Owning a Car at University
Like a lot of students, I had to decide whether to take my car to university. I do own one, but in the end I left it at home. It wasn’t an easy call, but after weighing up the pros and cons, it turned out to be the right move for me. So here’s what it’s really like being a car owner without actually having the car at uni.
The Initial Temptation
When I first got my car, I honestly couldn’t picture life without it. The independence was amazing. I could go wherever I fancied, no waiting for lifts or buses. So when I thought about leaving it behind at uni, it felt like I was giving something up.
But then I started looking into parking permits, fuel prices and the reality of driving around a busy student city. That’s when I realised it might not be quite as convenient as I thought.
Life Without My Car
At first it felt strange not having my car parked outside. Simple stuff, like doing the food shop, suddenly needed more planning. Instead of throwing everything in the boot, I had to think about what I could actually carry home.
Getting back home for weekends took more effort too. Instead of just jumping in the car, I had to check train times and book ahead. It wasn’t ideal, but it did make me a bit more organised with money and time. I suppose that’s not a bad thing.
Still Paying Insurance
Even though the car’s sat at home, I’m still paying for insurance every month. At first, it annoyed me. Why spend money on something I’m not even using? But then I realised it’s helping me in the long run.
By keeping the policy running, I’m quietly building my no-claims bonus. It doesn’t sound exciting now, but when I graduate and start driving every day, having that built up will make a big difference. I try to think of it as a future investment, even if it stings a bit right now.
The Benefits of Leaving It Behind
As much as I missed having that bit of freedom, there were definite upsides to leaving it. For one thing, I saved loads on parking, fuel, and general running costs. Uni budgets are tight enough without adding car expenses on top.
I also walked a lot more than I used to, which was actually refreshing once I got used to it. Living on campus meant I didn’t really need a car most of the time. And public transport became second nature, not perfect, but it did the job.
The Downsides
Of course, there were moments I wished I’d brought it. When mates planned a last-minute trip out of town, I couldn’t offer to drive. And yes, carrying heavy bags back from the shop in the rain wasn’t fun.
Still, every time I went home for a weekend or during the holidays, driving again felt brilliant. Getting back behind the wheel reminded me why I loved it in the first place.
Final Thoughts
Owning a car at university doesn’t always mean you need to bring it with you. For me, leaving it at home was the best balance. I still had the independence of driving when I went back for breaks, while quietly building up my no-claims bonus in the background.
If you’re in the same situation, think about how much you’d really use your car day to day. Sometimes the hassle just isn’t worth it. You might find, like I did, that life without it at uni is easier than you’d expect, and it sets you up for cheaper insurance later on.
