The Pros and Cons of Driving a Car as a Student: Is It Really a Good Idea?

Cars have long since become an invaluable part of our lives. We use them to get to work, attend meetings or events, or simply go shopping. However, in recent years, public opinion on cars as the number one vehicle has begun to shift. More and more people have started to realize that they cause more harm than good, and the loudest voices belong to students.

There is no doubt that students have a busy life. They must juggle their academic responsibilities, earn some extra income, and still find a way to unwind. Some of them contact professional services with the words, “Please write my essay online since I have no time for it myself”, in the hopes of freeing their schedule at least a little bit. Cars can be a great helper in this regard, so why are many students against driving them? Let’s discover the answer together.

What Makes Cars a Great Solution for Busy Students

Many children dream of growing old enough to start driving a car, and college students often get to realize this dream. What attracts them most? Here are the most common reasons.

• The prestige of owning an expensive vehicle. Just remember the Twilight saga and what a big deal the expensive cars of the Cullens were to everyone. Everyone stared and everyone wanted them. It’s easy to understand why students feel so drawn to this obvious mark of prestige, especially if they can afford some really cool model. At this age, status plays a big role in creating a feeling of self-confidence and happiness. 

• The ease of getting to different places. The undeniable plus of cars, even the oldest and the ugliest ones, is their ability to take you places. You can cross large distances without changing trains or buses, seated in your comfortable salon surrounded by the warmth and familiar smells. Is it raining? When you have a car, it’s not a problem! You can just hop in and quickly drive yourself to whatever location you need. Even better, you can travel all over the country without having to buy tickets and experiencing the problems of the public transportation system.    

• The comfort of knowing you can get help ASAP. Accidents can happen at any point. What if you get a severe stomachache in the middle of the night or your friend is suddenly going into labor? The ambulance might spend ages trying to get to you. Driving yourself is an immediate solution.  

• The enjoyment of the driving process. Many young people can’t get enough of the feelings that wash over them during the driving process. Everything is still so new and exciting — travelling by car can feel like the most interesting adventure every time.   

Each student can name their own unique reason for enjoying owning a car. Unfortunately, apart from benefits, such an ownership also presupposes significant drawbacks. 

Why Students Reject the Idea of Car Driving More and More Often

Many students are becoming more conscious of the environment and are looking for new ways to preserve their time. That’s why many of them decide against getting a car.

• Great pollution potential. It’s no secret that cars contribute to environmental pollution and global warming. Sure, there are special models that can be considered environmentally friendly, but not many people can afford them, especially students, who are on tight budgets as it is. Those who feel strongly about making an effort to protect the environment might decide to never buy a car at all, issuing a protest against the world that’s being increasingly overwhelmed with vehicles. 

• Too time-consuming. Some students think that the idea of driving a car is overrated. They don’t want to face the overwhelming traffic, staying stuck for hours with nothing to do. There are people who prefer to read or do homework as they travel instead of focusing on the road and road alone. By using public transport, you get a chance to save more of your time by being productive.  

• Chance of an accident. It’s common for students to worry about their road safety. Many of them like to have fun at parties, and it might be difficult to combine drinking with safe driving. Accidents happen, so sometimes it’s better to ride with a friend or catch a cab. 

• Too many expenses. Having a car is similar to having a child. You need to pour a lot of resources into it to keep it functional. It’s great if you have the means to do it, but many students lack the money, so they are forced to save up where they can.

For some students, these drawbacks outweigh all the benefits. But who is right, and who is wrong? 

A Car Dilemma for Students: To Drive or Not to Drive?

Is driving a car worth it? You decide. Consider the pros and cons. Think about your personal needs, as well as the global impact of owning such a vehicle. There is no right or wrong answer here, so just go with the option that will bring you as much comfort as possible, whether it’s of a physical or mental kind. 

Do you need to travel a lot? Is there plenty of distance separating you from your campus? If so, then getting a car might be a good decision. Using it to get where you want will be faster than taking several buses on a daily basis. 

Are you a driver at heart? Then go for it. Life is short, and it won’t hurt to get as much enjoyment out of it as you can. If you’re worried about the environment or any other issues, that’s okay, too. There is always an option of carpooling, where a group of friends takes turns giving a lift to all the members. You can also save up to buy a safer and more environmentally friendly car or find the best public transportation routes. 

Enjoy your life. Make decisions you won’t regret, and if you do get a car, make sure you take proper care of it!