Will students be permitted to have a car their first year in light of the pandemic?

Renting a car or a van is generally impossible for a younger driver. Someone suggested that upthread.

And yes, pressures to drive can be strong. My kid’s school allowed frosh to have cars. We didn’t allow it - worries about being ask to lend car, drive others (and possibly their alcohol) – too many concerns. It seemed like an unnecessary social complication. He was fine with that.

Since he’s had the car at school, he has liked how flexible it made his trips home. (As a parent, I continue to hate “driving days”. So much to worry about when your kid is on the road all day.)