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Bringing your car to university? Here are some smart tips to prepare, and the pros and cons of having a car on campus.

So, you’ve got your A Level, BTEC, or T Level results back, and some of you are getting ready to go to university – an exciting milestone! With this year’s class achieving outstanding grades, and an estimated 665,000 new students preparing to start university next month, many of you will be taking your cars to a new city for the first time.

But is it worth taking your car with you on your new adventure – and what else do you need to know? Here, we weigh up the pros and cons of bringing a car to university, along with some tips to help you prepare for your next academic chapter.

Should you bring your car with you to uni?

Some of you might be on the fence about bringing your car to a new city. After all, deciding to bring your car to university isn’t just about practicality – it’s about lifestyle, cost, and convenience. Here are some pros and cons to help you:

Pros of having a car at uni

• Having a car gives you more freedom and makes life more convenient – perfect for commuting to lectures or going on shopping trips.
• It gives you greater flexibility, which means you’re not tied to bus or train schedules.
• Moving is made easier: handy for carrying heavy luggage, food shops, or sports equipment.
• There’s a social benefit as it’s great for trips with friends, especially if your uni is outside a big city.

Cons of having a car at uni

• You may come across parking issues as there’s limited or expensive permits on many campuses.
• Fuel, insurance, maintenance, and parking fees may add up quickly.
• Many universities encourage greener transport, such as cycling or using public transport, since cars – especially petrol or diesel ones – contribute to emissions.
• There’s a greater risk of breakdowns, especially if the car is neglected or left unused for long stretches.
• Friends may expect lifts on a regular basis, which could become inconvenient.

5 car prep tips before you go

So, you’ve ultimately decided to bring your car with you to university… great! Now you need to make sure your car is ready so you can save time, money, and stress. Even a little planning goes a long way. Here are 5 tips to help you prepare:

1. Update your insurance and breakdown cover

Whenever your car’s location changes, let your insurance and breakdown providers know so your cover remains valid. Many providers make this process quick and straightforward, giving you peace of mind on the road.

2. Perform a basic car health check

Before the big move or long journey, take these few simple steps to ensure your car is in good condition:

• Check the tread depth and overall condition of your tyres.
• Adjust the tyre pressure if you’re carrying extra luggage as this improves safety and fuel efficiency.
• Top up any oil, coolant, and windscreen washer fluids.
• Consider using a trickle charger for the battery if the car might be unused for long periods.
• Keep a spare key accessible in case you need it.

3. Plan for parking

We’d advise researching parking options in advance. Many university campuses have complex layouts, while some simply aren’t designed with parking in mind. Some areas have limited or costly space, while others may require permits or have restrictions. Decide whether driving is truly practical or if public transport, or cycling and walking, could be a better alternative.

4. Share your location in case of a breakdown

If you ever need roadside assistance, it’s important to give clear directions, especially in areas with multiple parking lots or large campuses. We recommend using the app What3words, as it can help pinpoint your exact location.

5. Avoid unnecessary battery drain

Leaving lights, ignition, or in-car electronics on while stationary is a common cause of flat batteries. To prevent this:

• Don’t leave the car running in idle mode.
• Switch off interior lights and ignition.
• Use external devices such as a phone or portable speaker for entertainment instead of the car’s systems.

Remember, you can buy a brand new or used car right here on Á«»¨Ö±²¥. And you can sell your car, too. We’re here to help you through every step of your car-changing journey.

Other tips for living with your car at uni

Here are some other things to keep in mind about your car throughout the academic year to help you enjoy a hassle-free university life:

1. Beyond tuition and living costs, don’t forget the ongoing expenses of having a car at uni. Set up a realistic monthly budget so you can avoid unnecessary stress during term time.
2. Familiarise yourself with local parking rules and campus policies to avoid fines or towing.
3. Use GPS or campus-specific apps for parking availability, road closures, and real-time traffic updates. Some universities may also provide maps showing which car parks are open or full, so it’s worth asking about this when you arrive.
4. Prepare for those seasonal changes. In the winter, keep de-icer, an ice scraper, and warm clothing handy for early morning lectures. In the summer, check coolant levels and tyre pressures, especially before weekend trips or long drives home.
5. Keep track of MOT, servicing, and tyre rotations to avoid breakdowns during busy weeks – regular checks prevent unexpected delays before lectures, labs, or weekend trips.
6. Identify reliable garages near your accommodation as having a local contact is useful for quick repairs or roadside assistance, especially when living away from home.
7. Make sure your insurance provider knows both your university and home addresses. This ensures you’re fully covered whether your car is on campus or at home during breaks.

Bringing a car to university can be a real lifesaver – as long as it’s properly prepared and fits your campus setup. Keep your insurance up to date, check your car’s health routinely, and get to know the parking rules to make life on campus a complete breeze.

Car change? Á«»¨Ö±²¥!

Looking for a new set of wheels? With Á«»¨Ö±²¥ you can sell your car quickly and for a fair price – as well as find great offers on your next one. Whether you’re looking to buy a car brand new, are after something used or you want to explore car leasing options, Á«»¨Ö±²¥ is your one stop shop for new car deals.

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