A Complete Guide to Student Transportation and Commuting

Some undergraduates take advantage of a campus’s living arrangements. But data shows that about 85% of students commute to campus. It’s possible this number is even higher with the rise of virtual learning offerings born out of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Whether you’re saving money by living at home with your parents or guardians, renting an apartment nearby, or paying a mortgage in a neighboring city, it’s important to consider how you’ll navigate transportation around campus.

The College Board estimates that transportation can account for almost 20% of college living expenses. As such, many students opt to leave their cars at home and find alternative ways to get to and from campus. Here are some of your options.

By carpooling, you can ride to campus with other students, split costs for gas and parking, and socialize as you commute. To set up a carpool, find people who share a similar schedule. Then, clearly discuss how to commute together, touching on health and hygiene preferences since you’ll share close quarters.

A rideshare service can help you find people to carpool with. Rideshare services may be offered through a school, state, or company. Rideshares can help you locate a regular carpool, or you can use popular services such as Uber or Lyft for one-time needs, like a trip to the grocery store.

Many campuses offer their own transportation around campus to help students and faculty easily get around. A campus bus service typically runs a regular route at set times throughout the day. Some campuses even provide a free campus shuttle during evening hours to ensure student and faculty safety.

If a campus is located in or near a city, public transportation can be an affordable way to get to and from campus. Some colleges offer programs in which students can use public transportation for free or at a discounted rate with a student bus pass.

If you live close to campus, your commute could be an opportunity to get some exercise. Walking or biking are common modes of transportation for students living in off-campus housing nearby. For adventure-seekers, rollerblading or skateboarding can be more active options to add a little sport to your commute.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, motor vehicle thefts accounted for 11% of campus crimes in 2018. Just like in any highly concentrated area, you should make a conscious effort to protect your vehicle (and your belongings) from theft, vandalism, or damage.

Remember that keeping your car safe is also about keeping you safe.

Always lock your vehicle’s doors when you’re not in it to avoid car theft or vandalism. You can also protect your personal safety by having your keys ready and examining the car’s surroundings before entering. Keeping the doors locked while inside your vehicle can also keep you safe.

Even if your car is locked, keep anything valuable inside hidden. Avoid leaving your driver’s license, house keys, and other personal items with information about your identity in your car. Stow anything valuable in the trunk and make sure you lock it.

Parking in areas with good lighting where your car will be highly visible can also ward off break-ins. When selecting a spot, consider what time you’ll return to your car (especially if it will be dark). Avoid parking in isolated areas or areas that limit the visibility of your vehicle.

If your apartment or house has a garage, try to secure a space there. Parking in an area where your car is less visible, like a garage, can reduce the likelihood of something bad happening. A garage can also shield your car from the elements.

Some insurance companies may not cover damage to a vehicle (or damage to another vehicle) if the driver is not listed on the policy. If you’d like to help a friend in college without a car, consider giving them a ride instead of lending them your car.

Driving your car more often can maintain its battery life and give you an opportunity to check that nothing has been vandalized. Staying current with oil changes, tire rotations, and other routine maintenance can also prevent breakdowns and reduce the chance of getting stranded somewhere.

College can come with added recreational opportunities and peer pressure. But you should never drive a vehicle when you’ve been drinking or get into a vehicle with a driver who has been drinking. Many colleges offer evening transportation for students, so take advantage of this when needed.