Do you need or use a car in SDSU?

Gumbymom
Sun, 28 May 2017 15:23:38 +0000

My younger son did not take a car Freshman year and we also live 2 hours away. Most of his classmates complained about the parking situation and if she is living in the dorms, the SD trolley and friends with cars are always available. He had no problem finding rides to the Beach if needed.

As an SD student, you can get a discounted trolley pass for the year. There is a trolley station on campus and the Green Line can take you to several shopping centers along the route. SDSU also has several Aztec markets on campus for food and convenience items needed. Since you have to buy a meal plan, I do not expect her to go out and eat much but there are several restaurants around campus if she wants some variety.

My son also took the Amtrak train home for weekends and holidays. He took the Green line trolley to Old Town and caught the Amtrak there and we picked him up at the Fullerton station.

He brought his car down Sophomore year since he moved into an off campus apartment (within walking distance from campus) and only used the car for running errands and grocery shopping. It stayed in the parking garage more than being used. By Junior year, he did have an off campus job which required a car.

Now as a Senior, he still has made a point to find housing nearby (within walking distance) even with having a car, just due to the overcrowded parking and high parking costs.

I would not worry about a car until Sophomore or Junior year, unless she is interested in getting an off-campus job.