first-year students have cars? Is there a waiting list for parking permits? What is the permit fee? What are the parking rules? Some schools have limited parking and may not may provide you a spot even if you pay for a permit.
If your school does not allow cars or has a long waiting list, you may be able to keep a car off-campus in a nearby lot or at a friend's house. This adds cost and inconvenience but keeps your options open if your situation changes.
Register your car in South Carolina and get insurance
If you bring a car to South Carolina, you must register it with the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles within 30 days of moving to the state. You will need your out-of-state title or registration, proof of a passing inspection (if your car is older than four model years), and proof of insurance. Registration costs vary based on the vehicle's age and weight, but typically run $50 to $150 for a used car.
Insurance is not optional. South Carolina law requires you to carry liability insurance on any vehicle you drive. As a student driver, your insurance will likely be more expensive than it would be for an older driver — insurance companies charge higher rates for drivers under 25. Ask your parents whether you can stay on their family policy as a named driver, which is usually cheaper than buying your own policy. If you buy your own policy, get quotes from at least three insurers before you decide.
Keep proof of insurance in your car at all times. You must show it to a police officer if you are stopped, and you need it to register your vehicle.
Calculate the full cost before you commit
A car costs more than the monthly payment or purchase price. Budget for gas, insurance, maintenance, parking, and repairs. Use this breakdown to estimate your actual cost:
- Purchase or monthly payment: Varies widely; a used car might cost $2,000 to $8,000 outright, or $150 to $400 per month if financed.
- Insurance: $100 to $250 per month for a student driver, depending on the car and your driving record.
- Gas: $40 to $100 per month, depending on how much you drive and current fuel prices.
- Parking permit: $200 to $600 per year, paid to your college.
- Maintenance and repairs: Budget $50 to $100 per month for oil changes, tire rotation, and unexpected fixes.
Add these up for a year. If the total is more than you can afford without taking on extra debt or cutting other expenses, a car may not be the right choice right now. Many students find that using campus shuttle services, public transit, or ride-sharing apps costs less and creates less stress.
Get a parking permit through your school
Once you have registered your car and confirmed that your school allows you to have one, you must get a parking permit. Go to your college's parking office or transportation department and ask how to register your vehicle. You will need to provide your license plate number, vehicle identification number (VIN), driver's license, and proof of registration and insurance.
Parking permits are usually issued for one academic year and must be renewed each year. Display your permit on your windshield or dashboard as directed. Parking without a valid permit can result in a ticket, towing, or loss of parking privileges. If you lose your permit, contact the parking office immediately to request a replacement.
Understand what happens if you get a ticket or your car is towed
Parking violations on campus are handled by your college, not by local police. If you park illegally or your permit expires, you may receive a citation with a fine. Fines typically range from $25 to $100 per violation, and they add up quickly if you park in the wrong spot repeatedly.
If your car is towed, you will have to pay a towing fee (usually $150 to $300) plus a daily storage fee to get it back. Your college will notify you of the tow, but you have to act fast — some schools charge storage fees that increase each day your car sits in the lot.
If you receive a parking citation, you can usually contest it through your college's parking appeals process. Read the citation carefully to see what violation you are accused of and whether you have grounds to appeal.
Know your options if you decide not to bring a car
Many students find that they do not need a car on campus. Public transit, campus shuttle services, ride-sharing apps, and carpooling with friends often work better than owning a car, especially at urban schools. If you live on campus and most of your classes are within walking distance, a car may just sit in a parking lot and cost you money.
If you need occasional transportation, you can rent a car for a day or weekend through services like Zipcar or traditional rental companies. This costs less than owning a car if you drive fewer than 5,000 miles per year. You can also ask your college whether it offers a carpool board or ride-sharing program that connects students who are traveling to the same places.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep a car at home and just bring it to campus on weekends?
Yes, but you still need to register it in South Carolina if you keep it there for more than 30 days. If you only bring it for occasional weekends, you can keep it registered in your home state. However, if you are living in South Carolina for school, the state considers you a resident and requires you to register your car there.
What if my college does not have parking available?
Some schools have waiting lists for parking permits. If your school is full, ask whether you can park off-campus in a nearby lot or residential area. You may also be able to keep your car at a friend's house off-campus. Check your school's policies on off-campus parking to make sure you are not violating any rules.
Do I need to tell my insurance company I am taking my car to college?
Yes. Tell your insurance company that you are moving to South Carolina for school and that the car will be parked on or near a college campus. This information affects your rate and your coverage. Some policies have restrictions on where a car can be parked or how far it can be from home.
What if I get into an accident while driving to or from campus?
Your insurance will cover the accident the same way it would anywhere else, as long as you were driving legally and your policy was active. Make sure you have your proof of insurance in the car. If you are at fault, your insurance will pay for the other person's damages up to your liability limit. If the other person is at fault, their insurance should pay for your repairs.
Can I get a refund on my parking permit if I do not use it?
Refund policies vary by school. Some colleges offer prorated refunds if you drop your permit early in the year; others do not refund at all. Check your school's parking office website or call to ask about their refund policy before you buy your permit.