No car for college, am I screwed until I graduate?

Question

I'm going into sophomore year in college w/o a car. My parents let me use one of their old minivans every so often that they don't use, but won't let me take it to college because they don't trust me with it. I have enough money to buy a used car from working, but my parents won't allow me to get one while I'm still living with them. Since I cannot afford a permanent place to live and a car at the same time, is there any way out of this situation, or am I stuck until I graduate from college? I can't get a job in college because I DON'T HAVE A CAR TO GET ANYWHERE. I will be living in a college dorm and could buy a car to keep there. But when I come home at the end of the semester, I wouldn't be allowed to come home with a new car, as they wouldn't allow it on their property.

The only place where I can get food on campus is the cafeteria, and the food there is total trash, excluding breakfast. Also, I would like to go off campus to work out, since the campus is located in a very shady area where I could easily get robbed or beat up going out alone. I would need a car to go to a convenience store and to work out away from the college. Also, I would like to have a job as well, and there are none available on campus that pay well at all.

Also, they aren't paying for college. My grandparents are temporarily but after this semester I will need to start paying. I'll probably end up getting a loan of some sorts.

Answer 1

Bottom line - who's paying the bills to keep you in college? You, or the parents? Whoever supports you gets to make the call.

If it's them, I wouldn't say you're screwed, only that you're acting immature. They're working hard to pay for your education, and you're whining because you can't have a car.

The way out of this situation is to study hard, get stellar grades, get a good paying job, and support yourself. Then suddenly you'll learn what it's like to shell out money left, right, up, and down, because once you're paying your own rent, car payment, utilities, insurance, food, clothes, retirement, etc, etc, that's what you'll be doing.

Answer 2

I wouldn't sweat it and if you live in the dorm you're probably better off without one. Just bum rides with friends as they like to show off anyway. Cars are an expensive hassle and there will be plenty of time later for hassles.

Answer 3

sounds like your folks are bell-ends. if your in a dorm. you probably wont need a car. neccesities should be within walking distance. and there should be a party on every floor. be thankful you dont have to buy gas.