Thinking About Bringing a Car to Campus?

By: Campus Security and Pubic Safety

Cars have certainly become an integral part of our lives, but should they be an integral part of your college student’s life at Gonzaga?  The answer is – it depends.  Many GU families will need to give thought to whether or not to take a car to campus. The decision is certainly a personal one.  Each family will have to consider different factors.  Here are some considerations:

• Recognize that having a car can provide a distraction from studying. Keeping students on campus may help them to stay focused on coursework and become more involved in campus life.  Actively involved students are better students academically.
• Parking can also be an issue at Gonzaga. You most likely will be able to park near your residence hall, but during the daytime parking is very limited near the academic buildings.
• Will your student be comfortable loaning his car to his friends? They will likely ask to borrow it.
• Does your student always want to be the driver when students go somewhere? Are they willing to always be the designated driver?  Will they take that responsibility and liability seriously?
• If your student gets parking tickets on campus, who will be responsible for paying for them?
• Are they prepared for winter driving? Gonzaga can get a fair amount of snow, in addition to ice, in the winter.
• Is your freshman prepared for the costs of having a car at Gonzaga – gas, repairs, registration, insurance, parking permit, not to mention snow tires?
• Will your student be coming home frequently and is it a reasonable drive? It may be more cost effective for a quick drive home than flying.

 

Now here are some alternatives to bringing a car to Gonzaga:

• Gonzaga Student Body Association provides shuttle service on Friday and Saturday evenings to downtown at no charge. You can go downtown to catch a movie, shop or dine out without the hassle of parking. It runs from 6pm until 1am; plenty of time for dinner and a movie.
• Your GU ID card also allows you to ride any Spokane Transit Authority’s bus at no charge. Take Spokane’s public transportation to the local malls or shopping centers.
• Also at GU is the Zipcar program, another alternative to getting around. Zipcar allows you to rent cars at GU at hourly or daily rates. Minimum age is 18 and the cars are located conveniently on campus.

Truth be told, everything on campus is within walking distance. For many incoming Freshmen, leaving the car at home is the right decision.  They save money, have less responsibility, stay focused, and get involved. Gonzaga is doing more and more to make it easier for students to leave their cars at home.