One other thing to think about: How much experience driving does he have?
My son and daughter both had cars starting the spring of their junior years in high school. They both played varsity and club sports. Games and practices were wearing my wife and I out, so we opted to get them their own cars (used of course, but in very good condition). I still controlled the keys to those cars.
CA state laws prohibit new drivers (and under 18 if I remember right) to have passengers that are not siblings; less distractions for new drivers. I still spent a fair amount of time passengering with them when they first got their licenses. By the time they graduated from high school, they were both good drivers.
I would be hesitant about a child going away to college with a car and without a fair amount of time behind the wheel. Becoming a good driver takes time and I’d prefer to have that time when I control the keys.
My DD had some health issues so one of the factors in choosing a college was that it wasn’t so far away that we couldn’t go get her/help her out easily.
She did not have a car on campus until senior year.
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.)
Thanks for the all the feedback. DS has decided to attend Hamilton and we didn’t bother asking about a car. The responses here made us realize that having a car next year was just not a priority right now.