Choose Your Poison

It is helpful to sit down and calculate how far you live from campus and which transportation methods would be the most convenient and (most importantly) cost-effective. Find out how much each mode of transportation would cost you on a weekly and monthly basis. Knowing these numbers will help you learn how to properly budget your funds. If you choose to ride your bike or a motorcycle, the costs will definitely be more affordable.

Take Your Class Schedule Into Consideration

It is a good idea to double check that your preferred mode of transportation will work with your class schedule. This is mainly the case for students that decide to go with public transportation. For example, if you’re taking night classes, find out how late the buses and trains in the area run. The last thing you want is be without a ride home after getting out of your classes at 9:00pm.

Factor In Additional Costs

Having your own car is a great way to get wherever you have to go when you want to go. While this is the most convenient mode of transportation for college students to choose, it also comes with extra costs that aren’t just limited to gas. There are maintenance costs, such as tune ups and oil changes. Students driving back and forth on a daily basis will quickly put a lot of wear and tear on a car so it is important that you budget in expenses related to its upkeep. Don’t forget the cost of parking if you plan on housing your car in the school’s parking garage. Although the parking garage fees tend to be affordable for students, it does add up over time and becomes another transportation related expense.

Scout for Free Parking

Students driving to their classes also have the option of parking their cars in neighborhoods within a walking distance of campus. Not only is this kind of parking convenient, it’s also free. However, students will want to make sure to read all street signs in the area. For example, San Francisco is notorious for its variety of street signs in neighborhoods, which contain information, such as the hours when parking is allowed, street cleaning hours and parking time limits. Some designated parking areas only allow for 2 hour parking, while others are unlimited. Remember, should you get a parking ticket or–even worse–have your car towed for something like parking during street cleaning hours or blocking someone’s driveway, it’ll mean even more money you’ll have to shell out.

Give Yourself Plenty of Time

Whether you plan on driving or catching the bus/train, always allow yourself enough time to get to campus early. Delays, accidents and traffic can easily make you late so choose departure times that’ll get you to campus with at least an hour to spare to find parking or make the next connection, in case you run late.

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