Should I let my daughter take her car to college?

Asked by: Mr. Gennaro Johnson MD  |  Last update: March 20, 2025
Score: 4.1/5 (22 votes)

While you might think that owning a car will make life easier for your college student, it could also add stress to both your lives because of the high expense and safety concerns. And while allowing your child to bring a car to school may encourage your dream of regular weekend visits, college is a busy time.

Is it a good idea to bring a car to college?

  • Convenience : Having a car makes it easier to get to class, run errands, and travel off-campus.
  • Flexibility : You can travel home or explore the area without relying on public transport or rides from friends.
  • Time-Saving : A car can save time compared to public transportation, especially if you have a busy schedule.

Should I send my kid to college with a car?

As a rule, most freshman on most campuses are better off without a car. You need to be focused on getting settled in, not on planning your escape.

What percentage of kids have a car in college?

How many college students ship their cars? US surveys indicate that. According to U.S. News & World Report, 48 percent of students have a car on campus.

What not to do when your kid goes to college?

Jump to:
  1. Don't Take Over the Experience.
  2. Don't Track Their Location.
  3. Don't Constantly Call, Text and Reach Out.
  4. Don't Tell Them How Much You Miss Them All the Time.
  5. Don't Bail Them Out at the First Sign of Trouble.
  6. Don't Say, "You've Changed."
  7. Don't Transform Their Room Right Away.

Is Your Kid Heading To College? You Need To Watch This | Mel Robbins

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How to not be sad when your child goes to college?

Sending Your Child Off to College? Here are 4 Coping Strategies You Could Both Use
  1. Know That It's Perfectly Normal and OK to Feel Sad. ...
  2. Keep Calm and Let the Plan Take Hold. ...
  3. Let Them Fly and Remind Them (and Yourself!) ...
  4. Take Time to Focus on Your Self-Care and Your Needs After the Transition.

Does empty nest syndrome go away?

Empty nest syndrome can lead to mental health issues such as depression and anxiety or behaviors like financial risk-taking or substance misuse. It usually lasts about two months but could go on for longer, depending on other factors such as financial stress or health situations.

What is the most common car for college students?

Best New Cars and SUVs for College Students
  • 2024 Toyota Corolla. Starting Price: $23,145 | Rating: 4.4. ...
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  • 2025 Honda HR-V. ...
  • 2025 Mazda3. ...
  • 2024 Subaru Crosstrek. ...
  • 2025 Kia Seltos. ...
  • 2025 Hyundai Kona.

Do most college students own a car?

More than 19.9 million students enrolled in college nationwide in 2018, and about half bring a car with them to school. That's a lot of vehicles—more than 9.3 million—and a lot of responsibility for young adults who may be living away from home for the first time.

Should freshman have cars at college?

Some schools do allow freshmen to have cars on campus, although it's not as common as it is for upperclassmen. Whether or not you should bring a car really depends on a few factors—the specific campus culture, your personal needs, and the parking policies of the college.

Is it okay to go to college without a car?

Many students don't need a car at college, especially if they don't have a reason to leave campus or if home is too far away to drive to over breaks.

How much money do you need to send your kid to college?

Your college savings goal should be $60,400 for a public, in-state college; $95,600 for a public, out-of-state college; and $118,900 for a private college. If these numbers seem daunting, don't worry.

Should you put a car in your kids' name?

If your child lives elsewhere, they should really title the vehicle in their name. If your daughter still lives at home, some of our insurance companies allow vehicles to be titled in your daughter's name and still be on your insurance policy - we would list them as an additional insured on your policy.

Should I let my son take his car to college?

However, campus policies sometimes forbid students from bringing cars to campus, and the hidden costs of ownership — from gas costs to insurance — could quickly stack up. Cars on college campuses may also be exposed to additional risks, such as vandalism, drunk driving and distracted driving.

Can I afford a car as a college student?

While car loans for college students exist, many lenders are wary of lending money to first-time car buyers or those with limited credit history. Still, college student car loans are possible — especially if you have a reliable source of income, good grades or a trusted friend or family member to co-sign for you.

What colleges allow cars?

Here is The Zebra's list of the Top 10 Most Car-Friendly Colleges:
  • California Polytechnic State University. ...
  • Penn State University. ...
  • University of Nebraska-Lincoln. ...
  • University Of Iowa. ...
  • University Of North Carolina at Charlotte. ...
  • James Madison University. ...
  • University Of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. ...
  • Iowa State University.

Is it worth it to get a car in college?

It makes movement easy if and when you need a break: Depending on what you need a break from, whether it's taking someone on a picnic or a date, going to concerts in town, or going to have a dinner with friends; the ability to get out of school anytime you want is an excellent reason to bring your car with you.

What percent of college kids have a car?

Among the 214 National Universities that reported these data to U.S. News in an annual survey, the average percentage of students who brought cars to campus in the 2016-2017 academic year was 46.8 percent. However, there are some colleges where it is extremely uncommon for students to have cars on campus.

What college majors deal with cars?

Automobile/Automotive Engineering is entirely focused on the design, manufacturing, and operation of motorcycles, automobiles, and trucks. Mechanical Engineering will branch out into any mechanical system, making it the broadest degree available in the engineering field.

Is a sedan or SUV better for a college student?

Your college student probably doesn't need a three-row SUV or a pickup truck. Instead, you'll want to choose a smaller model like a subcompact SUV or a sedan. College students do tend to move around a lot.

What should I study in college if I like cars?

If you love working with cars, you have a variety of ways to turn your passion into a career. From mechanics to sales professionals, many jobs let you work closely with cars. One way to achieve this career is by obtaining a degree in automotive technology.

Is a Mustang a good car for a college student?

Motor Trend named the fifth-generation Mustang (2005-2009) to its list of the most underrated sports cars in recent history: “Along with a boost in performance, this Mustang also featured improved ergonomics and higher quality interior materials.” And out of all top 10 cars for college students, the Mustang is ...

What is the average age of empty nesters?

Empty nesters are parents whose children have grown up and moved away. According to the 2020 census, there are 22.5 million empty nesters in the United States. Most people become empty nesters between the ages of 40 and 60.

When your grown child hurts your feelings, psychology?

Practice Self-Compassion. Avoiding self-blame: Remember that everyone makes mistakes and it's okay to feel hurt. Don't blame yourself for your child's actions or words. Developing empathy for your child: Put yourself in their shoes and see if you can empathize with their plight.

What are 3 key characteristics of empty nesters?

What are 3 key characteristics of empty nesters?
  • Grief. Empty nesters can feel a deep sadness and may even begin to experience the five stages of grief.
  • Emptiness. You may feel adrift like a boat without a rudder. Your life can suddenly feel empty.
  • Fear and worry. You might be uncertain and afraid of your life ahead.