Leaving for college is a big step in a young person’s life, especially if they’re going to a school far from home. It helps to have familiar comforts when beginning this new chapter: a cozy blanket, some family photos and even your own trusted vehicle.
Whether you’re a student or the parent of a young adult starting or returning to college, consider the following benefits of having a car along for the journey.
Why do you need a car in college?
Convenience
The life of a college student is busy, between classes, work and internships, clubs and social activities. Having a car helps you get around without spending the time waiting for a bus or walking where you need to go, especially in inclement weather. And, if you go to a school in a smaller town, taxis or rideshares may be unreliable and not necessarily available where and when you need them.
Safety
While taxis and rideshares are common forms of transportation, complete background checks on drivers may not be guaranteed. Driving yourself avoids taking an added risk, having to find and pay for a cab, take public transportation or walk alone in unfamiliar areas when it’s dark out.
Flexibility
Having your own vehicle provides flexibility and a sense of freedom to go where you want, when you want. If you’re heading home or visiting friends out of town over a weekend or holiday, you can leave on your own time and make any stops you’d like along the way.
Additionally, location doesn’t need to be a factor when determining where to live, work, go out to eat and more—you’re not confined to the radius of campus.
Cost savings
Perhaps you have friends in a neighboring state, or just want to get out of town for a few days. Driving is cheaper than flying or taking a bus. If you choose to ship your car to school, it may cost more up front, but by not paying for frequent taxis and bus or plane tickets, you’ll save money in the long run. A vehicle also offers opportunities to make more money, since your work and internship prospects are opened up beyond campus.
Comfort
Driving can be more comfortable than flying or taking a bus. You aren’t wedged in a small seat between strangers and you can roll the windows down and sing along with your music. Plus, everything you need for the trip is within reach!
Adventure
The flexibility provided by having your own car in college also gives you the ability to explore the area surrounding campus and familiarize yourself with your new town, take road trips to landmarks or visit nearby relatives and friends.
You may be saying to yourself, “But I go to school across the country. I don’t want to drive my car all the way there!” Fortunately, you don’t have to.
Why ship a car to college instead of driving?
College car shipping is a safe, convenient way to get your vehicle to campus. Hiring a professional auto transport company:
- Saves you time
- Saves you money (especially for longer trips when you have to stop for gas, food, lodging, etc.)
- Reduces wear and tear on your vehicle
- Removes the stress of moving and allows you to focus on starting school
- Offers peace of mind to students and parents
Do a lot of college students ship their cars?
According to a survey from U.S. News & World Report in 2016, 48 percent of students have a car on campus. Wayne State University in Michigan reported that 98 percent of students had cars on campus for the 2015-2016 school year. When a majority of colleges and universities implemented remote learning, many students conducted their studies from the comforts of their own homes, so recent statistics are not available.
Already in 2021, Montway has shipped personal vehicles to students in Michigan, Georgia, Missouri, California and other states where large student populations have vehicles on campus. College auto transport is convenient and removes one more thing from a parent’s to-do list.
How much does it cost to ship a car to college?
The price of auto transport can vary greatly as there are many associated cost factors. First is the distance the vehicle will need to be shipped and pickup/delivery locations. Time of year, vehicle type and transport type will also impact the final price. There are many proactive steps you can take to reduce the final shipping cost.
While all of this planning may seem overwhelming, an auto transport broker will work with you to understand your needs and do the heavy lifting to find you the best deal.
Montway Auto Transport ships hundreds of thousands of vehicles across the country every year, including to and from college campuses. To learn more about college car shipping call us at 888-666-8929 or request a free car shipping quote.
See what some of our customers have to say about their experience with back to school car shipping:
“This was my first time having a car shipped for my child at college. They made it very easy, reassured me that the car would get there on time, and the car would make it home in the same condition as it started. Everything worked out great and the driver was punctual and very communicative. Happy with our experience.”
— Molly, Tuscaloosa
“I was so afraid to ship this car figuring it would never get to my grandson, but not only did it get there through Montway, it got there a day early in perfect condition. Don’t worry, just call these people and your car WILL be delivered as promised. No hidden fees. I would certainly use them again. Thank you Montway. :)”
— Wanny
