NIL Bill marked a new era for college sports recruitment

At the time, there was a great deal of debate over whether college athletes should have the ability to earn money off their name whilst they were still in school and it’s fair the say the decision caused much controversy. 

People thought that schools would actively “buy” recruits and use the promise of NIL cash streams if those recruits committed to a certain school. 

Most agree that players who earn revenue for themselves whilst studying are a great step forward for college sports. There were fears that NIL would interfere with the recruiting process, which would turn athletics into a needlessly complicated landscape that didn’t allow diversity. 

Three years on from the NIL Bill there’s still confusion

Three years have passed since the NIL Bill and it’s most definitely improved college sports – there’s no denying that the money has made a vast difference. However, there are a few small concerns that fans of the NCAA, coaches, and sponsors haven’t got much of an idea of where to draw the line. 

For instance, the needs to be some kind of limit on how coaches use the NIL to gain influence over school recruits. It needs to be an integral part of college sports, as it generates a lot of revenue, but there has been a slight downturn in loyalty to certain schools – and led to parity in some sports. Therefore it’s been suggested that college programs shouldn’t have any influence to encourage players to seek out NIL money in the recruitment process.

Some states have benefitted greatly – the likes of Georgia, Oklahoma, and Texas have done immensely well. Smaller colleges have been impacted, though – as some recruits would much rather work with a giant of sport than invest their time into a smaller team that may not do as well.

NIL is a positive thing in general 

In short, NIL is a net positive for college athletics, as it allows athletes to earn money for the hard work they put into each season. Here are just a few of the reasons why NIL is, in general, for the greater good of college sports. 

Firstly, it’s resulted in a much wider spectrum of athletes making money, in a variety of different sports and not just the higher revenue ones. One of the most important aspects of this has been the number of female college athletes who are now benefitting, and not being left trailing behind. 

Next, the NIL Bill has ended much of the confusion – and questioning about where athletes are getting their money from as there’s greater transparency across the board. Coupled with this is the bonus of encouraging athletes to be more cautious about their finances – and develop a greater awareness of economic literacy that will stand them in good stead as they make their way into the world of professional sports – and beyond. There are also humbling stories of athletes who have used their money and influence for great, altruistic purposes too – and used their star power to make a difference, whether that’s paying their own family members back for the time and money they invested, or spending time with other youngsters who are considering moving into pro sports.

SEE ALSO: What Are the Most Competitive Companies to Apply for in 2024?

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Have a Separate Study Area

It’s super important to have a special area to study, rather than ‘hot desking’ round the house if at all possible. This is one of the best ways to stay focused when you’re studying from home. Even if it’s a simple space with a desk and chair and your equipment. It needs to be somewhere that provides a small space to sit and concentrate – and ultimately, when your study day is done, walk away from it until the next time you need to write an essay or revise. 

Keep a Study Routine

Set a proper routine for studying and stick to it. That way, you know what you need to do, and when it needs to be done. This also means you can plan other fun things into your schedule to give yourself a break and crucially, something to look forward to after all your hard work. It’s remarkable how much you can get done if you plan carefully and offer yourself a reward afterward. It’ll also keep you focused and motivated too. 

Find the Right Time for You

Not everyone wants to study at the same time and we each have our own good and bad times for work (even if we can’t plan our lectures that way!). When you’re studying from home if you find it’s better to start early in the day, do that – likewise, if you’re a night owl and find work more productive as the evening draws on, then that’s how you should work. Remember, there’s no right or wrong way, so long as you’re not pulling all-nighters because you’ve left it too late to revise! 

Focus on One Topic at a Time

It can be tempting – especially when you’re working online, to flip-flop from topic to topic (especially if you have a butterfly brain), but wherever possible stick to one subject at a time and make a study plan so that you know how much you have to do and what you need to cover. It stops you from overwhelming yourself with too much information all at once. 

Factor in Physical Exercise

It’s crucial to factor in physical activity during home study days and sessions to keep you relaxed and provide clarity and focus. Even if it’s just some simple stretches and exercises at your desk – they can make a difference in how you feel and reduce tension and anxiety. It’s even better if you can step away from the desk and get out into the fresh air for a walk, but if you can’t then these desk exercises are a great way to loosen up and reduce neck and back tension. 

SEE ALSO: What to Invest in for Your Kids as a Parent in College

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General Contractor

Construction workers are an important part of every community since they provide services that are essential to the safety, health, and wellbeing of people. But to make everything go smoothly during the building process, a general contractor should be onsite to oversee the quality of work on a construction project. A general contractor is the person who’s responsible for monitoring the day to day activities in the construction site, client negotiations, providing the materials and equipment for the project, and hiring the workers and subcontractors, among others. They also act as the bridge of communication between the project developer and workers. 

General contractors are required to have a degree in engineering, construction management, or construction science. They should also have exceptional leadership, organization, communication, interpersonal, problem solving, and time management skills. Since their work means having to be present at construction sites, being physically fit is a must. Contractors are recommended to live a healthy lifestyle and do regular workouts to prevent work related injuries. Doing so can inspire construction workers to do the same so they can enjoy working for many years. As for the salary, it is estimated that as of June 2024, general contractors in the US earn about $46 per hour.  

Construction Surveyor

Ideally, all buildings should be safe and free from structural flaws since they’re meant to be used as residences or commercial spaces for many years. Hiring skilled workers and using quality materials can make a difference during the initial construction process of a building, but after a few years, that building will need to be inspected to see if it needs to be reinforced or repaired. A construction surveyor’s skills will be invaluable at this time since they know how to properly assess a building’s structural integrity. They can also advise developers and contractors on the necessary repairs and maintenance, and recommend options to restore buildings with historic significance. 

If you’re thinking about having a career as a construction surveyor, you’ll be required to have a degree in architecture or engineering technology, or a diploma in building or construction surveying. Once you’ve achieved your degree and get some experience on the field, you’ll find that this can be a fulfilling career since construction surveyors earn around $74,700 annually. 

Interior Designer

Do you love creating beautiful spaces? If yes, then you may want to consider a career as an interior designer. This role will require you to make safe, aesthetically pleasing, and functional spaces by selecting the right decorative elements, lighting, colors, and materials for a residence, office space, or retail shop. You’ll also need to coordinate with your client and recommend furniture and art purchases while working with their budget. 

An interior designer should be creative, have good attention to detail, and have great organizational, problem solving, and time management skills. Interior designers are required to have a bachelor’s or associate degree in interior design, but architecture students can also transition into this field. As of this year, it is estimated that interior designers earn around $64,000 annually.

Town Planner

Got lots of design ideas for your town or city? Do you always think about how you can make your city a better place? Perhaps being a town planner may be in the cards for you. Town planners work with government officials and land developers so that the needs of the community will be met without causing harm to the land and the environment. They’re experts in assessing proposed projects to see if they have the potential to contribute to the growth of the city, and they make suggestions on how to improve these projects. They also do research on the needs of their city, so they’ll be the ones to tell council members if their area needs more parks or playgrounds, commercial buildings, parking spots, or additional green spaces. 

Town planners should have excellent leadership and strategic skills. They should also be creative and have good written and verbal communication skills. Town planners are required to have a degree in urban planning or architecture, as well as a master’s degree in the former. A town planner typically earns around $78,000 per year, but the salary can be influenced by several factors, including location, education, training, and work experience. 

Graduates should consider pursuing a career in construction or architecture to have a future-proof job. Consider your interests before choosing a career in these fields to have a rewarding work experience, and seek advice from mentors or career advisers if you need more information about these jobs.  

SEE ALSO: Top Online Schools for Pharmacy Technician Degrees

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Some of these trends are highly wearable and can be easily incorporated into your existing college wardrobe. To revamp your look, consider elevating your style with these 90s fashion trends that are making a comeback. 

90s Necklaces

Costume jewelry is back in a big way, and Gen Z fashionistas are sporting 90s necklaces at the moment. Wearing a necklace is an easy, low-commitment way to enhance an outfit, and you can swap it out whenever you feel like it. Some of the necklace trends that are making a comeback include the dog tag necklace. Back in the 90s, celebrities sported gold or jewel-encrusted dog tags from fashion houses like Dolce & Gabbana and Chanel. However, you can definitely get plain metal tags or tags with stamped letters or characters from accessory shops if you want something a little more understated and affordable. 

Another trendy item is the black tattoo choker necklace. This accessory can give a goth-lite vibe to any outfit, though it’s best worn with an all-black ensemble. Try it with a black off the shoulder top, black jeans or trousers, and black boots. Want something a little less goth? Consider wearing a leather cord choker with a tiny heart pendant. This type of necklace looks best when worn with a form-fitting top and jeans, or a tank dress. 

Knee Socks

The coquette aesthetic may be a recent development, but one particular element of this look was also widely used during the 90s. Knee socks, known by many Millennials and Gen-Xers as a Cher Horowitz staple, are back in style once more. Not only are they a great way to keep your legs warm, but they also bring a feminine touch to coquette or 90s outfits. Wear black or white knee socks with a plaid or plain skirt and a fuzzy cropped sweater or a tank top under a jean jacket, then add chunky platforms or mary janes to finish the look.  

For a modern and sophisticated look, try wearing a belted mini blazer dress with over the knee socks and chunky oxfords. Meanwhile, if you love the look of grunge, wear your knee socks with denim shorts, a logo tee, and a plaid shirt over it. Finish the look with a pair of combat boots, and lots of eyeliner.

Slip Dress

Is there anything that’s more 90s than a slip dress? Rachel, Monica, and Phoebe all wore slip dresses in “Friends,” and it was also the off-duty uniform of choice by many top models of that era. To make a slip dress appropriate for attending classes, wear a white fitted shirt under it and accessorize with classic white sneakers and a mini backpack. If you want to go all out 90s with this look, twist your hair and style it into a messy bun before securing it with a large claw clip. You can also wear a slip dress with an oversized hoodie over it for a more casual and relaxed look. Complete your outfit with a baseball cap or a beanie, and chunky sneakers. 

For a more polished and put-together outfit, try wearing an oversized blazer over your slip dress and accessorize with pointed flats and a structured bag. On cold days, wear a fitted turtleneck top under your slip dress, then top off your outfit with a long coat. Add over the knee boots and a leather bucket bag for a sophisticated touch. 

Some of the best style staples of the 90s have made a comeback, and they’re the perfect pieces to jazz up your college wardrobe. Add these 90s must-haves to your closet, and have fun switching up your look with these fun fashion items. 

SEE ALSO: Navigating Student Activism: Health and Safety First

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Selecting an Internship that Aligns with Your Strength and Interests

Lori Depace, Program Manager at Publicis Health, has shared specific tips for those wishing to land their dream internship, and the first thing mentioned is to spend time discovering your passions—don’t just apply to an agency because it’s successful or to simply add the internship to your resume. Talk to your professors and ask them for suggestions. They know you best and can suggest areas where you could really shine, not just during your internship but also in the future. 

Write a Resume That Stands Out

Top media companies receive thousands of applications. This means that if your resume looks just like most documents they will be viewing, it will most likely get passed over. Don’t worry if you don’t have too much professional experience; no company will be expecting you to have completed work experience anywhere else. Aim to stand out in two ways: by showing how you are involved in extracurricular activities, and by including samples of applicable projects you’ve worked on in class or another company. For instance, if you are interested in brand strategy and identity and you’ve created an RFP that is well-articulated, clearly drafted, and detailed, enclose it. Doing so demonstrates that you are willing to do research and that you know how to summarize and clearly articulate complex ideas. Ensure your project includes case studies, creative references, and market data showing you know how to reach customers.

Start Networking Now

Don’t wait until you’re already working to build your network. Attend business events, exhibitions, and workshops. You never know who you might meet there. If you do come across influential figures in your sectors, request their business card and send them previous work. One of the biggest stumbling blocks to success as an intern is the fear of rejection. Don’t limit yourself to in-person events. Join professional associations and use social media platforms like LinkedIn to connect with professionals in your sector. Consider volunteering for industry-related events, focusing on genuine interests and demonstrating a sincere desire to do your share for your community. 

Choose the Right Setting for Your Video Interview

Most top companies conduct video interviews to speed up the process. Acing this part of your application is vital, as it will give HR the first chance to see how you communicate. First, ensure you are filming in a quiet spot with a plain background and test all the technology you will be using (apps, microphone, lighting, etc) before the big day. At the interview, make sure you use professional but friendly verbal and non-verbal language. Ensure your shoulders are relaxed, sit up straight but not rigidly, place your arms to the side, and look at the camera in a friendly manner. Use your hands for emphasis but avoid overusing them. When you do use them, keep them at chest level to avoid blocking the view of your face. Bear in mind that subtle facial expressions can be difficult to understand on video. Smile with a full grin and nod to indicate that you understand. Keep your eyes focused on the camera so you look interested throughout the interview. Finally, dress in professional attire without looking overly formal.

Internships are an excellent way to get your foot in the door of one of the top media firms in the nation or abroad. Grab the recruiters’ attention by sending a professional-looking resume that shows what you are capable of. Ace the video interview stage by being friendly and relaxed, and by showing your interest in spending time in their company.

SEE ALSO: How to Write an Internship Resume That Will Get You Hired

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According to a 2023 survey by the World Economic Forum, 87% of executives say they are experiencing skills gaps in the workforce or expect them within a few years, underscoring the need for such educational requirements. Additionally, 85% of the jobs that will exist in 2030 haven’t been invented yet, highlighting the necessity for digital literacy. As well as giving students and graduates the tools to keep pace with digital media, a more in-depth technological education gives students and graduates in the workplace the necessary tools to improve their skills in online research, virtual communication and paperless organization. By incorporating digital literacy into educational programs, graduates become productive and capable digital citizens.

Improved Time Management and Self-Efficacy

Whether students are completing a full-time degree course on campus or juggling online studies with work, good time management and organizational skills are vital for keeping up with a heavy academic workload and meeting strict assignment deadlines. Studies have shown that digital competence correlates with improved time-management and self-efficacy in students as they are able to maximize the potential of online tools and techniques to address potential issues and reduce stress.  Their digital literacy skills honed in organizing projects, allocating resources and efficiently managing their time will also be useful after graduation. Knowing how to choose and access the best software tools as part of a digital transformation strategy can help graduates to maximize the potential of project portfolio management and other centralized tools in order support their achievements in the competitive work market. 

Clear and Effective Online Communication

Communication is an essential life skill but with so many digital channels for the exchange of information, students now need to be able to convey ideas clearly using technology. Whether they are attending online tutorials, recording video presentations or simply emailing their tutor for an essay extension, students need to be familiar with a range of media and communication channels. These skills will serve them well after graduation where competent digital skills are often necessary for collaborating on team projects in a digital environment. Projects and presentations often require the ability to access, edit and add to shared documents and the clear and prompt exchange of ideas and information is essential in order to avoid compromising the successful delivery of high quality assignments in a timely fashion.  

Critical Evaluation of Artificial Intelligence 

Critical thinking has always been an essential component of further study but now with an increase in the generation of artificially created content, it is even more important for graduates to be able to evaluate the reliability and authenticity of online communication, information and resources. With the ethical implications prompted by AI, students need to learn to become discerning consumers of digital content. At the same time, AI offers valuable tools to students and graduates that can help them with time-consuming data analysis and the generation of text, images and even software to enhance their research, university assignments and work projects. However, these tools require a high level of digital literacy in order to devise the most effective prompts for AI  that will maximize the value of the responses. 

Digital literacy is now so important for students and graduates that a number of universities and colleges include it as a compulsory element of a degree. Digital tools from a simple email to advanced artificial intelligence AI can enhance communication, critical thinking and time management, skills which not only facilitate learning as a student but also prepare graduates for working in increasingly digital environments. 

SEE ALSO: From Classroom to Career: How College Students Can Find and Leverage Mentor Relationships

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California: Fast-Growth Tech Cities

Tech hubs across California like San Francisco, San Jose, and Silicon Valley (the tech capital of the state) are reported to offer strong job security as careers in AI become the new normal. For example, roles in data analysis, machine learning, and cybersecurity are expected to grow by 30% within the next five years. 162,000 jobs are also expected to open in Sacramento within the next decade — that’s a growth rate of 16%. Even better, most of these positions pay at least $50,000. Computer information and research scientists, for example, are in particularly high demand. 220 jobs are expected in this sector by 2030 in Sacramento, up from 150 in 2020, with an average annual salary of $154,259. 

Arizona: Job Growth Expected Across All Sectors

Industries like manufacturing, construction, technology, and healthcare are big in Arizona, which gives the state an edge over others that focus on just one industry alone. When a state hyper-specializes in one industry, jobs are typically more prone to AI replacement. Phoenix has been crowned the most AI-proof city in the U.S for this very reason. It’s home to varied careers and specialized jobs that can’t easily be automated like surgeons and heavy equipment operators. Arizona is therefore one of the states less vulnerable to AI transformation, and is worth relocating to for better job security. 

A new report by the Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity further predicts solid job growth in all fifteen counties within the state and across all sectors (minus government), so moving here for a sustainable career is a fairly safe bet. “Arizona employment is projected to increase from 3,030,216 jobs in 2020 to 3,751,905 jobs in 2030”, the report reveals. That’s a job growth rate three times higher than the country’s projected growth rate for this period.

Texas: Sustainable Careers in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex

The Lone Star state of Texas can also offer good job security and robot-proof careers. In particular, Dallas-Fort Worth in the northern part of the state had the second-highest number of new job openings (154,000) out of all metroplexes in the country in 2023, second to only New York City. And economists predict these promising numbers will continue into the future. By 2040, Dallas is expected to have 789,752 more job positions, an increase of almost 80%, while Fort Worth will have 390,961 more, an impressive 85% increase. 

Technology, defense and security, and financial services are the biggest industries in Dallas, while manufacturing, oil and gas, aviation, and aerospace are booming in Fort Worth. The metroplex is also a leading area for startups. This means there’ll be more open positions in technology as well.  

AI-proof states can help set you up for a sustainable career. California, Arizona, and Texas are some of the best areas most likely to offer secure jobs that won’t be replaced by robots any time soon. 

SEE ALSO: Building a Resilient Career Path: Strategies for College Students Facing an Uncertain Job Market

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Most in-campus dorms have access to protective services from the school, but this doesn’t guarantee total protection against crimes. According to recent data, dorm burglaries are the top college dorm security threat, making up 70 percent of all dorm crimes. Other common crimes that can threaten your safety include sexual harassment and vehicular theft. Protecting yourself and your property should always be a priority, and the way you equip your dorm room may help to keep you safe from crimes. Consider adding these items to your dorm room to enhance your safety and wellbeing on campus. 

Lockable Underbed Storage

The space under your bed is the perfect place to keep some of your belongings, and having them out of the way can prevent clutter and make your dorm room a pleasant place to be. This area can also be a good hiding place for valuables or anything with a sentimental value, but don’t just chuck your items under the bed. Instead, invest in lockable underbed storage containers to deter thieves and keep your belongings safe. There are two types to choose from– one with an actual padlock, and one with a keypad so it’s more like a safe than a container. Whatever you choose, pick one in a dark color so it isn’t noticeable, and check if you can lock it to your bed frame for added security. 

Natural Elements to Protect Mental Wellbeing

College life can be stressful–even more so when you add preventing crimes on top of all your priorities. Although protecting yourself and your valuables is important, you’ll also need to care for your mental wellbeing to have a positive campus experience. One way to do so is by adding natural elements to your dorm room. Biophilic design, which encourages incorporating natural elements into one’s interiors, is proven to relieve mental fatigue, reduce stress, and improve mood. To bring the outdoors in, think about decorating your space in light, neutral tones like beige and white, then add some soothing blues and greens for color. Next, add accessories made from natural materials, such as a sisal rug, a rattan ottoman, a wicker wastebasket, and a small wooden bowl filled with pine cones or sea shells. 

Don’t forget to have some live plants in your dorm room. If you have the space for it, place one medium sized potted plant, such as a ficus, ZZ plant, Monstera Deliciosa, or a Banyan fig in the corner of your room. But if you have limited space, consider adding one to two hanging plants in your room. Pothos, spider plants, or philodendron are perfect for dorm rooms since they’re low maintenance. 

Install a Video Doorbell

Using tech or smart devices can keep you safe from intruders while living in your dorm. While installing a security camera in your dorm room may cause issues with your roommate or RA, having a video doorbell may be a good solution that won’t raise any eyebrows. This device allows you to see who’s out there in the hall, and you can talk to someone without having to open your door. Also, you can use an app for remote monitoring to see if someone is trying to break into your dorm room. 

Remain Vigilant In College For Safety

On campus, especially at a small institution where many of the faces are recognisable, it’s easy to feel at ease. Nonetheless, it’s still critical to pay attention to your surroundings and the people in them. This encompasses those who might not appear to fit into the everyday environment. Tell your kids to be on the lookout for strangers and to never give up, especially if they want to enter a dorm but don’t have the key or the entrance code.

Your dorm room is your home away from home, and having peace of mind is essential to have a positive experience in college. Consider these ideas to create a safe and secure sanctuary on campus.

SEE ALSO: Protecting Yourself and Your Property While Living in a Dorm

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Historical Travel Expands

The 19th century saw a larger market take to the seas, with wealthy young women and older professional men going on shorter continental tours. Today, travel is much more egalitarian and widespread, but when it comes to historical travel, the idea of being face-to-face with history is still very much a driving force. Unlike the case in earlier centuries, today, educational travel does not always involve overseas (or on the seas) travel. For instance, it is typical for British historiographers to visit UK sites in cities like Edinburgh and Glasgow (in Scotland), Liverpool and Manchester (in the North of England), and London and the South. While members of the general population often choose sites like Liverpool owing to its association with bands like The Beatles, those with a penchant for history are attracted by sites such as the Western Approaches Museum and the former WWII bunker complex. The latter is home to underground telecommunications and mapping rooms… Manchester, meanwhile, contains gems such as Dunham Massey—a 17th-century country house that is one of the finest exponents of Georgian architecture. 

From the Word of Historiographers

The excellent blog The Question, written by West Virginia University academics, seeks to answer sometimes difficult questions, and one of the questions they have addressed with great eloquence, is the reason why students of history can benefit from travel. Rather than providing one answer, different historiographers were called upon to answer this question and the results were varied and riveting. Historian Luke Gramith, for instance, wrote of the big impact that visiting the Italian port city of Triste had had on him. Upon viewing the city from the summit of a hill, he realized the extent to which he needed to account for the importance of space in understanding people’s past actions. The places where people live can inspire a host of emotions that give rise to specific behaviors such as seeking political change or honing one’s national identity. He expresses that some historians write as though space is irrelevant when in fact, “people act within particular spaces, not irrespective of them.”

Examining Materials in the Flesh

Not all information that historians need is online. Europe and other continents are filled with archives and libraries that historians often need to consult in person for their theses and other key documents. It also leads to the discovery of new documents whose existence students may not have been aware of. Part of the study of history involves utilizing one’s imagination to ask new questions and find documents and artifacts that help answer these questions… and both imagination and evidence are much easier to come by when you are in the locations you are studying.

Passing the Knowledge

Travel is additionally a key way of sharing one’s research findings, telling the story of a particular place and its people, and discussing ideas with other historians. Academics frequently attend conferences, workshops, and discussions about their subjects of interest, and often, these events occur interstate or abroad. These discussions often spark new project and thesis ideas or lead to further travel in search of answers. As such, travel is a way for academics not only to learn but also to share the findings they have made.

Contemporary historians prioritize travel as part of their education, much as scholars from past centuries used to. Travel is a way to discover an area’s spatial characteristics and to understand its people’s motivation to a deeper extent. It also enables historians to access key materials and to share their findings with other academics.

SEE ALSO: Beyond the Books: The Practical Benefits of Property Schools for College

The post From Lecture Halls to Stonehenge: Enriching Your History Studies with Real-World Exploration appeared first on College News.

College Drivers’ Motivation

Studies indicate that there are six factors that sway college students to drive their own vehicles to campus. These include the physical environment (the availability or not of adequate transport), psychological factors (the sheer enjoyment of driving a car), spatial characteristics (the frequency of trips and time/distance covered), personal attributes (status, gender, age), and mode-specific factors (including convenience). It is easy to see how driving a vehicle can be the top choice for an individual depending on the weight of one or more of these factors in their lives. As such, there is no clear-cut answer on whether having a vehicle is the right choice.

The Sustainability Factor

Student travel generates relatively high emissions at 115,389 metric tons of carbon dioxide in a given year. Driving daily to campus if you live at a non-walking distance from your campus can add to the amount of greenhouse emissions, though there are alternatives, including electric and hybrid cars. Studies show that electric cars like Teslas (which, incidentally, are students’ top pick when it comes to their “dream car”) emit over three times less than fuel-running cars. Of course, you don’t need Tesla money to make a big difference. Well rated hybrid cars from brands such as Honda, Ford, and Toyota are more accessible yet can average a tailpipe CO2 reduction of around 30%. These reductions are substantial, and the more students opt for electric or hybrid vehicles, the more significant the total impact of going electric can be.

Traveling Off-Campus

Around 21.5% of first-year college students reside in states other than their own, indicating that many can decide to drive to college and back home for breaks and the holidays. Having a car additionally allows students to take road trips during longer breaks. A study by Zipcar indicates that 25% of college students enjoy taking road trips with friends as a means of enjoying life-changing experiences. And nearly 30% feel that not having access to a car to visit family and friends is a major stressor.

Cost Considerations

One of the best things about public transport is its accessibility. A car costs an average of $8,649 per year to own and maintain, and this amount can be even larger if students are driving interstate. Meanwhile, it costs around $1,840 to get to and from college via public transport, making the latter the cheaper option of the two. 

The Joy of Driving

As mentioned above, psychological factors are key when people weigh up whether to buy a car or not. Research has found that 62% of people drive because they enjoy it, not just to get from point A to point B. Some of the top factors that make driving so enjoyable include a sense of independence, the adrenaline rush, the chance to make memories and explore new places, and the mental health benefits of driving a car. Rush traffic and stress aside, peaceful drives can be restorative and they enable people to access beautiful natural sites at the drop of a hat.

The choice as to whether to take a vehicle to college depends on various factors. From the cost and sustainability perspectives, public transport is your best, unless you go electric. However, having a car makes interstate travel and road trips easier, and for those with family and friends who live far away, driving one’s own vehicle is certainly more convenient.

SEE ALSO: Retro Rides and College Student Pride: The Advantages of Driving a Classic Car on Campus

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