3 reasons students should join a college or university car-share program

As parents, caregivers and students choose what to take to campus and leave at home, consider the impact of a vehicle on finances, quality of life and the environment, whether a student owns a vehicle or not.

According to AAA, in 2024, the average cost of owning a new car driven 15,000 miles a year was $12,294 a year (or $1,024 a month). Money spent on owning a car on campus could go to tuition, room and board, textbooks, groceries and other college expenses.

Wondering how to access off-campus opportunities without a car? Consider an affordable and convenient option: a car-sharing program like Zipcar.

What is car sharing?

Car sharing is a rental model that allows people in urban and campus locations to access and drive cars for a short period of time. Joining a car-share program gives students the benefit of accessing a car wherever, whenever, without footing the costs and hassles of ownership.

With Zipcar — the world’s leading car-sharing network — students have 24/7 access to vehicles at hundreds of campuses across the U.S. Whether a student needs a car for a couple of hours to shop for groceries or for a day trip or long weekend to visit friends and family, Zipcar has students covered.

Still not convinced? Check out three benefits of joining a car-sharing program like Zipcar.

1. Cost savings

Joining a car-sharing program can save students money. Zipcar estimates that it saves student members more than $1,000 per month compared to car owners, and membership includes gas or electric charging, maintenance, roadside service and a dedicated parking spot on campus, a benefit to students seeking to reduce costs and hassles in their lives.

When asked about their experience with Zipcar, more than half of the students surveyed said the program helps them reach important destinations affordably. With their savings:

• 46% put it toward groceries/food
• 43% toward savings
• 34% toward school
• 26% toward rent

Cost-savings are more than a number: Most students who used Zipcar said the program allowed them financial freedom and control over their expenses.

2. Improved quality of life

A car-sharing program like Zipcar doesn’t just save students money. Access to transportation like car sharing offers students opportunities and 75% of students say Zipcar has changed their quality of life.

When asked about the positive impact Zipcar has on a student’s day-to-day activities:

• 71% feel they can be themselves and be independent
• 77% can explore places inaccessible by public transportation
• 65% feel safe when making necessary trips

Need to run to the grocery store, a doctor’s appointment or to drive home? Students can rely on Zipcar 24/7.

3. Eco-conscious lifestyle choice

Students who join a car-sharing program choose sustainable transportation that reduces the number of personally owned vehicles on campus.

Zipcar is driven by a mission to enable simple and responsible urban living. For each Zipcar, up to 13 vehicles are eliminated from city streets and campuses, reducing carbon emissions, congestion and parking competition, and creating space for students (not cars).

In fact, when students join Zipcar, they reduce their carbon footprint by 1,600 pounds of carbon emissions per year!

Ready to drive?

A Zipcar membership is an affordable investment, especially for students, who can receive an exclusive discount membership of up to 40%. Students must be 18+ with a driver’s license and international students can join too! Join and book a Zipcar in minutes at Zipcar.com/Universities.