A car is an expensive purchase but it offers many benefits for you as a student. Being a student can be stressful enough without having to rely on family, friends or public transport. If you are at a college that's out of state, it can be invaluable to have a car but even if you study locally, you will still need to commute. Many university campuses sprawl over miles and not everything is within walking distance. If you are going to buy a car, it does need some careful consideration. You may feel that the freedom it will offer you is priceless but you need to be aware of the costs that come with it. The best car for you will be reliable, meet your needs, and suit your budget.
Manage your time
When you have to use public transport to get to college by bus or train, timetables will tend to rule your life. You will have to plan your day around their availability. You can't always rely on public transport to get you to classes on time either. With your own car, you can plan your time more efficiently. It won't take you as long to get to college as public transport makes many stops.
Another way to manage your time and the academic pressure at college is to make use of homework help services. You may find you can't keep up with the deadlines for assignments when you have too many to hand in at the same time. Online assistance from professional writers on EduBirdie can provide the extra support you need when doing homework or other key assignments. You can buy quality paper at an affordable price from this highly reputable online writing service. With help from experts for homework projects, you will keep your grades high and have more time for important tasks like studying for exams.
Enjoy the convenience
Your car doesn't only offer reliability and convenience for going to class and back but also makes your whole life easier. You don't have to think twice about going to the library, attending an event, or doing extramural activities. Even grocery shopping is much easier when you have your own car. You can buy on a weekly rather than on a daily basis when you don't have to walk carrying bags.
Get a job or internship
Not having to depend on others or public transport to get around is a very liberating feeling. You have the opportunity to discover new places, explore, and generally lead a more balanced and fulfilling life.
Whether you go out with friends to a concert or go exploring on your own, you can get away from campus when you really need a break. When you get back you will feel refreshed and ready to tackle your studies again.
You have the benefit of being able to leave a party or any other situation where you feel uncomfortable because things are getting out of hand. You don't have to rely on a fellow student who may have had too much to drink.
If you study late at a friend's place or a library, having your own transport home offers you a sense of security.
If you plan a road trip with friends, you will have more control over the itinerary and your safety when using your own car.
Build your credit score
As a student, you are likely to need to build up your credit score from scratch. Taking out a loan to purchase a car can help you to do this. With consistent payments towards your auto loan, you can build your credit score. Having a good credit history is foundational to making other purchases on credit in the future.
Lower other expenses
A car can be a wise investment if it can help you to lower some of your other costs. If you live in an area with minimal public transport and have to rely on taxis to get to college and back, having your own car can reduce your transportation costs. You can also lower the costs of food, clothing, etc. when you can shop at discount stores even when they aren't in the immediate location.
Costs you need to consider
Buying a car comes with various responsibilities and expenses. The above benefits of having a car have to outweigh the money you put into parking, gas, repairs, and insurance.
The most cost-effective way to buy a car is with money you save. It is possible to buy a good quality used car at a reasonable price.
If you're considering a finance agreement or auto loan, it's important to compare the total repayable amount and interest rates.
A loan from family can come with flexible repayment terms. However, you should have a written agreement in place even when getting a loan from a family member. This ensures both parties fully agree about the terms and prevents future misunderstandings.
Buying a car is only a smart investment if you buy a reliable one that is affordable for you to run. A fuel-efficient car is essential when you're on a student budget.
Check how easy and affordable it is to get parking at your residence or on campus.
A more reliable car will be more expensive but it's worth the price to avoid breakdowns and costly repairs.
You should research typical maintenance costs for the car you want to purchase as these will vary depending on the make and model. There are many online resources you can use to find out more information.
Car insurance costs will affect your overall costs and your level of protection.
Conclusion
Is buying a car as a student a smart investment? It can be if the car is reliable, inexpensive to run, and suits your budget. You will need to do the necessary research to ensure you make an informed decision. Buying a car can offer you many benefits such as saving time, offering convenience, and giving you more independence. It can even save on certain costs. It is also easier to take on a part-time job or do an internship when you can use your own car for transport.
Author's Bio
Olivia Tayllors writes blogs on student life, economics, finance, education, and travel. Besides being a good blogger, she's a well-known academic writer known for her never-say-die attitude. That's because of her ability to make highly complex research papers and essays look easy. She considers her writing job as more of a fun activity than a way of employment.
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