When students are introduced to Augustana, one of the first things that is advertised is the small and walkable campus, meaning they do not need a car. However, unless the student is okay with being stuck on campus the majority of the time, this is not true.
Augie does have an extremely walk-friendly campus, and it is typically easy to get from class to class within 15 minutes, but that is where most of the walkability of the area stops. Although some students walk through the surrounding area to get where they need to go, it is unrealistic to expect all students to do the same.
Outside of the campus, the roads are busy and potentially difficult to navigate for those who are not used to them, meaning the trek could be dangerous.
According to Planetizen, walkability is “the ability to safely walk to services and amenities within a reasonable distance, usually defined as a walk of 30 minutes or less.” By this definition, going off-campus is not a walkable occasion. Most of the places students need to go, such as the grocery store, mall, and many recreational spots, are at least a ten-minute drive or in a different town. If a student does not have a car, that is a long journey to take by foot and it would be understandable for them to not want to.
There are some possible alternatives for students who do not have cars, such as public transportation and Uber or Lyft. However, they are not without their reservations.
Public transportation apps and websites can sometimes be difficult to use, causing people to avoid them. Additionally, there is an extended period of wait time between routes, and although it can be a good way to exercise your patience, it can make what would otherwise be a quick trip inconvenient.
On the other hand, transportation systems like Uber and Lyft can cost a significant amount, and depending on the reasoning for the need for transportation, the price might not be worth it.
Additionally, not having a car on campus might make it difficult to find off-campus work, which is how some students make a significant portion of their money. This would also be how they make the money they need to pay for a transportation system.
Carpooling is another alternative for those who do not have cars. This is much more sustainable than driving solo everywhere and saves gas. However, it relies on being able to depend on others which is not something that works for everyone. It can also be awkward to ask someone else for a ride if they were not originally going to the same place.
For some, having a car on campus is not a necessity, as they might not use it often. There are also costs, such as obtaining a parking pass and having to buy gas. There is also the possibility of car burglary or damage, which is a valid reason to leave your vehicle at home.
For those who have any desire to go off campus, whether that be to go to the store, go home or do anything that is not a school event, having a car can be extremely beneficial. It is not necessary or mandatory to have one, but having access to one, whether it is yours or your friend’s, can make the college experience more enjoyable and less suffocating.
