The car has been viewed as a symbol of independence and one of the most common mode of transportation in the U.S. for decades. Students across the U.S. have identified cars as still being important. A survey lists a car as the number one college essential along with having a road trip as one of the top 10 defining college moments [1]. The same survey says that 53% of students would rather have access to a car than their phone. The car is undoubtedly still a part of the college experience but these surveys only emphasize access and not necessarily ownership.
An average of 46.8% of students across the U.S. brought their car with them to campus in 2017 [2]. This means almost half of all students have to find alternative means of transportation. The costs of a car could be pretty expensive for a student. On top of that, cars require insurance, maintenance, and gas. The overall expenses for a vehicle driven 15,000 miles a year, adds up to $8,469, with general maintenance being $913.50 [3]. This is no wonder why young Americans are delaying their first car purchase [4].
In 2014 only 69% of 19-year-olds had a license, compared to 87,3% in 1983 [5]. One reason behind this might be the general shift in attitude towards cars. 56% of Gen Z’s indicated that cars represent nothing more than a mode of transportation [6] compared to other generations who might have viewed it as rite of passage or freedom.
A car represents nothing more than a mode of transportation.
What has not changed is students’ needs to go to football games, city adventures, bar hopping, and hometown trips. To address this need, many students resort to ride sharing with fellow students on campus.
Mijem is an app where students find other students nearby who are interested in ride sharing. Mijem is flexible but we suggest students agree to a pick up location on campus. For drop off locations, students may pick a crowded place such as the mall or busy intersection.
Sources
- https://nypost.com/2018/08/23/surviving-college-is-all-about-cultivating-great-experiences/
- https://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/the-short-list-college/articles/2018-03-06/11-national-universities-where-students-rarely-bring-cars
- https://www.moneyunder30.com/true-cost-of-owning-a-car
- https://www.latimes.com/business/autos/la-fi-hy-millennials-cars-20161223-story.html
- https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2016/01/the-decline-of-the-drivers-license/425169/
- https://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/333113/gen-z-shifts-car-culture-to-mobility-culture.html