No Car? No Problem. Scooters Solve All!
If you’re anything like me, your car is your child. It is more than just a mode of transportation or a way to get from point A to point B. It is your faithful companion in all sorts of adventure. It is the way you experience the world beyond the vicinities of your daily life. If you’re anything like me, your car is a big deal.
So, when my parents told me I wouldn’t be able to bring my car for my first college semester at the University of Florida, I was depressed. (…slightly dramatic. But really.)
Although I pleaded to my parents, “but you don’t understand. I’m going to need it!” …they didn’t seem to budge. There was too much preventing bringing Stuart (my fabulous 2005 Silver Toyota Corolla) alongside for my first semester of college.
But it wasn’t long before I realized that maybe Stuart was better off at home. And here’s why:
Scooters Are Everywhere
Gainesville is full of scooters. They are everywhere! I’m not talking Razor scooters, I’m talking motor scooters. Who would’ve thought, right?! (Seriously… I blame Collin and the early NS4L Team)
But yeah, they’re everywhere. Lots of students have scooters to get around campus and Gainesville in general. They’ll save you gas money, time, and give you a piece of mind! You won’t have to rely on the bus system, but rather leave at your own times. They just make your life so convenient!
Parking Is A Mess
There are over 50,000 students, faculty, and staff at UF on any given day. Take a moment. Think about all those cars! Parking at UF is, to say the least, rather difficult, especially as a freshman. The parking decal system is based off the amount of credit hours you have. More credit hours means better parking locations. It can mean the difference parking behind your dorm or parking at the edge of campus in the commuter lot. As a freshman, my credit hours were limited, especially compared to your typical junior or senior. Not only that but even if I was able to find a parking spot, it still meant a lengthy walk to my classes. There is typically no parking right next to classroom buildings… unless you’re riding a scooter.
There is way more convenient scooter parking next to classroom buildings, libraries, the Reitz Union, SW rec, and behind dorms! I’m telling you, the possibilities are endless!
A College Budget is No Joke
I had heard stories about “being college student living on a budget” but I wasn’t fully able to understand until I was there and was that student. It didn’t take me long to realize Stuart would have burned a hole in my pocket with all that gas consumption. Not to mention, having a bunch of “carless friends” who would inevidently ask, “hey, do you think I could have a ride?”
Scooters don’t need that much gas. And by that much, I mean I pump once every 2 weeks. And when I do pump, it’s around $5. They’re very fuel-efficient. A new scooter pays for itself within a year or two, depending on how much you ride it.
Don’t get me wrong. I still miss Stuart. After all, he was my first car! But he’s better off doing his own thing for the time being. I’ll probably bring him later on, but for now…
Sebastian is my new man!
Sebastian is a 2014 Seafoam Buddy 50! 🙂
What?! Stuart has a new friend now. The more the merrier!
Author: Andrea Ramos
Culture Operative / HR / Events Manager / I do a bunch of random stuff to help this team