Are you wondering whether to bring your car to Georgia Tech? Unsure about the year-long or semester-long parking commitments you’ll need to secure before the school year even begins? In this article, we will explore the key benefits and potential drawbacks of having a car on campus. From understanding parking options to managing the associated costs, we have created a comprehensive list to help you make an informed decision.
Read Next: Ultimate Guide to Parking Near Georgia Tech
But before you look into where you might park if you bring a car to campus, let’s take a look at the reasons you may want to (or might not want to) bring a car to campus.
Should I bring my car to Georgia Tech?
Let’s look at the pros and cons of bringing a car to Georgia Tech’s campus.
Pro: Access to the Rest of Atlanta
One pro of bringing a car to campus is the ability to limitlessly explore Atlanta. Atlanta is a hot spot for Southern food, drinks and entertainment, all of which students should explore while living in Midtown. Having a car means having ready to go transportation to any of these spots without the need for long walks or Ubers.
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Con: Limited Parking
A con for many students is the limited availability of parking at many student housing locations, on-campus buildings and in Midtown in general. Parking is limited on campus and can be difficult to find when you venture off campus leading many students to just opt for walking or Ubering to their destination.
Con: Pricey Parking Passes
Going hand in hand with the limited availability for parking is the high prices associated with Midtown parking passes across the board. Both off-campus and on-campus parking passes alike can be very competitive with high prices ranging from $795 per year on-campus to up to $350 per month at off-campus apartments.
Pro: Ability to Live Further Off Campus
If you’ve already decided that living on campus is not for you, you may be looking at apartments and housing further from campus. Some of these may be far enough from your classes and on-campus activities that you need a car to commute to campus.
Read Next: Where to Live If You Do Not Want to Live On Campus
Pro: Transportation Home
If you’re from Georgia or somewhere drivable from GT, having a car on-campus means on-demand transportation home whenever you have a free weekend. No more coordinating with friends or family members to pick you up or spending the long weekend away when you have your car on hand.
Con: Limited Need for Car on Campus
The last con on our list is the limited need for a car on campus. Georgia Tech’s campus is designed to be walkable with minimal parking in front of classroom buildings and a plethora of housing options both on campus and in the surrounding area. The campus features a free on-campus bus system, pedestrian-friendly pathways, numerous bike racks, and easy access to public transportation, making it accessible without a car. If you don’t have a strong reason to bring a car to campus, you don’t really need one to be able to get everywhere you need to go on campus!
Weighing the pros and cons of bringing a car to Georgia Tech is essential for a smooth college experience. For more information on parking options or to explore the best living arrangements near Georgia Tech, read our Ultimate Guide to Georgia Tech Parking in Midtown Atlanta or contact our leasing office today!
