If you are getting ready to move to college this fall, you probably have a pretty detailed packing list. Mini-fridge? Check. Laptop? Got it. Twin-size extra-long sheets? Done.  

One decision that may not be so straightforward is your car. If you are used to driving in your hometown, it may be hard to imagine how you’ll navigate Reno without one. But believe it or not, when you live on campus, a car is more trouble than it’s worth. 

Here are three reasons to leave the car at home when you come to campus this fall. 

#1. Cars are expensive

If you’ve been driving for a couple years, you already know that having a car is expensive—according to the American Automobile Association, the average cost of driving in 2019 was $9,282.  

And if you bring your car to campus, you’ll have one more big cost you may not be used to: parking. In addition to gas and insurance, you’ll need to budget for a parking permit if you have a car with you at the University. Parking passes cost anywhere from $300 to $600 a year.  

Additionally, cheaper parking passes are located further away from the dorms, meaning you’re not just running out the door and jumping in your car—you’ve got to walk there first.  

#2. On campus, things come to you

One of the biggest advantages of living on a residential campus like the University of Nevada, Reno is that you don’t really need a car. Think about the kinds of things you are used to driving to now: school, a job, a restaurant or coffee shop. On campus, all those things are within easy walking distance of the dorms.  

You’ll walk to classes, be able to use your meal plan at dining options on campus (and when you’re craving something different, we’ve got restaurants literally right across the street from campus!) and even have an on-campus job, if you want one.  

You can also find plenty of opportunities on campus for entertainment and hanging out with friends. The Performing Arts Series brings amazing dancers and musicians to campus, our 250+ student clubs and organizations sponsor events and activities, and with more than 3,000 students typically living on campus, you’ll have plenty of people to get to know in the dorms.  

#3. If you need to get around Reno, you can 

Need to leave campus? No problem. There are several transportation options that cater to students. Your student ID gets you free, unlimited rides on Reno city buses, which have routes all around town.  

You can also use University retail shuttles for free weekend service to local shopping centers with stores like Wal-Mart and Winco.  

On-campus, a shuttle services operates in a continuous loop around campus and Pack Rides services provide safe, free rides in the evenings to locations within three miles of campus.  

The University of Nevada, Reno is also a nationally recognized bike-friendly campus by the League of American bicyclists. Bicycling is a great way to get around campus and explore Reno, including nearby destinations or, if you are a serious biker, mountain biking in the Sierra Nevada. 

Leave the car behind and enjoy campus life

So save yourself nearly $10,000, and leave your car at home. Take advantage of the convenience of living on campus and enjoy not having the hassles of parking and car ownership, at least for your college years.